Faith over fear: AU student to do mission abroad
By Makenzy Veldboom | Managing editor
For Emiliano (Milo) Huerta, the desire to serve God and mission was not always present, with his story beginning as he began his journey as a college student.
“I want Him to use me at all times for his glory, I don’t want any fear in my heart,” said Huerta. “I want to set my pride aside and put all my faith in Him, because ultimately that’s what we’re there for is to glorify Him.”
Huerta, a junior at Augusta University studying cell molecular biology, shared his goals for an upcoming mission trip that he will be taking with 11 other students from three different colleges, serving at the University of The Philippines in Manila this July.
“I entered AU as not a Christian, I was living to fulfill my needs through earthly things that the world provides,” he said. “Then, my fall semester was rough and I told myself something needs to change.”
“So I started meeting up with a guy named Alan Martin, who works for Campus Outreach and he shared the gospel with me,” he added. “Right then and there, I gave my life to Christ still not knowing in that moment what it really meant to do that and now we are here in the present.”
After devoting his life to the Lord, Huerta’s story was just beginning for what was planned for his future in serving the Lord. On top of furthering his education, he continued to attend Campus Outreach, which is an on-campus ministry at AU. Through this ministry, he has been able to grow in his faith and grow a desire to share the good news and plant seeds with fellow students, whether that be others in the ministry or students that are complete strangers.
Huerta was also given the opportunity to join a mission trip across the world through this ministry. When he attended the interest meeting to learn more, the idea of going sounded great, but he faced a mountain of raising funds before he could.
“I heard the price tag at first and I was like there’s no way I’m going to raise this. But I’m not raising it, it’s through my faith and the trust and and ultimately through God who’s raising it, He’s just simply using me,” he said.
Huerta put his faith and trust in God in raising funds for this trip and just a mere three weeks ago, he had less than 10 percent of the funds. Now, he is nearly halfway to his goal.
“I’m grateful that I have a community of supporters and friends that really just want to see this happen and just seeing how selfless they are,” he said. “It’s honestly such an awesome thing just to see how God’s people are so excited about this. It’s rare to see a college student, especially one who gave their life to Christ during college have this experience and who knows when I’ll have this experience again. So I am just very grateful that I’ve been invited and that God’s just working through the hearts of others.”
With God working through Huerta for the last few years and through his upcoming trip, this has changed his viewpoint of the future for his career and what he will do post graduation.
“I want to open my own office in the future and that still is the goal but, I really just want to serve with the community and just glorify God by giving to those who can’t afford like a clean up.” He added, “And going into public health and just use my time to to glorify Him through the talents and gifts that he’s given me and give to others.”
With Huerta’s future ahead and his eyes focusing towards the plans the Lord has set for him, he also takes time now to serve using his talents and gifts in encouraging others and being a friend to whoever he meets. He also offers encouragement to anyone considering an on-campus ministry.
“God’s people, we’re not perfect but we want to welcome you with open arms,” he said. “We want you to know that everyone is welcome whether you’re dead in your sins, a luke warm Christian or you’re a theologian who’s so invested in the Bible. All are welcome, come as you are.”
“Don't ever be afraid of going to any ministry, I believe that they are all welcoming that they will love you as who you are and they will help you grow your faith in Him,” Huerta adds, “Don't be afraid to take that step because that's what college is about, taking that step, and I believe this is a very important decision in everyone's life.”
To find out more information on student ministries at Augusta University and Huerta’s upcoming journey and his ministry visit the student organization page and the Campus Outreach page.
Contact Makenzy Veldboom at kveldboom@augusta.edu
This story is published in the Monday, March 11, 2024 print edition of The Bell Ringer on page 5.
Photo by Skylar Kirkpatrick
