Hellraiser to Crusader – Austin Cooke

One man’s inspiring journey from feared gang leader to fearless champion in the cause of Heaven.

A gripping story about a man upon whom God put His hand and, like Joseph, was prepared for a special role. Through a life of drama, adventure and conflict, Austin testified of God’s providence and leading.

“Born into a dysfunctional home with 12 siblings, Austin seemed to be the target of his father’s violent vindictiveness. Arbitrary, extended thrashings didn’t deter 8-year-old Austin trying to protect his mother. But there was a price…

While the young Austin wasn’t cowed by the violence, in the absence of love it turned him into a teenage rebel and the leader of a violent gang which created mayhem. He fled town at 2am one night to escape the police, but was ambushed spectacularly by God.

At 16 Austin became a Christian telling God that he only wanted to be “a dinkum one”. That’s when the dreams began—baffling but portentous. Now even as a teenager he influenced people to accept Christ.

Austin understood rejection, injustice and suffering. The police frog-marched him from his family home and his belongings were strewn across the road. Yet Austin determined that no persecution would prevent him being faithful, nor from taking a stand for his God, for His Truth and for the Adventist message.“