Obsession
John's life can be largely characterized by passion, bordering on obsession. The distinction is fine. When he first discovers music, John abandons all his other plans and throws himself into the pursuit of muscianship. He becomes an accomplished violinist and french horn player, booked frequently by members of the community. In fact this musicianship becomes his skill of service during the war. In the same way, when John encounters religion for the first time, he converts on the spot. It's not a just a whim, however, because he devotes the rest of his life to Christian ministry, even parting ways with his family because of it.
Cultural Acquisition
John is a charismatic individual, much of his charm depending upon his experience of a bunch of different places and cultures. As a child, he grows up in several of the American colonies. He moves around a lot as a child after his father's death. After his conversion, he then spends several years ministering to the Cherokee Nation. Then he is impressed in the British Navy, and winds up eventually in England. Later in life, he moves to preach at Nova Scotia. In each of these places, John encounters people of diverse cultural backgrounds, with different value systems, of all sorts of heritages. He is successful, for the most part, with this diversity because of the multiplicity of his experience. He has traveled over many parts of the known world and engaged readily in each culture while present.
Love of Learning
This is John's other major skill, which contributes to his charisma. He truly loves learning, evident from early childhood. In his youth, he is first a student of music, then an apprentice to learn a trade, and finally a devout student of religion. He devotes his life to Christianity, but immediately after his conversion he especially pours himself in to Biblical study. In his relationship to people, John approaches them as opportunities to learn as well. They teach him just as much as he can learn on his own, so he is a ready listener.
