English Ministries and Field Treasurer

Melanie Carlson has served in Budapest, Hungary, with OMS International since September 2002. As a part of a college missions program, Melanie went to Hungary in the summers of 1994 and 1995 to teach at OMS’ first summer English camps. It was a life-changing experience for her. 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 and taught high school English full-time for two school years. She also worked at OMS’ English camps again during the summers. Melanie decided to return to Hungary with OMS to study Hungarian and participate in a greater variety of ministries.

For the last seven years, Melanie has been one of the directors of OMS Hungary’s summer English camp program. Putting the curriculum 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 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’ goal of building the local church.

For the past three years, Melanie has led a weekly English club for teenagers who are preparing to take the state language exams, a requirement for universities. In a country where trust comes hard, it’s been a joy for Melanie to get to know students and their families more deeply.

Melanie serves as OMS’ representative to the executive committee of the Wesleyan Alliance in Hungary, comprised of three Hungarian church denominations and three foreign missions (the Hungarian Church of the Nazarene, the Methodist Church, the Free Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, World Gospel Mission and OMS International). This alliance started a Bible training school in Budapest and also translates and publishes theological books. Melanie has been appointed librarian for the school. The school has become an extension school of the European Nazarene College. Melanie supervises the OMS office in Budapest and also serves as the field treasurer. She has also served on the field leadership committee for the past two years. The Lord continues to break Melanie’s heart for the Hungarian people. The need is tremendous and the spiritual battle is real, but Melanie places her confidence in the Almighty God.
 

Missionary ID #802219