The following Q&A is a continuation of an article titled "Dynamic Duo" that appeared in the Spring 2006 edition of TWR magazine. We now resume our intriguing conversation with TWR missionaries Matt Birnie and Sterling Ottun....
Guam seems like a very interesting place to serve God. What stands out to you most about the island?
Sterling: The beauty of the island stands out the most. Guam is a beautiful place. Not just on the island itself, but in the deep clear blue ocean there is another world to discover. TWR founder Paul E. Freed chose a beautiful spot to put KTWR back in 1977.
Do you feel like you’ve adjusted to your new surroundings (after all, Guam is quite different than Nebraska!)?
Matt: The heat: Will I ever really get used to that? I don’t know; it’s hot here. The culture: It took not quite all of two seconds. It’s really easygoing here. You wear shorts and flip flops. The dressiest shirt is a flowery one. That just rocks. People are always throwing fiestas, and that means tons of free food. That, too, rocks.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing most?
Matt: I’m usually at work 10 to 16 hours a day, so I don’t really do much else. Honestly, I’m a nerd, I love this stuff. I go [out] some, or help out with some youth group activities. I just started to get involved in a church, so my guess is I’ll start doing a lot more outside of work. Nerds aren’t allowed to have social lives, sorry, it’s in the rules.
Sterling: Fellowshipping with my friends here on Guam. Going on hikes, snorkeling, riding my bicycle on the various trails on Guam. When I have time I like to ride my motorcycle around the island.
If you weren’t a missionary, what would you most likely be doing for a living?
Sterling: I grew up on a small ranch in central Nebraska. I really enjoy the lifestyle that it brings. So, if I were not here, I would be a rancher with my brother.
Matt: I had this idea to start a missions organization that provided technical support for churches and other missions organizations that were large enough to need the support but too small to be able to afford it. I would probably work to that end.
Now for a few preference-related questions ....
Coke or Pepsi?
Matt: I’m a Pepsi man for sure.
Sterling: I would rather sip on a Dr. Pepper. Coke and Pepsi taste about the same to me, honestly.
Snickers or Peanut M&Ms?
Matt: The circumstances that accompany the consumption of such products is of utmost importance in order to determine which, if any, of the two aforementioned candies will more appropriately serve my dietary requirements. Hungry? Grab a Snickers. Otherwise, I’ll take a Butterfinger. Is Butterfinger a choice? Oh, I see that it isn’t.
Fiction or nonfiction?
Matt: I like computer games. Does that count?
Sterling: Nonfiction.
Sports: Watch/play or neither?
Sterling: I like to play basketball, but the only sport I watch is Nebraska Cornhusker football.
Matt, we’ve already asked Sterling this question (see the magazine article): How can people pray for you in the days ahead?
Matt: I need a double-scoop of wisdom, please. I signed up to serve with TWR for a full three-year term, but I was given the chance to come early for a year. Having been given the opportunity to serve with TWR for a year, I feel I should look long and hard to see if TWR is what I want to invest my life in. Thank you for that encouraging question.