[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1480-E1481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF AUSTIN WHETSELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2007

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, during the past week the 
Midlands of South Carolina was in mourning due to the tragic drowning 
of Austin Whetsell. On Sunday, July 8, the following tribute was placed 
in the service program at Lexington Presbyterian Church with the 
service conducted by Dr. David Sinclair:
  Austin Pierce Whetsell, born April 1, 1992 died while on a missions 
trip with his church in Zihuatanejo, Mexico on Sunday, July 1, 2007. 
Austin was the beloved son of Walter G. Jr. and Kimberly Taylor 
Whetsell, and the devoted elder brother of Taylor, Trace and Emma 
Whetsell of Lexington. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, 
cousin and friend. Austin was an alumnus of Heritage Christian Academy 
and had just finished his

[[Page E1481]]

first year of home school. He was a diligent student who consistently 
made straight A's and had recently won Second Place for Biology in a 
school Science Fair. Although he was an avid reader, Austin also 
enjoyed being outside boating, swimming and fishing with his family and 
friends.
  His great enjoyment of sports began at an early age. He was an avid 
Gamecocks fan and enjoyed playing baseball, tennis and basketball. Most 
recently, Austin was selected as an All-Star with the Lexington Dixie 
Majors. His zeal for doing his best and winning never overshadowed his 
respect for his opponents and having a godly attitude on the field.
  Austin was also an apprentice to his father in his political 
consulting business and was instrumental in implementing various 
aspects of the family's direct mail business. Austin's life's goal was 
to live for God and glorify him. This devotion to his family and 
friends, as well as his commitment to serve in his church gave evidence 
to his conviction that his life belonged to God. In preparing for this, 
his first missions trip, Austin had taken Spanish at the Midlands Home 
School Resource Center. He wrote that his reasons for going on this 
trip were to serve the Lord, and to show others what it means to truly 
be a Christian.
  He finished well and his life gives testimony to Missionary Jim 
Elliot's quotation ``. . . he is no fool who gives up what he cannot 
keep to gain what he cannot lose.''