The Guestbook!

I am so thankful that Austin knew God while on earth for now Austin is safe in the arms of God, our Father.

Dear Austin,
	Some of my strongest memories of you are from Africa when you were
growing up. You would call to me, "Hey, Uncle Charles, look at this." And then
you would swing down from a tree or turn a flip on the trampoline. Later as you
experienced the fullness of God, it was "Hey, Uncle Charles, lets praise God". I
can still hear you saying, "Hey, Uncle Charles, look at me."  I know that you
are in heaven, and as I see you there I know that all is well with you and you
give me encouragement that one day soon we will be dancing together before the
throne of God. I thank God for you.  
			Uncle Charles (Deevers)

Austin Land was my precious love.  God gave me His very best by 
giving me Austin.  Even though it was for only a short time...I would 
not trade the love I had with him even if I knew this tragedy was going 
to take place.  Austin loves Jesus with all his heart and his main desire 
in life was to let others know that they could know Jesus' love and promises 
of a life in full measure in God.  Through Austin being in God's presence, 
he became consumed with passion for Jesus and his life radiated this.  He 
knew there was so much more through Jesus and was discovering more of the 
Lord every day.  The key is that you can too!  This love Austin had for Jesus 
on earth is attainable for everyone...in fact, it's effortless-all you have 
to do to is ask for Jesus to be Lord of your life and never be satisfied 
where you are-always ask for more of Him and He will continuously give you 
lifechanging love that never ends.  I miss my Austin and long for the day 
that I get to dance with him in heaven before my Jesus.  
I love you Jesus...tell Austin I love him!!!

I am Austin's younger brother and admirer.  He was one year older than me.  
We shared a room for over 17 years.  I know a lot about Austin.  I recall 
a conversation I had with my parents in which I said, "Austin has so much 
wisdom in the Lord.  I would serve the Lord under his leadership any day."
You see, Austin and I felt a call to the ministry together.  We had hopes
of touching the nations with the love of Jesus Christ.  (I still believe 
WE are going to do fulfill that calling.)  I remember meeting the parents 
a girl at our church.  When we told them Austin and I were brothers, the 
girl said, "Brothers! I thought ya'll were bestfriends.  Austin, without  
hesitation, replied, "We are."  Words can never describe the feeling that 
rushed over me.  God anointed our relationship.  We loved eachother with 
"affection of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:8  That my friends is real love.

My mentor, my brother, my bestfriend, may I love the Lord as you do!

I Love You,  Andrew

God testifies about Abel that though he is dead, through
his faith, he still speaks (Hebrews 11:4.)  And so
it is with Austin.  May God use this page to reach more
of the lost.

Dear Eyon:

I am very sorry for the tragedy that had struck your 
family.  But I am very confident that, the LORD will 
show you and your family the way and give you strength
and the courage to see all of you through this tragedy.
I read the e-mail that Austin had sent to his friend.
That shows how refined, pure, and god-loving man Austin
was.  I know you must be very proud of he being your 
brother.

Also, I really appreciate your efforts in putting up
this homepage in the memory of your brother.  That is 
very touching.

Convey my regards to your family.

Lovingly,

Sundeep Potluri.

Lovingly,

Sundeep.

I visited your web page the day before Easter.  I am
reminded of the resurrection and that one day Austin's 
body will again be restored.  God bless you!

Austin was a dear cousin who always filled my spirits 
when near.  I will miss his smile and all of his ability
to always be happy and make those around him happy.  We
had a lot of fun times on the lake.  Sunrise water skiing 
will never be the same without Austin to help wake us
up and get us excited about being up at 6am.

Austin has reached the promised LAND! 
Like Samson, may his influence in dying exceed
that achieved when he was alive.

I am a member of Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie
and my life has been deeply impacted by Austin's zeal
for the Lord and the way in which his death has brought
a greater awareness of the nearness of Heaven to all of 
us at Shady Grove.  The youuth in our church are on fire
for God and the Holy Spirit is using them so powerfully!
May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit and love our
Lord Jesus Christ with a greater passion than ever before!
Send us into the harvest fields O Lord, for your glory!

Austin, Eyon and Andrew. The three musketeers. You all
have been such great friends, although I have been out
of touch recently. The years in Africa are ones that I
will never forget. I have been hearing about you from
my dad and love the fact that God has really shown 
himself to you all. Austin will always remain a part of
me and I know that he is having a great time walking 
with God. His love for God serves as a reminder to me
that I need to diligently seek Him and thank Him for His
love for me and my family.

We (my family and I) love you guys very much and pray
that the Lord continues to be faithful as He always has
been.

What I remember about Austin more than anything else
is seeing him worship.  He really loved to worship. 
I can remember seeing him worshipping at the front of
the church with his face filled with the love of God.
It was always such an encouragement to me. 

We knew the Land family during their missionary days
in West Africa.  We were very saddened to hear of
Austin's death, but our hearts have been warmed by the
testimonies we have read of his love for our Lord and 
Savior Jesus Christ. We will meet up with him one day
in glory and never be saddend again!

My sincere condolences go out to the Land family.
I knew Eyon for a shortwhile during my short stay in
Midwestern State University. I never met his brother but
from Eyon and his description about him I know what a 
great person he was. 
      May Austin's soul rest in peace. 
      

