Last Friday night, Zach Cotton was hanging out with some of his friends.

“Our son was trying to practice for his conceal and carry test,” Noal Cotton said. Noal Cotton is Zach’s dad.

Zach Cotton was getting ready to take the test in a couple of weeks.

“He and some of his friends were practicing taking their guns apart and cleaning them,” Noal Cotton said.

“As they were putting one of them back together, the gun accidentally discharged,” Cotton said.

The bullet struck Zach in his face.

“The shot went through his cheek and went down through his throat and come out the lower part of his neck,” Noal Cotton said.

Zach was flown to UK Hospital.

“The emotional side is getting to him now," Noal Cotton said.

Zach is well known in his Lawrenceburg Community. He spends his time caring for animals as an Anderson County Animal Control Officer. He also serves as a youth minister at his church.

“God has spoken to him and told him that he was going to be ok. That he was going to get him through. And that he was going to use him as a testimony to help other people,” Noal Cotton said.

Zach’s father Noal Cotton says his son’s relationship with God is helping him heal.

Zach wasn’t able to speak with WKYT physically, but he sent the following message along with his dad to read:

“There is a God out there and he does hear your voices and your prayers and it is your choice to listen to him or not to listen. One way or another, he will get your attention. God did not tell me to build an ark like Noah. He just asked me to be obedient and to tell people about the love of Jesus. And, he wanted me to share the scripture of Romans 16:19. It says, “For your obedience has come I am glad therefore on your behalf. But yet I would have you be wise under that which is good and simple concerning evil and the peace of God shall bruise Satan and your feet shortly. The grace of our lord Jesus Christ be with you, Amen.”

As the Cotton family leans on their faith and one another for support, they are remaining grateful for what they have.

“Such a strong young man as a son and he’s been strong for us as we try to care for him," Noal Cotton said.

Noal Cotton says his son has a long road to recovery and will likely spend the next couple of weeks in the hospital. But, he says, he is improving every day.