I’ve been home for almost two months now. Two months of sleeping in my own bed. Two months of my parent’s cooking. One month of watching the U.S. women dominate in the World Cup. Two months of wrestling with the Lord. And two months spent trying to process everything that happened. It was a difficult transition as I figured out how to readjust back to ‘normal life.’ A life without the community I was blessed with for nine months. A life without the routine of scheduled ministry. It was a season in which I grew exponentially and one that I am incredibly grateful for. However, this transition shall be a short-lived one as I prepare for what’s next.
In September I will be leaving again for three months to go back on the field. I am continuing with the World Race as an Alumni Team Leader for a group 42 gap year racers. As an Alumni Team Leader, I will be there to disciple them, support them, connect them with the Trinity, set culture for the remainder of their race, and call them higher into what the Father has for them. I have the privilege of leading a group of six women (Team Capable) who are all incredibly kind, intentional, and hungry for the Lord. I am fully confident that they will continue to walk in their identity as capable women, equipped through the Father.
On my race, I was constantly being poured into. Whether it was by my leadership, squadmates, or ministry hosts, there was always truth being spoken into and over me. And as we are reminded in Matthew, “Freely you have received; freely give.” And that’s what I intend to do. There are a lot of reasons why I could say no to this. I really miss being in a classroom and was excited for college after my race. I could easily submit to my uncertainty and doubts regarding my capabilities as a leader or the fact that I must again rely on the Lord for provision in fundraising. I could make my decisions based on how I’m feeling and my fears, but a few days ago the Lord brought me back to my identity through Matthew 5.
“Let me tell you why you’re here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” Matthew 5:13 MSG
If that isn’t something to bring perspective, I don’t know what is. The Father is all around us; in all of creation. In reality, the ‘flavor’ of the Father is one of the only consistencies in our lives. Unfortunately, as humans, we tend to have a limited perspective on this and don’t always give Him the credit He’s due. But as a disciple of Christ, it is not only our job, but our privilege to see it and point it out; to be salt. If the Holy Spirit highlights or reveals an aspect of His character in someone or something, we get to shine a spotlight on it to glorify Him and make others aware of His presence.
With that being said, who am I to deny His will for me because of how I feel? Who am I to keep everything I’ve been taught to myself? I get to be salt amongst the 42 men and women of Gap W. To teach and remind them of their identity in the Father. I know this is what He has called me to do and I get to be obedient to Him. I can trust in His plan for me because I trust in His character and have experienced His faithfulness first hand. And that leads me to my invitation to you.
In order to begin this new season, I need your support. As I’m sure you noticed from the bar at the top, my new goal is $3000 which must be met by October 10th. And as I said before, I am fully confident this is what the Lord has called me to, and therefore fully confident in His provision. If you feel led to partner with me financially, there are several ways that you can donate:
– The easiest way is through this blog. My fundraising bar is located at the top of this page and you can click the orange button that says, ‘Donate!’ which will allow you to use your credit or debit card.
– You can mail a check made out to Adventures in Missions (my sending organization) with my name in the memo line. If my name isn’t written, your generous donation will go to AIM’s general fund instead. Here’s the address: Adventures in Missions, P.O. Box 742570, Atlanta GA 30374-2570
– You can donate through my Venmo which is just Connaly.
I also need your prayer! Please pray that the Lord would be preparing the hearts of those we encounter in Guatemala. That doors would be opened for opportunities to share the gospel. That we would be the salt and light that The Father calls us to be. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the support already given and the support you continue to provide. I can’t wait to see how the Lord works in our lives.
With all the gratitude I can muster,
Connaly Akiyama
