Church Donation - Do I give?

I've been attending the church here for some time and each time they pass the "red bag" around (see video), I tend to feel a little uncomfortable. It could be because when my friend brought me there some time back, she told me that normally, everyone gives something, no matter how small. Since she has gone back to China, I have been going to church on my own... and I am kind of at a lost as to how much to give.

Usually I give two dollars or so but today I realized that I did not have any small change and I gave a five dollar note. While the giving has never been an issue for me, five dollars is quite a big sum for me. Some friends tell me they normally give about 10% of their salary. This means about SGD95 for me each month and this can be quite painful on my wallet.... especially when every month, my finance is so tight and I am sending almost every dollar I earn back home.

Some people tell me that the more you give, the more you are blessed! Is this true?

Is giving a norm in church? Is 10% too much, too little? I really have a lot of questions and I hope some readers can enlighten me.

Went to Church on Sunday

Some time back, a friend of mine staying at Bedok brought me to a church on Sunday. Since my friend left, I've not been to church. However, last weekend, for the first time, I had 3 full days off. I never felt so restless as I've had almost no day off (well actually once in two long weeks) while working at Bread Junction... So all of a sudden, when I don't have to work weekends plus the long Deepavali holiday... I felt like a free bird and at a loss as to what to do!

I spent most of my time at the Bedok library... for the air-conditioning, peacefulness as well as to read some books. I was looking for some Chinese books that teaches English. I figured that if I had some free time, the best thing to do is to brush up my little English! Also, home in Bedok is just way too crowded and noisy, and sometimes I enjoy a little peace... so it's nice to get away from the house for a while.The Bedok Library has always been my sanctuary... a place to get away for a little peace and quiet!

God works in mysterious ways!

I decided to go to church on Sunday too... on my own.

Interestingly, after so long not being there, I was surprised that some of them still recognize me and were pleased to see me there. I felt good too, especially when they said that they prayed that I will be back in church to join them. I've never been a regular anyway, as my friend was not always around to take me there, so it came as a pleasant surprise that they still recognize me.

It was a nice experience and I even had my lunch there. Somehow, I felt at home. God works in mysterious ways!