David and his two sisters grew up in The Salvation Army with officer (pastor) parents. At age nine, David surrendered his life to Jesus at camp—the love of Jesus took deep root in his heart.

David and his dad, Major Mark King, began a Boy Scouts troop to serve low-income boys. Now with roughly 10 scouts, “Troop 19” continues to thrive. David’s skills as an Eagle Scout helped prepare him for the day he would save a man’s life—literally.

It was an ordinary day. David and his friend, Sam (16), took a drive to a skate park, like they usually did. As they entered the parking lot, they saw something unusual—something concerning. David immediately called 911. Sam parked their car and they moved closer with caution. What they saw could not be denied—a man had attempted suicide in his parked vehicle by hanging himself. He was unconscious.

Transforming from skateboarders to rescuers, the two boys desperately worked to save the man’s life. Sam used his pocket knife to cut him loose and the man let out a deep gasp. They placed the man on his side and the police arrived momentarily. “If they arrived any later, we would have had to start performing CPR,” David recalls. “He was minutes, if not seconds, from dying.”

There is no question that God placed both David and Sam at the right place, at the right time. They remained calm as they assessed the situation and followed 911’s directions—all while trying to calm the victim’s hysterical girlfriend who had arrived later on the scene. God used David and Sam to save this man’s life!

Today may be as ordinary for you as it was for David and Sam that day. Are you willing to be used by God no matter what circumstance He brings your way? “It doesn’t have to be necessarily saving a life,” encourages David, “but jump in. Always help if you can. Be open-minded to how you can make a difference.”

For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, David pleads not to remain silent— “Get help. Reach out to friends and family, counselors, teachers. There are so many resources available. You’re not alone.”

David’s favorite Bible verse, 1 Timothy 4:12, hits home: “I’m only 16. My friend is only 16.” Yet through the power of God, they were both able to make a difference.