Establish a legacy of ministry…

My Two Sons

by Ken Akers

As parents, we invest in our children, hoping and praying something will connect, and they will not make the same mistakes we did.

Throughout my Christian life, I have been involved in youth ministry and missions. I started working with young people even before I was saved and just made the natural transition to youth ministry after. My sons have always been involved in our ministry. When we did teen trips, they tagged along (sometimes to the displeasure of the teens). I have been involved in their lives in every aspect, from school activities to sports, and especially church functions.

When my youngest son Ryan felt a calling to youth ministry, it was no surprise to anyone. He had been immersed in it from the time he was born. Both he and his older brother Brandon had attended youth camp every year since their birth. And my older son Brandon even met his wife there.

It gives me a feeling of deep joy to realize they saw something in their parents' life that gave them a desire to pursue God’s calling.
Ryan now serves as a youth pastor in a Free Will Baptist church in Missouri. In addition, he has been involved with Mountain Faith Mission in Haiti and has become director of the orphanage and children’s home there. He has led two teams from his church to Haiti to do work projects. When I see him and the love and affection displayed between him and the children in the home, it makes me proud.

My oldest son Brandon has been actively involved in his church and world missions as well. In addition to teaching Sunday School, he works with the outreach ministry and helps with financial classes. He is a Crown Ministry certified financial counselor. God has put missions in his heart as well. He has been involved in works in East Asia and Central Asia, and has led teams to do English classes for the people in those areas.

I know it sounds like I am bragging on my sons. I am. God has blessed me in so many ways, and seeing my sons involved in ministry is one of my greatest blessings. I’m just glad to know they paid attention…at least sometimes!

About the Writer: Ken Akers is director of Free Will Baptist Master’s Men. Learn more at www.fwbmastersmen.org.