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Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself [Paperback]

Austin Gutwein (Author), Todd Hillard (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)

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Book Description

September 15, 2009 10 and up5 and up

Discover how you can respond to God's call in your own life, whether it's in your own town or on the other side of the world.

Teen Austin Gutwein has taken his best shot several thousand times to help AIDS orphans in Africa and in the process has built a school and a medical clinic!  Take Your Best Shot tells how one boy made an incredible difference in the lives of those without hope while challenging the reader to do the same. 

The interactive dialogue will leave space for the reader to respond. By the end of the book, the reader will know the testimony of Austin and other teens from around the world who are committed to a life of sharing Christ's love, and will have begun to search for God's voice in their own lives. The book will also equip and challenge readers with information on a variety of ministries and organizations around the world to help people, animals, and the environment.  

"Austin is an outstanding young man! He inspires us to dream bigger, reach higher and love deeper. His story deserves a wide hearing." Max Lucado

"I am very impressed with Austin Gutwein's story in Take Your Best Shot. This book is filled with words of encouragement, inspiration, and hope. It's guaranteed to motivate you into action." Pat Williams, Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic

"I spent a day with Austin and his family and found them inspiring. His story, I believe, challenges us all. The first thing I thought as I drove to the airport was: What was I doing when I was twelve? And then, of course, the next thought: What, exactly, am I doing now?" John Larson, Former NBC National Correspondent

"When people ask me how they can possibly make a difference fighting a problem as big as 'global poverty', I tell them about a boy named Austin who, like David, stared Goliath in the eye without flinching. This young man has done more to make a difference in the lives of children orphaned by AIDS than most American churches, let alone individuals. If you are older than 10 and you haven't yet done your part to change the world, read Take Your Best Shot and be inspired. Austin Gutwein shows us the way". Richard Stearns, President, World Vision US, Author of The Hole in Our Gospel

"When people ask who has most impacted me over the last year, without hesitation I can say Austin Gutwein and the story of Hoops of Hope. I am around amazing leaders all the time, and Austin rivals all of them. Austin is my friend. And Austin is one of my heroes. You can't be around Austin or the amazing work of Hoops of Hope without being deeply impacted and inspired. Trust me. Do yourself a favor and read this book and the incredible story. But once you do, be prepared to be changed and challenged. You'll see the world and your significant role in helping those less fortunate in an amazingly fresh way." Brad Lomenick, Executive Director, Catalyst

"Austin's story is one of modern day heroism. He represents a new generation that can carry us all into the twenty-first century: a world of hope, peace and selfless love. Austin completely inspires me." Daniel Biro, Hawk Nelson

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Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  • Paperback: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 15, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1400315158
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400315154
  • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

As founder of Hoops of Hope, Austin started what is now known as the worlds largest Free-Throw marathon. Austin's Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5M to help orphan children in Africa. Austin also serves as Co-Chair of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's Youth Council. As a highly sought after speaker, Austin has spoken and shared his heart in venues around the world. In 2009, Austin was selected into the Caring Hall of Fame as one of the top 10 most caring Americans.

Austin's first book, "Take Your Best Shot" shared stories that captured readers hearts and won a Moonbeam Award. Austin's second book, "Live to Give" will be released by Thomas Nelson in August 2012 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com. Visit Austin's Author page to view a video about one boy whose life was changed.

For information on booking Austin or general inquiries, please visit www.austingutwein.com.

 

Customer Reviews

84 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (84 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational story about finding your vision in life, November 6, 2009
This review is from: Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself (Paperback)
At age nine, Austin Gutwein watched a 4 minute video about the AIDS orphans in Africa. In an instant, his life was changed and a long journey began. After watching the video, Austin felt the Lord stirring in him a desire to do something to help these orphans. He didn't know what, but he knew that he wanted to listen to the Lord's leading.

Take Your Best Shot follows Austin's journey to help the AIDS orphans. But, the book isn't just about his journey and his passion. He wants to help others to find their passion, their vision.

"I don't want you to finish this book and walk away with just a cool story. I want you to walk away with a burden on your heart. But not just any burden. I want you to be pursuing the purpose God has put on your heart-it has to be your vision.... My prayer for you is that God will give you your own vision of how you can take your best shot to make a difference in the world around you."

Each chapter shows a glimpse into his life and his journey. He shares scripture and insights into how you can find your vision. The chapter closes with "Take Your Best Shot", an interactive study guide. Each end of chapter study guide features a scripture passage, questions, online experience, and a take action activity.

This book was an inspiring read. People of all ages could benefit from reading about Austin's experience. The truth is if we had more children (and adults) who followed the Lord's vision for their lives, the world would be a better place.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Think you're too young to change the world?, December 20, 2009
This review is from: Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself (Paperback)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Review by Jill Williamson

What would happen if you decided to change the world? Think you're too young? Too poor? Too plain? Austin Gutwein was only nine when his heart was broken by the truth of AIDS orphans in Africa. More than just wanting to make a difference, Austin had to. He couldn't sit by and pretend the problem wasn't his. It took him a while, but he finally found a way. He would ask people to sponsor him to shoot free throws. That was the start of something that in now a major non profit organization. Hoops for Hope has saved a generation of Africans by providing food, clothing, education, medical supplies, and hope.

Praise the Lord for a young man who wasn't willing to say, "No." His story moved me right down to the Pet rocks. I am honored to live on earth with such a courageous young man. In this book he tells his story. How it started, what he was thinking, the doubts and fears he had, and how God took his small effort and multiplied it again and again.

God designed you for a purpose. Have you found your purpose yet? Read this book. It will change your life. Highly recommended.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Learning life from a child's view...., December 1, 2009
This review is from: Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself (Paperback)
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

Austin has left me with a sense of anticipation to see just how God will use my family as we begin to simply take our best shot!!!

In his first book, Austin Gutwein tells the story of how Hoops of Hope began when he was just 9 yrs old! Austin is the founder of Hoops of Hope....THE FOUNDER!!! He founded Hoops of Hope at the tender age of 9!!!

Austin blew me away in the introduction when he said, "...I'm a normal kid who heard, 'Austin, God wants to use you' enough times that I started to believe it." He tugged at the very heart of my being with the statement, "Kids are really trying to make a difference in the world."

Yes, dear Austin, that is exactly what they desire to do!

My own precious daughters have warmed my heart as they have given from within themselves...and they are not alone. Austin says it so well, "They're reaching out to people in need, and they're stepping out of their comfort zones....They want to do something bigger than themselves."

Austin's heart was touched when he watched a video of a girl named Maggie that lived in Africa. Watching the video started a fire in his heart, one that he could not extinguish...and didn't! With his parents support, his family began sponsoring a child through World Vision. However, it didn't stop there....

Austin wanted to do more for the aids victims in Africa and as I read his story, I was shaken to the core to see how God used the gifts a 9 yr old boy could bring to change so many lives in a far off continent! This book...the Hoops of Hope organization...they aren't about Austin, and he knows it. They are about reaching out to the orphans and those less fortunate, just as God calls us to do.

I pray that you will pick up this book, especially at this Christmas season. Pray as you read it, and ask God what you can do...maybe not in Africa but what about your neighborhood, church or community. Then, pass the book on, maybe even to a teenager, because you never know who God is calling to take their best shot!
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