He holds the brush in deep concentration, eyes focused on the canvas. Through careful strokes, the picture slowly emerges. The blooms, awash in vibrant hues, come alive.

Gary Chong’s art, which has been exhibited and sold, revolves around nature, particularly flowers.

Last year, major departmental store Takashimaya commissioned him to create Japanese-themed nature art for plates that were to be sold to raise funds for YMCA.

Gary (bottom, right) was one of four artists with special needs chosen to design Japanese-themed art that was turned into plates sold for charity.

At 27, Gary can neither read nor write. He also speaks haltingly, often just a word or two at a time. He was diagnosed with an intellectual disability at eight months old, and has spent most of his life in a special needs school.

However, Gary is not limited by his mental challenges. Apart from painting, he dances, swims, models, works as a cleaner and regularly attends a mainstream church service and youth cell group.

Gary (centre) as a child.

His mother Elise Ng, 52, used to wonder if her son could understand the sermons or fully participate in worship. Then she took a peek at her son during one worship service.

“I was very moved by what I saw,” she told Salt&Light in Mandarin, her eyes brimming with tears.

Experiencing the peace of God

Gary had not always been a Christian because Elise had come to the faith later in life.

She was 37 years old when regular headaches turned so debilitating that even the strongest painkillers brought no relief. When she lost control of her arms, she decided to seek help.

Elise and Gary.

A CT scan showed that the cause was a pinched nerve at the back of her neck. Surgery was needed to correct the situation.

She was working as a clinic assistant then. The doctor and his wife were Christians who had often invited her to church. When they learnt about her predicament, they encouraged Elise to pray.

“I told God, ‘I’m scared. I have Gary. He is only 11. Please protect me.’ I felt peace after I prayed,” said Elise, who was a single mother at the time.

Gary was only 11 when Elise became ill.

The surgery, though major, went smoothly. Recovery was also quick. But a year later, Elise discovered she had lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Again, she prayed.

“This time when I prayed, it was not like the first time. I surrendered everything to God. I told Him, ‘If You need me to go through this, then You protect me.’”

During the nine months of treatment – which included six cycles of chemotherapy and a month of radiotherapy – Elise was well enough to go to the market and prepare meals for her family.

She felt it was God answering her prayer. So when she completed her treatment, she asked to go to her friend’s church.

After that first worship service, Elise started attending church regularly and was later baptised.

Faith beyond understanding

Elise tried to encourage her only son to go to church, but Gary was resistant. He would visit a service for people with special needs once, only to declare that he did not want to return. 

But he was not entirely opposed to Christianity. He listened to worship songs Elise played to him and watched YouTube sermons with her.

About six years ago, Gary’s cousin invited him to her church. Gary took a liking to the service.

“I asked him why but he couldn’t explain. But he would look forward to going every time,” said Elise.

Gary does not say much but maintains that he enjoys the sermons preached at his church.

Her fears that he cannot grasp the tenets of Christianity have proved unfounded.

“I went to see how Gary worships. I was moved and surprised. He may not be able to express himself but you can see he understands when he worships,” she said, adding that it was a connection of the spirit that went beyond words and human intellect.

“Sometimes, when they ask people to go down to be prayed for, he would go for prayers. This Christmas, I hope that he can get baptised.”

Gary (back in white) with his friends from City Harvest Church.

That Gary has a group of friends from church is also heartening to Elise. He often joins them for lunch after service before attending cell group.

God of answered prayers

Over the years, being a Christian has brought Elise much comfort.

“God has brought me peace. I am most worried about Gary. So I pray for God’s guidance so that Gary can fit better into society. I ask Him to let Gary improve.”

Elise is sure that God has answered her prayers. After graduating from MINDS at 18, Gary had been languishing.

But in the last few years, she has managed to sign him up for dance classes, swimming lessons and a training programme at YMCA that eventually led to a part-time job there. 

Two years ago, Gary was invited to walk the Singapore Fashion Runway. Elise had been bringing him to watch the annual event for a few years before he was singled out. “They said he’s tall and can take instructions well.”

Gary (second, right) at his modelling gig.

There, Elise made friends with a woman whose son also has special needs. Her son was taking art lessons and she encouraged Elise to sign Gary up.

“I was doubtful at first because Gary hates to hold pens. But I wanted him to do something that requires him to concentrate on something and which requires hand-eye coordination. I thought it would be good for him,” said Elise.

Not only did Gary like art, he excelled in it. 

Though new to art, Gary displays a high meausre of skill.

“I am comforted. He finally found something he is passionate about and which people admire. He’s very happy as well. He tells me, ‘My art can be exhibited and sold.’”

This year, Gary will take part in Singapore’s largest inclusive art festival, Shaping Hearts, for the second time.

Of his future should she or her husband no longer be around, Elise said: “I surrender him to God. God will have His plan.”

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