A country boy from Southeast Texas, Nolan Akers was called into the ministry at the age of 18 in 1956. Following in his older brother, Laurell Akers' footsteps, Nolan attended Southwestern Bible Institute in Waxahachie, TX, which is now Southwestern Assemblies of God University. It was there, Nolan met Janice Hawthorne and they were married in 1962. Over 50 years of ministry together, Nolan and Janice spent the majority of their time in Houma, LA sharing the love of Jesus Christ to the predominantly Catholic population, pioneering a church that is thriving today.

In 1989, Nolan moved home to Tomball, TX and re-opened the nearby Oklahoma Community Assemblies of God Church, in Magnolia, where he was saved as a boy. A new facility was built in 1999 and is now pastored by Nolan's son-in-law, Mark Gardner and wife Cindy.

The highlights of Nolan's ministry were split between his ministry served in Louisiana and Texas. While in South LA, Nolan and Janice witnessed a mighty move of God seeing many souls saved and transformed through the love of Jesus Christ, traveling to India and assisting with opening and supporting an orphanage and meeting Mother Theresa.

While in Texas, working for Mr. Teddy Klein and ministering to many at Klein Funeral Home and serving as Chaplain for the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department (where his son, Mark Akers, is now serving as Chaplain).

Nolan and Janice celebrated life by having 5 children, 9 grandchildren and currently 9 great-grandson's and still growing. God continues to show his faithfulness and love in the Akers Family and through Nolan's Legacy. While at SBI, Nolan began to pray this prayer, and he recited it every day until his final breath, December 15, 2008. "Father, I am nothing without you . . . Father, in Jesus' lovely name forgive me of my daily sins and cleans me.and give me a Godly love for others. I want to walk in your presence and enjoy your love, joy and peace. In Jesus Precious Name, Amen!"

To God Be the Glory!!!