Akachi came to All Saints Lutheran Church because they were curious about God. They were raised in a religious environment that was harsh and judgmental, and they felt condemned by their previous faith community for their sexuality and gender identity. They wanted to know if a loving God was real, but they were afraid of going back to church again. They were concerned that they would be pressured to change themself in ways that they couldn’t.
Ever curious, Akachi started watching sermons on the All Saints YouTube channel. One particular sermon, titled “Come and See,” told the story of the biblical character named Nathaniel. The biblical Nathaniel was skeptical, and yet he was seen and known by Jesus. “The idea that I could be loved and cherished while in a state of unbelief,” Akachi says, “was mind boggling.” After watching sermons online for several weeks, Akachi woke up one Sunday morning and thought they’d give in-person worship a try.
At All Saints, Akachi has continued to learn about and experience God’s love. Their faith has grown, and their curiosity is nurtured. “All Saints has been a place where my curiosity is not condemned,” they say, “and I’m given the opportunity to become a better person.” Akachi plans to continue their faith journey by attending seminary and helping others experience God’s love in the same way they have. “I want to meet others in their brokenness and share the love that I’ve been given,” they say. “I feel like a beloved child of God exactly the way I am.”
