Bit by a spitting cobra at age 17 and told he would die, Austin promised God to serve Him with his life if he were healed. Now — a year later — Austin is making good on that promise.
One year ago in Swaziland, 17-year-old Austin* rolled over in his sleep and was bitten on the finger by a spitting cobra.
Half asleep, Austin didn’t realize what happened and fell back into his dreams.
When he awoke the next morning, Austin’s arm was grossly swollen. He was in a lot of pain, and immediately went to the hospital to receive anti-venom. But by the time he was treated, his condition had worsened and the poison was making its way through his central nervous system.
While slipping into a coma, Austin heard the medical staff saying he would probably die.
But Austin put his faith in Jesus. He heard God say he would be healed. As he drifted into unconsciousness, Austin promised to give his life completely to God if he was healed.
Three days later, Austin woke from his coma. Over the next several days, Austin started ministering to the other patients — praying over them and advocating for them with the hospital staff.
When I saw Austin a few months ago, he told me his story and showed me his disfigured finger. He spoke of the healing power of God and his belief that he would have died if God had not healed him.
He was excited to share what the Lord had done in his life, but he was more excited to share what the Lord is currently doing.
Austin is one of the 6000+ children and teens who attend the 34+ community Carepoints of Adventures Swaziland. These Carepoints were begun specifically to empower the children of Swaziland, 25% of whom have been orphaned as a result of disease — Swaziland has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world. Here, these children and young adults receive intentional discipleship and access to clean water, healthcare, and education, as well as a hot meal six days a week.
Austin has attended the Ngunya Carepoint for several years. This young man is a leader in his community. He has started an abstinence club at his Carepoint for other teenagers, which can literally save the lives of his peers.
He wants to change his nation.
Austin asked me for something I can’t forget. He asked for more training for him and his friends, so they could have the support they need to make good decisions in their lives.
Today, Austin is preparing to enter the Swaziland Leadership Academy (SLA), a three-year apprenticeship that combines focused training with practical leadership experience for high school graduates of these Carepoints. He still needs to apply and be accepted, but he is exactly the kind of emerging leader we want to to invest in, both for his future and for the future of Swaziland.
Once he completes the SLA training, Austin can apply to our Dream Fund for a scholarship to begin studying at a university, obtain vocational training, or even start his own business.
We’re raising up leaders who are investing in the next generation, but we need your help to change the trajectory of Swaziland.
Our goal is to raise $55,000 for 12 students like Austin to enter the Swaziland Leadership Academy in 2016 — covering the first year’s tuition, food, lodging, bus fare, and school supplies.
Will you partner with us in raising up a generation of leaders in Swaziland?
*Austin’s Siswati name is Lihle
