Spirit Led Art

By Chad McComas

Paul Messenger has a plan to do “Guerilla Warfare” for the Lord through art. He calls it “Spirit Led Art” or “Works of the Spirit.” His colorful art speaks to people and opens conversations about inspiration. His art is like his life…colorful.

Paul grew up in Fort Jones, California a small town of 500. His father was an atheist and his mother a believer. He remembers going to church with mom, but didn’t think he fit in. Paul had ADHD and found it hard to fit into a structured school schedule with reading and writing. He struggled, but found a purpose in art class. There he excelled. There he fit and was able to feel worthwhile. Paul remembers that art was his escape. When life wasn’t looking too good, Paul pulled out his sketchbook and drew things. At first it was traditional art. A house. A barn. A tree. Flowers. But later Paul moved into more colorful art that he came to call Spirit Led.

At the age of 13 Paul decided he needed to accept the Lord and he was willing once he learned that he could be unique and be a follower of Jesus. Up to that point he thought he had to dress a certain way, talk a certain way and be just like everyone else. Paul learned that in Christ everyone is different and God likes creative and unique things. Just look around at creation and see His creative abilities. That includes people.

Paul found his way to the Rogue Valley when he decided to attend Southern Oregon University where he received his BA in Fine Art in 2007. SOU also gave him his wife, Hannah. She met Paul when he was a RA in one of the dorms and was the welcoming committee. He made her feel welcome, they became best friends and the Lord led them into love a few years later. It is an amazing story of love they’d be happy to share.

When Paul came to the Rogue Valley he was looking for a place to worship. He was part of a Christian heavy metal band at the time called Shotgun Shepard. New Song Church was hosting a youth program called Ignite that welcomed Paul and his group in…in spite of the way they dressed. Paul felt so at home that he continue to attend services.

It wasn’t long until Paul became a volunteer youth mentor. He started using art to help youth in their worship with God. He believes that youth worship through song, art, journaling, dance and just taking it in.

Paul’s “Works of the Spirit” will be on display at the Bloomsbury Coffee House at 260 E Main Street in Ashland from March 1-31^st. There will be an opening reception on March 6^th from 5:30-7:00 pm. You can see Paul’s works at http://paulmessenger.blogspot.com/

Chad McComas writes from Medford, Oregon. info@thechristianjournal.org