Filling station shooting survivor launches his book

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Nico Theart, who was shot during an attempted robbery at a fuel station outside Mossel Bay on 6 December last year, has launched his eye-opening book about the incident.

His wife and children, who were with him in the car, escaped unscathed, despite multiple bullets being fired at them by two men.

Because Nico was shot in the elbow, the bone deflected the bullet. If he had been hit just a few centimetres away from the wound site, the bullet would have penetrated his heart or lungs.

In his book, Scarred for Christ, Nico tells of the extraordinary events of 6 December, which point to the miraculous. Nico called his book Scarred for Christ because looking in the mirror after the shooting, he said: "I'm scarred for life." He felt the Lord say to him in response: "No, you're scarred for Christ."

Also incredible was Nico's speedy recovery after the shooting and the minimal effect of the trauma on his family including his young children. The way they continued with their lives after the incident is truly miraculous.

In the book Nico tells of his steadfast faith. Intelligent and scientific-thinking, this information technology boffin, who has his own company in Australia, tells of the miracles at the time of the shooting, that defy logical thinking.

Humble

He is humble and extremely down to earth and someone who is most comfortable in a pair of shorts and flip-flops.

In a matter of days after the shooting, Nico felt compelled to write a book about his journey of faith, to tell people about the grace of his Saviour, Jesus Christ, who saved his and his family's lives.

Nico and his family were holidaying in the Mossel Bay area when the incident took place. They have been living in Australia for nine years and his book launch took place in Australia on 21 October.

"I am not a writer," Nico says with a little chuckle. In fact, speaking about the book to Mossel Bay Advertiser, Nico called it a second miracle. His jaw-dropping account includes personal details about his family and formative years, although, "I am actually a very private person," he says.

Here are some of the intriguing chapters in the tale: My beach run in Vleesbaai (prior to the shooting), Listening to the Holy Spirit, The day of the incident, The footage, Police visit and Why I almost did not continue with this book.