With a ministry spanning decades and reaching across multiple continents, Austin Gardner is no stranger to the toll on body, mind, and spirit that ministry takes. He’s seen firsthand the intense spiritual warfare that is brought about as the result of reaching out to others with the gospel message. In the course of building a ministry that has sent missionaries all over the globe, Austin Gardner has lived a life that has been filled with mountaintops high and valleys low. Speaking to this end, Austin was quoted as saying:

“I believe that I am in a spiritual war with the devil and hell.”

How true; for the man of God willing to stand in the gap, spiritual warfare and the pain brought about by that warfare is a constant reality. But seeing that reality in its proper perspective ensures that the servant of the Lord not only survives under the harsh circumstances of spiritual warfare but thrives. Austin Gardner speaks to this right perspective when he states:

“The verse that I have used to sign thousands of Bibles and leave my signature is Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

 I am not sure when it dawned on me that I wanted that to be who I was and what I would represent. I tried to seek first the kingdom of God and just allow Him to meet my needs. I wanted to do whatever came my way that would magnify Jesus, build the kingdom of God, and make an eternal difference.”

That’s it. The right perspective. It’s not about one individual or one individual’s cause. It’s about something greater. Something eternal. It’s about Jesus Christ and bringing about His Kingdom. This passion and purpose have carried Austin Gardner through so many trying times, and doubtless, will carry every servant of Christ through tough times as well. That’s a life well-lived, that’s the key to a lasting impact. Speaking to the choices in life Austin has made, he said:

“I have made most of my decisions asking myself, is this what the Lord wants to further His purposes and His kingdom. I want to live my life sold out, to bring His name, holiness, salvation, and truth to the world.

The reason that moves me is that I believe that is the purpose that all of the saved are alive. It is not about me. It is about the Lord Jesus, our dear heavenly Father, and His kingdom.

I would say that I am to seek His kingdom. I want Him to rule. As it says in the model prayer, Our Father, Which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, and thy will be done.”

This surely must be the measure by which success in life is determined. Not by fame, money, praise, or platform, but by the impact one has left for the cause of Christ and the gospel. And by that measurement, as so many others, Austin Gardner’s life and ministry are certainly a success.