Austin was a good friend and his death has left a space in many hearts. I would just like to say that through Austin's fiancee, Ashli, i am finding the Lord. I am eternally grateful to Ashli, Austin and his family. I wrote this poem a few days after Austin was killed:

A Smile that filled the room,
A twinkle behind his eye.
His warm presence glowed
Like the sun beaming from the sky.
Happiness followed, wherever he went:
So full of life, energy and laughter.
Tragically taken from this world
But now in heaven, forever after.
He dedicated his life to God
An inspiration to all.
He brought joy to those who knew him.
Too perfect for this world.
Whilst he is sadly missed
His soul lies in eternal peace.
But in this world;
Austin is still alive
For he remains forever so in our hearts.

Austin, i miss you.
Forever your friend-
Holly

Just sending a note to express my sympathy.  I am a local
prosecutor who has handled numerous DWI fatality cases 
which is why I went to your WEB page.  Unfortunately, DWI
deaths are completely random, which makes them more tragic
than any other type of homicide. It would be nice if MADD
or some other group created a WEB page for people to view
who have gone through your experience.  Best luck in the
future.  Robert M. Winn

I didn't know Austin, however I know his younger sister, Mae Beth.  There
is an incredible spirit that radiates through her and her family.  They all 
a great love for Christ that is very evident in everything they do.
God is always be first in their lives and should be in ours.  

Thank you for being that example.  

	Take care,
						    Rebecca

I didn't know Austin, however I know his younger sister, Mae Beth.  There
is an incredible spirit that radiates through her and her family.  They all 
a great love for Christ that is very evident in everything they do.
God is always be first in their lives and should be in ours.  

Thank you for being that example.  

	Take care,
						    Rebecca

This is one of the most impressive memorials I have 
ever seen.  One that I will remember, AUSTIN LAND 
speaks to all who read about him.
I have lost two loved ones in the last five years and
this "Death Notice" has blessed me and I trust will
bless others.

Death Notice

O, Death. I do not fear you, nor do I cringe at the 
thought of your inevitability---for I know who you are.

You are but a misty veil through which I will one day 
walk as I enter into that radiant presence of my 
Redeemer--your captor--who suffered long ago on a 
lonely hill while evil men jeered and good men cried.

You  thought you had won--as He yielded himself to you 
those 3 days--but it was then that He broke your chains
of darkness and set your captives free.

Why should I fear the conquered when I am loved by the 
Conqueror?

His love shattered your blackness and brightens my path
to a destination that eludes you. Therefore, Death, you
are neither a threat nor a stumbling block to my 
purpose for being. 

Don't rattle your sounds at me, save them for those who
have cause to fear--
the blind who wander about beneath the weight of broken
chains--because they don't see the Light.

One day I will step through you, but will not become a 
part of you, because you are the stepping-stone that 
will lead me to the outstretched hand of the King of 
kings and the Lord of lords, who awaits my arrival.

When I go it will be at His bidding--not yours.
                          
 
--KITTY CHAPPELL

This is the most impressive memorials I have ever seen
for a Christian.  Austin Land continues to bless others
today.  I have lost two loved ones in the last five 
years and the following notice has blessed me and I 
trust it will bless those who read this page.

******************************************************

Death Notice

O, Death. I do not fear you, nor do I cringe at the 
thought of your inevitability---for I know who you are.

You are but a misty veil through which I will one day 
walk as I enter into that radiant presence of my 
Redeemer--your captor--who suffered long ago on a 
lonely hill while evil men jeered and good men cried.

You  thought you had won--as He yielded himself to you 
those 3 days--but it was then that He broke your chains
of darkness and set your captives free.

Why should I fear the conquered when I am loved by the 
Conqueror?

His love shattered your blackness and brightens my path
to a destination that eludes you. Therefore, Death, you
are neither a threat nor a stumbling block to my 
purpose for being. 

Don't rattle your sounds at me, save them for those who
have cause to fear--
the blind who wander about beneath the weight of broken
chains--because they don't see the Light.

One day I will step through you, but will not become a 
part of you, because you are the stepping-stone that 
will lead me to the outstretched hand of the King of 
kings and the Lord of lords, who awaits my arrival.

When I go it will be at His bidding--not yours.
                          
 
--KITTY CHAPPELL

*************************AMEN**************************

Death Notice

O, Death. I do not fear you, nor do I cringe at the thought of your inevitability---for I know who you are.

You are but a misty veil through which I will one day walk as I enter into that radiant presence of my Redeemer--your captor--who suffered long ago on a lonely hill while evil men jeered and good men cried.

You  thought you had won--as He yielded himself to you those 3 days--but it was then that He broke your chains of darkness and set your captives free.

Why should I fear the conquered when I am loved by the Conqueror?

His love shattered your blackness and brightens my path to a destination that eludes you. Therefore, Death, you are neither a threat nor a stumbling block to my purpose for being. 

Don't rattle your sounds at me, save them for those who have cause to fear--
the blind who wander about beneath the weight of broken chains--because they don't see the Light.

One day I will step through you, but will not become a part of you, because you are the stepping-stone that will lead me to the outstretched hand of the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who awaits my arrival.

When I go it will be at His bidding--not yours.
                          
 
--KITTY CHAPPELL

It breaks my heart to see this kind of thing. When will
the government see that we need tougher laws that will
put people like the one who killed Austin in jail with
a long sentence and a must to go through rehab.  And they
say that smokers kill.