The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: A vehicle for Christian ministry

Sheena at Rising Stars. - Contributed

For some, the Digicel Rising Stars competition signifies the opportunity to showcase their talent to Jamaica, while for others it's a stepping stone to realising their ultimate dream - becoming superstars.

But, for 21-year-old Sheena Sterling, Digicel Rising Stars is the vehicle through which she can spread God's word to the hearts and souls of Jamaicans. A devout Christian, Sterling believes that the competition, because of its reach and popularity, is a perfect medium through which she can increase the Christian fold.

Sterling is confident of her ability to impress the judges and is focused on winning the competition so that she can use the exposure to win souls for Christ.

"I think that I can use the acceptance as something for the Lord -I love God and I think that when you have a passion for God its good. Rising Stars will expose my talent and I will use it for ministry."

Radical christian

The self-proclaimed 'radical Christian' says she has dedicated her life to the Lord for the past five years and believes she has what it takes to win the competition. Becoming the next Rising Star would ultimately give her the chance to minister to her fellow Jamaicans.

"Rising Stars says they're looking for style, ability, look and talent and I know that I have all of them," she said.

Sterling was spotted at the Ocho Rios auditions, her second audition stop for the year, after an unsuccessful bid in Montego Bay. Her desire to spread the good news is ultimately what motivates her to keep auditioning.

"I am motivated by God and myself. I'm a spiritual person and I believe that the Holy Spirit lives within me and as long as you believe, then he prompts you to do what he wants you to do," she said.

The final year student at The Mico Teachers' College in Kingston, who specialises in English language and literature at the secondary level, says she has significant family support in anything she decides to do.

"My father provides emotional and spiritual support - I can go to him for that. My mother is a great source of support also and good strength," she said.