From Calligraphy to Faith: Mr. Chen, 90, Finds Peace for the Soul
Years ago, Mr. Chen was often troubled by anxiety. Even small matters weighed heavily on his heart, leaving him with a persistent sense of unease and loneliness. He felt misunderstood, with no one to confide in. During those dark days, an unexpected turning point emerged—not through medication or counseling, but through an ancient art: Chinese calligraphy.
In his youth, Mr. Chen had a deep affection for calligraphy. He believed that every stroke carried rhythm and beauty—not just an art form, but a path to personal cultivation. He once dreamed of learning calligraphy himself, but the demands of providing for his family kept him buried in work, leaving no time to pursue this passion.
As the years passed, that dream was quietly buried beneath the weight of reality. By the time he turned 90, he had resigned himself to never picking up a brush. That changed last year, when the 105 Gibson Centre hosted a Chinese calligraphy exhibition. Out of curiosity, he stepped into the gallery. As his eyes lingered on the elegant ink strokes adorning the walls, a long-dormant passion stirred within him. Yet hesitation followed—his hands were no longer nimble, his energy limited. At 90, could he still learn? That question haunted him for days.
From the very first lesson, he discovered that this was more than a place to learn writing—it was a warm and welcoming community. The teacher’s patient guidance, the camaraderie and laughter among classmates, made him feel cared for and accepted. As he practiced each stroke, his heart gradually calmed—his breathing steadied, his thoughts focused, and the anxiety and restlessness that once plagued him were slowly replaced by peace. Each completed character brought a sense of satisfaction and joy, which quietly spilled over into his daily life.
At home, he smiled more and eagerly shared his work with family and friends. To him, this small calligraphy class became a window to renewed breath and a new beginning.
The words of Scripture, combined with the genuine care of brothers and sisters, gradually transformed Mr. Chen’s heart. The seed of faith quietly began to grow.
Earlier this year, Mr. Chen made the most important decision of his life—he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. From that moment on, he was renewed. The once-anxious elderly man now wears a constant smile. He joyfully says, “Now I know there’s a Jesus who is helping me.” Those around him have noticed the change—he’s calmer, more cheerful, and more at ease than ever before. His former loneliness has been replaced by new friendships and fellowship. In the calligraphy class, the Bible study group, and his walk with God, he has found true belonging.
Today, he continues to attend calligraphy classes. For him, each stroke is not just an artistic creation—it’s a response to God’s grace.
Learning is never too late. Change is never too slow. And coming to faith is never too early or too late. Through the care and service of the 105 Gibson Centre, God revived a long-buried dream and brought true renewal and hope to a life.
Grace
