Born into a dysfunctional home with 12 siblings, Austin Percival Cooke endured frequent, unprovoked thrashings from his volatile father’s focussed rage. At age 8 he bravely tried to protect his mother from his father’s violence, thereby earning more savage beatings.
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From an early age Austin understood rejection, injustice, and suffering. One night, with his father’s collusion, the police arrested him, and his belongings were strewn across the street. Undeterred, Austin adopted a rebellious teenage lifestyle and became a feared gang leader, causing chaos in New Zealand’s Whangarei.

At the age of fifteen, he fled town early one morning, where, in his loneliness he encountered God. Austin expressed his yearning for authenticity and immediately began influencing others with the message of Jesus’ sovereign love.

Censure and rejection didn’t faze him, especially if it involved his faith. Austin became a highly effective evangelist, winning many people to the Gospel. Notably, all of those who embraced the Good News remained faithful believers for the rest of their lives. 
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Speaking internationally to audiences of thousands, Austin pursued a deep knowledge of his subject. He zealously absorbed everything available on the book of Revelation in particular. Observing significant inconsistencies, he sought deeper understanding until unequivocal resolution emerged. His research papers were subsequently synthesised into the book, “An Enduring Vision.” An epic undertaking, the publication was completed posthumously by his daughter-in-law, Cheryl, and edited by his son, Rodney. The result has received wide, critical acclaim.

The gripping autobiography of his truly remarkable life is available (below).