27/02/2026
While our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing Mr Ray Ray Akers is with our Heavenly Father, hearing the words, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.' Thank you for sharing your life with us in Papua New Guinea. Rest in peace, brave Wesleyan Missionary. 🙏🏞️🏔️🥹
Raymond Edward Akers
24/12/1937 – 26/02/2026
Pioneer Missionary. Pastor. Leader.
In the early 1960s, Ray was deeply moved during the missions commissioning of Walter and Dorothy Hotchkin. When challenged about what was stopping him from saying YES to God’s call to Papua New Guinea, he replied honestly: “Nothing really.”
Three weeks later, using the money he had saved for his wedding, he was on the field, helping build early bush structures.
This life of sacrifice marked his long and varied ministry within the Wesleyan Church.
For more than a decade in PNG, Ray served in practical ministries and pastoral training at Fugwa and Taguru. He was part of the team that trekked for days over rugged mountains to reach the unreached people of Waposale, including the miracle river crossing (watch his first‑hand account, recorded only a month ago, in the YouTube link in the first comment).
After returning to Australia with his family, Ray served faithfully for many years as a pastor in various locations across Victoria and Queensland, including a season as District Superintendent in Victoria.
Later on, Ray and Gwen once again heard the pioneer call, travelling to the Solomon Islands multiple times to visit remote communities and help emerging church members understand the Wesleyan Methodist movement as the church was being established there. They also spent time in Indonesia assisting at a Bible college.
A willingness to say YES to God—no matter the cost—was a defining mark of Ray’s devoted life and ministry alongside Gwen.
Please pray for Gwen and the Akers family as they mourn Ray’s passing and give thanks for the countless lives touched for eternity through his faithful service.
Lex Akers Wesleyan Church of Papua New Guinea
