Graphic novella tells modern Road to Damascus story
“I’m praying to impact readers by illustrating a genuine story of redemption”
WINNIPEG, MB—On the road to Damascus, Saul was confronted by Jesus and his life was transformed from a relentless persecutor to disciple of Jesus. Donald Bouchard’s story echoes Saul’s journey in many ways, as a former criminal who was transformed into a man of God.
Bouchard speaks openly about his dark past throughout Manitoba at various prisons, treatment centres and recovery programs, hoping to inspire others with his story.
In September, Bouchard’s story will be published as a graphic novella titled Out of the Darkness.
“Donald Bouchard is a special breed of man,” says Kenn White, the artist working on the project. “He has taken the higher road by speaking openly about his dark past.”
White has been illustrating Christian images for years, and feels that God has been preparing him to work on this novella.
“Suffice to say, I’m fulfilling the Great Commission by using my God-given giftings as an illustrator, cartoonist, and writer for Donald Bouchard’s story,” White says.
Bouchard grew up in Montreal where his mother struggled in poverty as she raised three children on her own.
“I left home at 15, promising myself to never, ever look back as I left a crying mother at the door,” recalls Bouchard.
He quickly found himself surrounded by the pressure of drugs and alcohol, got involved in drug dealing and spent time in jail.
Bouchard says the day he decided to pray to God, when he was so overwhelmed by evil, was like stepping out of a freezer into a warm, cozy room.
“As I was nearing death I decided I would give Jesus a try,” he says.
He prayed and “instantly the most outstanding power of love and peace surrounded me… it was tangible and absolutely awesome,” and he has never looked back. He began attending church where he made a full commitment to Christ and has since ministered across Canada, sharing his experiences to reach those who have fallen by the wayside.
Bouchard says the inspiration for the graphic novella came from the impact Chick Publication tracts had on his life as a young boy.
“Like most boys I was visual and always retained images,” Bouchard says. “I chose this art form because I’m aiming to witness to a young age group, either on the streets, rehabs and jails. The attention span is very short in most of these environments, especially in younger inmates or drug addicts.”
Although he’s witnessed across the country for many years, Bouchard says he has never had a tool like this to work with and is looking forward to inspiring others with it.
“The artist (Kenn White) connected extremely well with my vision and has created powerful images,” says Bouchard.
He hopes that Out of the Darkness will allow him to reach audiences that are impossible for most people to reach, and that others will buy the book so they can deliver to unreached places.
“I’m hoping and praying to impact readers by illustrating a genuine story of redemption, a testimony that will encourage both parents and those trapped in any form of bondage,” says Bouchard. “Overall, it’s a message of deliverance.”
One of Bouchard’s goals is to send copies to all Teen Challenge facilities across the world and to as many jails as possible.
Bouchard says, “I want to reflect the hope in Christ to those struggling for light (darkness is simply the absence of light). To God be the glory.”
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