I'm Sterling, nice to meet you!
Roots: I'm originally from Baton Rouge, LA and most of my family still lives there. I plan to move back to the Louisiana area after i return from The World Race. I didn't totally grow up in church but attended infrequently throughout my childhood. I became a follower of Jesus when i was 16 in a dramatic conversion where the Lord audibly spoke to me, i immediately surrendered at that moment and have never been the same. Ex: Deleting my 13.4 day long collection of stolen music from my computer within a month of getting saved. I also lost almost all of my friends within about 2 months because i literally couldn't relate with them anymore.
Calling: I received a call to lifetime international ministry at the age of 18 while traveling and doing missions work in Mexico. I'm a graduating senior from Florida State University in Spring 2013. After the World Race i intend to go to Seminary and do long term missions in Japan. After which i plan to return to the Louisiana area to church plant and pastor.
Why the World Race?: I discovered a great love for international people during my time as a student at Florida State, and have mixed with people hailing from many unfamiliar cultures as a result. Because of my aforementioned calling, i figure the World Race to be a premier opportunity for me to learn about and spend time with people from all walks of life while sharing Jesus with them.
Most of all, my biggest reason for going on The World Race is to rub shoulders with "the least of these" that Jesus talked about in Matthew 25:31-46, and serve them with all of my heart. In this paradoxical way, i want to serve Jesus by showing them Jesus. (if you know the passage, you'll understand my point here.) Plus, I'm extremely single, and so figured that now is the best possible time for me to go on a trip around the world for 11 months before i settle into something more stable later…maybe. 😉
Miscellaneous descriptors: Gesticular drummer, basketball player, avid reader, wisdom seeker, Jesus lover, equally introverted to extroverted, coffee aficionado, fried food fanatic.
Also, i like high 5s.
