Austin Carlile turned his back on Jesus as a teenager but now the former lead singer for heavy metal band Of Mice and Men is sharing the Good News about Jesus on social media. And after struggling for years with the same genetic disease that killed his mom, Austin declares he is not afraid of what the future may hold. 

“I turned my back on Christ at 17 … followed by 10 years of alcoholism, drug use and loads of promiscuous sex and literally running away from God and doing all I could to separate myself from Him,” said Austin. “My story is radical, but so is His love, mercy and forgiveness.” The singer was baptized last year. 

This past Sunday I was finally baptized, after taking 28 years to realize God's work playing out in my life and that I had to get out of the middle of the road and fully follow Him. Trying to do things my own way completely left me stranded. Relying on my own perserverence and strength was not enough. His grace has been overwhelming, and with every obstacle I've faced I'm proud to say my hope through HIM is what has pushed me to continue on, and to keep fighting. Through His grace I AM enough, and hope my life and fight can reflect just that to others. "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you may have life and life more abundantly." John 10:10

A post shared by Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) on Jul 5, 2016 at 1:55pm PDT

His abundant life now includes living in Costa Rica and coaching youth baseball. Carlile left Of Mice & Men in December 2016. At the time he said it was to focus on healing and moving on. In February, he hinted his renewed faith played a part. “They weren’t going to let me write what I wanted on next record. … I will write what I want despite what that means giving up.”

If his social media accounts are any indication, what he wants to write about is Jesus. 

The bible says WHOSOEVER believes/follows shall have everlasting life. WHOSOEVER meaning whoever, anyone, everyone. As you ARE & not having

— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) July 17, 2017

While Austin admits he loses some longtime fans for sharing his faith, he says his relationship with God is irreplaceable. 

I LOSE followers any time I speak about God or His son Jesus, ppl don't wanna hear it. What I GAIN from knowing Him though… irreplaceable.

— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) July 17, 2017

Austin suffers with a rare genetic condition known as Marfan syndrome. The disease affects his connective tissue and causes weakness in his heart, lungs, ears, joints and muscles. Austin shared that his relationship with Jesus has kept him going in the face of a disease that killed his mother.

“Honestly if I didn’t have my personal relationship with Jesus Christ I wouldn’t be able to do this. When my mother died I was SO angry at Him and fell away from my faith … it took years of Him pulling me back into His loving arms. I was miserable without Him.”

"What is the first thing that inspires you to keep going?" This one made me tear up… SO thankful ❤ @vicshxir @MarfanFdn #MarfanAwareness pic.twitter.com/Dbug345gvI

— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) December 1, 2016

 Austin said he’s not afraid of the future. “Even in the face of death, I will not be afraid, for our God will never abandon me.”