“And when Peter got out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly, you are the son of God’” (Matt. 14:29-33, MEV).14:29-33, MEV).
A few years ago, a fellow church member at Calvary Assembly in Winter Park, Florida, prophesied over my life. One of the things she said to me was, “It’s time for you to get out of the boat. Jesus is calling you.” I took it to heart, but the selfishness and self-centeredness inside me never allowed me to get beyond the safety and comfort of my life. Through a great deal of my 50 years on this earth, it’s been all about me, and never about Jesus. That, my friends, has changed.
Realizing that I would never fulfill the destiny that God has for me living for myself, I have now chosen to be his vessel. And yes, I do have a heart for the lost, but I don’t believe that is my ministry. In a revelation that I recently received, I believe my ministry is to help “nominal Christians” get out of their own boats and to help them seek the Lord with all of their hearts so that the Great Commission can be fulfilled. If there is to be another Great Awakening in this country, the church needs to awaken from its slumber and start serving others instead of its own desires.
After more than 30 years as a sportswriter, including 17 in the NASCAR industry, God opened the door for Christian ministry at Charisma Media in 2012. After two years as managing editor of Ministry Today magazine and 2 1/2 years as online managing editor, I am now acquisitions editor for Creation House Publishing, the self-publishing arm of Charisma Media. I have been blessed with some tremendous relationships and a mentor whom I owe a great deal to, our publisher, Dr. Steve Greene.
My biggest blessings, however, are my wife of nearly 20 years, Patty, and my children–Rachel (15) and Joshua (13). Every day they teach me about life in their own unique way as I try to teach them what God has imparted to me. Patty has been my rock and tower of strength, and I couldn’t be more grateful to God for the woman he has blessed me with.
I only hope that through this ministry I can bring glory to Him–because that’s what it’s all about. It’s all to His glory.
Matthew 14:29-33: “And when Peter got out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Dying to Self 
Hi Shawn.
My name is Heidi and I work with Ron Williams. We would love to get a copy of his Podcast with you dated March 18, 2016. It this possible? Thank you, and God bless you.
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Heidi, please forgive the incredible delay in getting back to you. I will see what I can do with this and try to send you the link. I am no longer with Charisma, but perhaps I can find it for you. All of God’s blessings to you and Ron.
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Hello Shawn.
Thank you so much for replying and your willingness to look for the link!!
We hope all is well with you.
God bless you,
Heidi
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Thank you for your kind response, Heidi. It looks like they have removed it from their site. Typical for them, though.
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Hello Akers
Calvary greetings from Kisumu Kenya in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.I have visited your website and im highly pleased.I am delighted to invite you to Kisumu ,Kenya East Africa to hold Crusade, seminar and outreach to the prison inmates at a date ok to your schedule . Over ninety percent of pastors here have never been to any formal bible school and therefore this four day conference will be a bible school to them. We are a church ministry,evangelistic in purpose.We reach out with the glorious gospel of Jesus to remote areas as well as urban set ups evangelizing and discipling people.We also plant churches.The burden is also upon us to demonstrate Christ’s love by helping and supporting orphans and widows. We are based in the lively lake shore- Lake Victoria. When you come you will conduct church leaders seminar from 8.00am to 1.00pm After which pastors will go for lunch and then join you at the crusade ground at 4.00pm.The crusade will commence from as 4.00pm to 7.00pm everyday for 4 days.We believe that many souls will be added to the kingdom. We are also ready,if you are interested to take you to different schools to preach to the students in government schools.We are in network with over 500 public schools in Kenya.We would also request for partnership to enable us give Bible’s to those that have never had Bible’s in their entire life because of cost.We look forward to your timely response. In Christ, PASTOR JOHN ATIENO RIVER OF LIFE MINISTRY PO BOX 19070 KISUMU KENYA http://riveroflifeministry.or.ke/ P.S Please pastor kindly help us to feed the orphans in our orphanage. We shall be very grateful. We have reference in States that can attest to our genuinity.
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I appreciate your ministry, id like to look more closely at it . I went to Bethany College years ago and had a Professor named Glenn A Akers- could you be related , or at least know him ? your ministry is very similar to what i knew he did and preached about . God Bless and Protect your Ministry etc.
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Unfortunately, no. I don’t think I ever ran across him during my time at Charisma Media. But I do appreciate your interest, for sure. I’m only trying to do what God has instructed me to do. Thanks again for your comment and your interest. God bless you.
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