By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON/Community columnist

Austin Foster’s new song, “Prayers Go Up, Healing Comes Down,” is playing on the radio airways and I Tunes. The culmination of this dream, to have his record produced by Serenity Records, is the hope of the beginning of another – to become a Christian recording and performing artist.

The song, written in five minutes by Foster during a math class at Shelby County High School, was inspired by a health crisis of his aunt who was thought to have cancer. Foster was visiting with his grandmother as they prayed for his aunt.

“When prayers go up, God still heals today and miracles happen,” said Foster’s grandmother.

His aunt did not have cancer and the experience brought this song to Foster’s heart.

“I graduated from SCHS in 2013,” Foster said. “Today, I am a freshman at the University of Mobile majoring in vocal performance. I love to write and sing songs to hurting people. My heart is to spread the gospel though music as my ministry. I feel this is what I am called to do.”

Foster is the son of Ron and Kim Foster of Columbiana. He grew up in a house of music as his father also sings and is the DJ every Sunday morning of Gospel Jubilee on WZZK, 104.7 from 5-10 a.m.

Foster started singing at 4 years old with his grandfather, Rev. Roland Foster, was trying to learn a new song. He just could not get it right and young Foster started singing it perfectly on pitch. Foster sang that night at Bethel Baptist Church in his grandfather’s place and has been singing for God since.

“A few months ago I was very discouraged, struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. I called my family for help and advice,” he said. “It was the scariest moment of my life. I learned that it is not how much you sing but why you sing. The reason for the gift is to worship every day of my life. Life may get you down, but he can pick you up and carry you through.”

For more info, call 205-593-5621 and Facebook/Austin Foster music.