The sun slowly began to rise over the horizon. Amid the rustling leaves and the chirping birds Tom Ackerman reached for his fishing pole and headed toward the water. Enjoying the great outdoors has always been an essential part of Tom's life.
Passion and Purpose
A man of great passion and purpose, Tom's love of the outdoors first led him to study the environment, and then to teach other people how to enjoy outdoor adventures. Finally, and most importantly, Tom's passion for outdoor adventure and beauty led him to a knowledge of Christ.
Growing up in rural New Jersey, Tom learned to hunt and fish as a young boy. Following his passion for outdoor adventure, Tom pursued his degree in environmental science. After graduating Tom began to work for L.L. Bean as a hunting and fishing buyer. In addition to merchandising, Tom also taught people how to hunt and fish, a service offered through the L.L. Bean Company.
He enjoyed what he was doing, but Tom considered his job short-term and thought he might move on soon. Eighteen years later he was still at L.L. Bean. At that point Tom took a step of faith and left his job. He started a business called Classic Connections. Classic Connections works with people who want to enjoy a trip to the outdoors with the right location, gear, and training. They book the trips and help people develop the skills and confidence to enjoy themselves. These were tough times financially, but Tom stood on faith that it would be successful.
In 2003 Tom was contacted by ESPN 2. Their show called The New American Sportsman, hosted by Deion Sanders, was looking for someone to book locations. Tom was hired for the job. After Deion Sanders went back to football, ESPN was looking for a new host for their show. Although Tom had never done television work, he was interested in the job. Following his wife's encouragement, Tom threw his name in as a possible host. Then he continued to be the best booking agent possible. After a series of interviews Tom was hired for the job and continues to enjoy hosting today.
Although God's faithfulness continues to amaze Tom, it had not always been that way. Growing up in a non-Christian home, his family attended church only on Easter Sunday. Tom grew up during the counter culture in the late 60s and early 70s and went through a rebellious period.
In college, while earning his degree in environmental science, Tom wanted to learn as much as he could about the outdoors. Everywhere he looked he saw order, intelligence, and beauty. Tom quickly realized that you cannot have design without a designer. He knew there was a God but did not know who he was. About that time a friend invited him to hear a speaker at church. After hearing many things he had never heard before, Tom began to read on his own. Soon after reading the Sermon on the Mount, Tom became a follower of Christ.
A Wider Audience
As host of The New American Sportsman, Tom interacts with many interesting people from flight attendants, to professional athletes, to famous actors. Because his show takes famous people on outdoor adventures, Tom has worked with people like Liam Neeson, Ted Nugent, and Jason Priestly. "God has opened up so many doors for me to share-not just with famous people." Whether he is in an airport, on an airplane, or in a gift shop, Tom finds many opportunities to ask people about their spiritual journey. He has found that every person he talks to, famous or not, is on a spiritual journey of some sort. Ted Nugent wrote a book called God, Guns and Rock n Roll. When Tom and Ted sat down during one of the show's tapings, Tom asked where he was on his spiritual journey. That type of question opens up many doors for sharing.
Another opportunity came when Tom was traveling back from Belize. He sat next to a man who was a loan shark from Las Vegas. The man told Tom that he had gone to Belize to "look a man square in the eye" about the money owed to him. Throughout the flight Tom shared the gospel with him and when the flight ended they had become friends. After they exited the plane Tom took this man's hand, looked him in the eye, and told him God had a purpose for his life.
Tom gives glory to God for all that he is doing. Life is full of adventure for Tom-adventures in the outdoors and adventures in faith.
Tom and his family live in Maine. To learn more about Classic Connections go to www.classicconnections.com. Also, look for Tom on The New American Sportsman on ESPN 2. The new season begins in October.
Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.
OTHER COLUMNS:
June 15, 2008 - A time saver who knows the soul saver
May 18, 2008 - Working by faith 24/7
April 20, 2008 - Motown, music, and ministry
March 23, 2008 - Be One Sportswear
February 24, 2008 - Fighting for the faith
January 27, 2008 - Healing for the Healer
December 30, 2007 - Parenting faithfully
December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
October 7, 2007 - Changing lives through music
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
May 20, 2007 - Faithful to his calling
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
March 25, 2007 - The perfect plan
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 29, 2006 - Giving God his best October 29, 2006
October 1, 2006 - Work is important, but family comes first October 1, 2006
August 6, 2006 - Nurturing faith at home and school August 6,2006
June 11, 2006 - Helping ministries growJune 11, 2006
May 14, 2006 - Taking faith on the roadMay 14, 2006
April 16, 2006 - Finding open doors in the workplaceApril 16, 2006
March 19, 2006 - Serving God and working from home Mar. 19, 2006
February 19, 2006 - Working out her faith
January 22, 2006 - Teaching through faith
December 25, 2005 - Serving Christ in the business world
November 27, 2005 - Taking Christ to Hollywood
October 30, 2005 - Many jobs, one mission
September 22, 2005 - Ministering to mothers
September 4, 2005 - Christ in the courtroom
