John Euclid is an evangelist in the Philippines who intentionally shares Jesus with the people around him. But his tools of choice aren’t microphones and sermons. Instead, he relies on a tablet and pen. John is an illustrator who uses his art to share the gospel message. He recently joined The Indigitous Podcast to discuss his unique way of communicating gospel truths.
John has been interested in art since he was a child. “I remember my dad scolding me because instead of taking notes in grade school, I drew in the notebooks,” he says. He went to school for architecture and tried out every art medium he could.
Over time, he developed a distinct style, which he credits to consistency and trying many different artistic mediums. “Artists are adaptable when it comes to drawing. We can do watercolor, oil-based painting, all kinds of art. Having your own specific art style, consistency plays a major role in that,” he says.
In 2015, John’s friend invited him to church. What he heard resonated with him, but it took a while for those planted seeds to take root. Eventually, John came to Christ and wanted to share the good news he had received with others. Just one problem: John is an introvert and isn’t comfortable speaking with people he doesn’t know well.
Finding his unique calling
He started serving drinks at his church, which he enjoyed because he was doing something for God. He tried talking about the gospel with people but kept getting rejected. He realized that that wasn’t the best way to share the gospel since he was uncomfortable speaking with people.
John has journals full of devotionals he has written based on what he’s reading and learning from the Lord. Then, one day, instead of writing the devotional, as a visual learner, he drew it. “To understand something, I illustrate it,” he says.
Then God gave him the idea that he could use these illustrations not just for his learning but to share the gospel with others. “As an artist, the only way I can share that love is through drawing,” he says. “That’s the only way I know how to share myself. I’m not good at speaking … but when it comes to drawing, that’s the time I can express myself in a way people can understand.”
Then God gave him the idea that he could use these illustrations not just for his learning but to share the gospel with others.
Under the name Arkitekyuklid, he creates illustrations with thought-provoking questions, biblical truths, encouragement, and exhortation. “I’m doing something enjoyable and sharing the gospel,” he says.
John recently released his first book, called Created by His Hands. The book gives testimony about God by portraying Him as an artist and craftsman who created humanity and the world we live in. “The book consists of different kinds of handiwork, such as glass-making or metalwork, to help understand how God created us,” John says.
Using your talents to share the gospel
It didn’t go well when John tried talking to people at church. He was nervous and was too far out of his comfort zone. Only when he tried something that interested him and involved his gifts did he start to see success. He encourages everyone to find a unique way to serve God best.
“If a strategy doesn’t work for you, maybe you can try another one, something where you’re comfortable,” John says. “In this case, I’m comfortable sharing myself using illustration.”
Try This
- Consider the areas where you have talent and passion. Pray about how you can use them to serve God.
- Read about how to find your unique way of serving God.