MAURICIO
Thanks to the generosity of Bill and Marcia Huffman, Mauricio graduated as a Civil Engineer. The lifelong impact of such generosity is an empowering blessing for Mauricio, for his family, for the Lutheran Church of Colombia, and for Colombia as a whole. We share a brief interview with Mauricio.
Mauricio, what motivated you to choose this field of study?
My passions were for the field of exact sciences such as physics or mathematics. Not being able to access the public university in the city of Bogotá, I had to rethink my interests and look for other career alternatives. Researching the fields of action of different academic offerings, I was very interested in studying Civil Engineering. Beyond my skills in mathematics or physics, I also had a keen interest in offering my knowledge in the service of my community, environment, society at large and, obviously, my beloved church. I saw in this professional career the great possibility of using my skills, gifts and leadership along with my strong desires for service.
What challenges have you encountered throughout your professional studies?
Beyond the economic challenges, perhaps one of the biggest is being able to alternate my studies with jobs directly related to the scope of my career. Due to the unique conditions of my university schedules, I did not have the time to carry out these two functions simultaneously. Thank God at the moment I am working and developing functions of my studies and my work profession.
Who have been your unconditional allies throughout their careers?
Who do you appreciate being a part of your life as a college student? My family has been a great ally and I am deeply grateful for their support. They motivated me, they gave me encouragement, not only in the most difficult moments but also in the joyful moments. The same goes for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia – IELCO and Fundacion Camino de Emaus. Thanks to these mentors I was allowed the opportunity to study and expand my panoramic view and life experience. I also count as my valuable allies my godparents Bill and Marcia, who with their support, letters, photos, and visits gave me strength and the possibility of being connected to a new family in Christ.
Briefly describe your leadership in the local congregation and in the National Church. Before starting my university studies, I was already regional and local coordinator of the National Youth Ministry. I also had the honor of being elected as the National Coordinator of the Lutheran Missionary Youth of Colombia. I served in this position for 3 1/2 years, simultaneously being part of the leadership in my local church, such as the Ministry of Praise, the Local Administrative Committee, Youth Ministry, among others. Since 2017 I have been supporting the IELCO Ministry of Education in the Christian Training Program. I remain part of this national ministry that continues to expand my own leadership. As of 2022 I also serve in the Executive Committee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia and as a member in the Board of Directors for Fundacion Camino de Emaus. Although I do not currently live in Bogotá, I reaffirm my commitment to my local church and IELCO in the different programs and leadership roles I have.
What message do you have for outsiders who offer their resources and prayers to support the education of people like you?
My message is one of great and deep gratitude. Thanks to the Christian support and commitment, my personal sponsors are the very reflection of Christ for many of the young people who want to study but face significant challenges. It is a great joy to know that your prayers are answered when each scholarship participant achieves their educational goals. I treasure in my heart the lived experiences that the written messages received. It is worth creating these spaces and benefits for communities. My prayer is that, beyond such experiences, we may continue to have this friendly and personal connection.
To conclude, I offer these phrases that Martin Luther wrote, phrases that have inspired and motivated me enormously during my time of studies. "When schools progress, everything prospers, everything that is done in the world is done with hope. Although the end of the world maybe tomorrow, today I will plant apple trees in my garden.