We often hear about the great stories of God’s intervention in someone’s life. Someone who was going down the wrong path and was saved by the grace of God. However, not all stories begin with an individual who has first lived a life steeped in debauchery and sin; some come to faith in Christ at an early age and dedicate their life to His service. Austin Gardner is one such man. Speaking to his ministry origin story, Austin had this to say:

“On May 6, 1962, I trusted Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross of Calvary. I was saved, and even though I was young, I was extremely happy. I was baptized the following week, May 13, 1962, in Mill Creek.

 I became a member of Wrigley Baptist Church in Lyles, Tennessee. My pastor Carlton Flowers meant the world to me. He had received a purple heart which I didn’t learn about until just a few years ago.

I loved church and all things about God. I felt at home there. At age 11, I went to a youth camp for boys called Ras (Royal Ambassadors). There, I surrendered my life to be a missionary.”

It’s truly remarkable to find a passion for the gospel at such a young age. Something that many do not find until later in life, in their wiser years. As a child, Austin understood the importance of ministry and spreading God’s word.  As you can imagine for somebody with as much passion and drive as Austin, he could not wait to begin teaching the bible. Here’s a quote of Austin reflecting on his first preaching position:

“I would be a youth pastor and serve at my first church. I couldn’t believe it. I was teaching the Bible about four times a week.

I loved it. I loved the ministry. It was more fun than I could have ever imagined.”

When the love of God and the work of His Spirit and Word so transform the human heart and mind, truly remarkable things are accomplished through their lives. These grow to become individuals who change the world with Christ. Austin was finally living out his dreams of serving God and making an eternal difference. Austin’s commitment to God’s Word, an ever-deepening walk with Christ, sharing the gospel, reaching out to the lost, and loving others can clearly be seen throughout his entire life. Regarding both his commitments and short-comings, Austin had this to say:

“Saved in 1962, surrendered to missions in 1966 or so, the first ministry in 1973 just after marriage. I have lived with only one thing in mind.

I must admit that I have failed God over and over again. I have not been as faithful in prayer, Bible study, soul-winning, or anything as I should have been.

I have failed in preparing to preach as well as I should, but I can say that I have loved God with all that is in me for all these years.”

A balanced perspective to say the least. It has been well stated that true humility is not found in thinking less of yourself but rather in thinking of yourself less. This is a great reminder that a personal relationship with God is not based on your successes, failures, or any accolades. It’s based on your love for Him because no matter what, he has an infinite amount of love for you. And because of Austin’s lifelong development of fellowship, love, and trust with God, he certainly has been successful in surrendering his life to Christ.