English Director/Office Manager

Melanie Carlson has been serving in Budapest, Hungary with OMS International since September 2002.

As a part of a college missions program, Melanie went to Hungary in the summer of 1994 to teach at OMS’s first summer English camp, a life-changing experience. She returned the following summer for another round of youth camps. The spiritual battle was very evident, but many students heard the Gospel, and some even accepted it for themselves. Not long after this, Melanie made a promise to God to go wherever He told her to go, and do whatever He told her to do.

After graduating from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature, Melanie returned to Hungary with Educational Services International (ESI), where she taught high school English full-time for two school years. She also worked at OMS’s English camps again during the summers. Melanie decided to come back to Hungary with OMS International in order to study Hungarian and participate in a greater variety of ministries.

During her first year with OMS, Melanie was enrolled in full time language school. God burdened her heart with the need to learn Hungarian, and she continues to study this difficult language.

For the last three years Melanie has been the director of OMS Hungary’s summer English camp program. Putting the curricula together is a challenge, as the team aims to teach English with excellence and teach the kids about the One that they need most of all. The logistics of camp can be very demanding, but through it all, God has worked in the lives of OMS missionaries, both short and long-term, as well as the students. What a privilege to see youth turn their lives over to Jesus! There are great opportunities to minister to the families and to reach OMS’s goal of building the local church. The discipleship of teens and young women is one of Melanie’s favorite ministries. It’s been a joy to meet with them regularly and see God work in their lives.

The Lord continues to break Melanie’s heart for the Hungarian people, and the youth in particular. The need is tremendous and the spiritual battle is real, but we place our confidence in the Almighty God.

Melanie has supervised the OMS office in Budapest, and has also been the field treasurer. Recently, Melanie enrolled in Trinity Theological Seminary to take courses on-line in pursuit of a Masters degree in Biblical studies, desiring to become more effective in teaching youth about the Word of God and about their faith.

Missionary ID #802219