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This summer, the Asbury University School of Education returned to Hungary in partnership with One Mission Society (OMS) to conduct an English Camp for over 80 students in Letenye. Under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Hamilton ’92, Glenn Hamilton ’91, and Nathan Thallman ’24, 12 undergraduate students and two recent alumni, Hannah Jones ’25 and Olivia Parsons ’25, served over 80 students through lessons in English, Bible, Music, Crafts, and Recreation. At the end of the week, the campers presented a program for parents where they shared the Gospel through songs, skits, and artwork from the week.
“The opportunity to plan lessons and practice teaching together in this cross-cultural setting is invaluable for our ongoing growth and development as teachers,” Dr. Barbara Hamilton said. “As lifelong learners and followers of Jesus, we continue to learn how to be active participants with Him to love across cultures, languages, and time zones. The impact of this trip is like an intensive course in coming to know Jesus and one another more deeply and to welcome others to do the same! My prayer is that we return home changed by the Holy Spirit and continue to live out of the deep, deep love of Jesus to humbly participate in His coming kingdom here, there, and everywhere.”
Asbury students shared these statements about their experience serving in Hungary.
“The story God is writing is so much bigger and more beautiful than anything we could ever dream or imagine,” said India Owen ’26. We cannot always see all that God is doing, but we can trust that it is beautiful and it is for our good and His glory.”
“I have learned that being a partner in the Gospel looks like building one another up, praying for unity, humbling yourself, and recognizing your gifting and the giftings in others,” said Lindsey Melhorn ’26. “My perspective has shifted to being more others-focused and open to change based on what the Lord might be calling me to do to further His kingdom. It’s beautiful to see the body of Christ working together with one main goal: to be Jesus’ love in action.”
“Jesus loves me in spite of anything I have or haven’t done,” said Angel Oquendo ’27. “His love comes first before all else. I can lean back and rest in that, knowing that I am His beloved child. And this is the basis for everything else. It is from that love that I can then live as Christ calls us to live, and to love others and be a light to them, not the other way around.”
While giving the students their cross-cultural engagement (CCE) credits, the trip also acts as a versatile education course credit for Education majors and includes different partnerships offering more options to keep serving in Hungary including internships through OMS Embark, long-term student teaching through the local school system, and the opportunity to stay in Hungary for subsequent English camps throughout the summer. For more information about the trip experience or to provide support for next year’s team, please contact barbara.hamilton@asbury.edu.
Asbury University offers Traditional and Online Undergraduate programs in Education; the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree for initial certification; and M.A. programs in English as a Second Language Endorsement, Learning and Behavior Disorders, Literacy Specialist P-12, and Principal Licensure. Additional degree programs include the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Principal Licensure with Instructional Supervisor (dual licensure) and certifications for Director of Pupil Personnel, Instructional Supervisor, and School Superintendent.
Learn more about the Asbury University School of Education.