Flores explained that Faith, Fire, and Passion began as a Facebook ministry dedicated to sharing biblical teachings, encouraging others in their faith, and organizing community outreach events. While the ministry itself is relatively new, he said the calling behind it began more than 35 years ago after hearing a pastor preach on a street corner in Chicago. Although life eventually took him in different directions, including a career that brought him to Sterling, the desire to share his faith remained.
After creating the Faith, Fire, and Passion Facebook page, Flores spent several months preparing before beginning to post content centered on the Gospel and community engagement.
Sterling for Jesus marks the ministry’s first in-person event. Flores said the idea came shortly after moving to Sterling and visiting a local church, where he felt welcomed. As he left the service and drove past the Grandon Civic Center, he envisioned the venue filled with people gathering to hear messages about faith.
Rather than rushing into the project, Flores said he spent a year praying before moving forward with planning the event.
The gathering will feature local pastors sharing messages, along with personal testimonies from individuals from both the Sauk Valley area and Chicago who will discuss how faith has transformed their lives. Flores emphasized that the event is intended to introduce people to Jesus and is not focused on religion, politics, or denominations.
Live worship music is also planned, with organizers continuing to finalize the details. While Flores has support from his home church, he stressed that Sterling for Jesus is not sponsored by any single congregation. Instead, churches throughout the area are invited to participate, volunteer, and attend together.
The event is designed to be open to everyone in the community, regardless of church affiliation.
Sterling for Jesus will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, beginning at noon at the Grandon Civic Center in Sterling. Admission is free, and while organizers anticipate the program lasting until approximately 2:30 or 3 p.m., the exact ending time will depend on the flow of the event and community participation.
Looking beyond this year’s gathering, Flores said he hopes that both Sterling for Jesus and Faith, Fire, and Passion will help foster greater unity throughout the Sauk Valley while providing an opportunity for those who are curious about Christianity to learn more in a welcoming environment.
Along the Rock is produced by the Radar Free Press. The Radar Free Press is free to the public and relies on community support through likes, shares, and comments.
If you have any questions for recurring guests or episode ideas, please email us at alongtherock@theradar.online.
