Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Bailey Akers and I am from Knoxville, Tennessee. After surrending my life to Christ, I felt a strong call to ministry. I had served overseas for many short-term mission trips, but in 2019 had the opportunity to travel to Southeast Asia, primarily working with unreached people groups. It was here that the Lord very evidently revealed His call of cross-cultural missions on my life. I returned to the United States with a deeper passion for discipleship, mobilization, and reaching the unreached!

Why are you working with 6DI?

I am working with the 6° because I value their emphasis on reaching those who have yet to hear the Gospel through discipleship and church-planting efforts. The 6° team also focuses on leadership development and forming transformational leaders, which is something I am looking forward towards learning and growing in over my two-year term. Ultimately, I am working with the 6° because I not only want to grow in my knowledge of cross-cultural missions, but also see people meet and know Jesus!

What is your favorite person (other than Jesus) in the Bible and why?

One of my favorite people in the Bible would have to be Moses. I think Moses stands out to me because he is a great example of a servant leader. When Moses was first called by God, he was hesitant that he could be used by the Lord given his “weaknesses”. In the midst of this, we see Moses lead the Israelites with a humble heart, patience, wisdom, and full trust in the Lord. He is a great example of being used by the Lord despite the feelings of being unequipped!

Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me serving at my church, Northstar church here in Knoxville, Tennessee! I serve on our Guest Services team, greeting and welcoming guests as they arrive to service! I love getting to serve in this role because it allows me to get to build relationships with those who serve at Northstar, and also our church’s members. Getting to play a part in setting the environment to where people can experience Jesus is so rewarding!

When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?  

When I am not working, I love being outside running, hiking, and playing with my dog. I also enjoy trying new coffee shops around the Knoxville area! Travelling and exploring new cities and states is another one of my favorite things, especially alongside some of my friends.

How can those who are reading your profile be praying for you?

As I am preparing to land in Togo for my two-year residency, you can be praying for continued spiritual, emotional, and overall preparation for my time on the field. Because I have such a strong support system here in Knoxville, leaving my friends and family will be hard, but I am very excited to begin doing ministry in Togo soon!