Angel Oquendo ’27 spent the summer serving in Hungary through an OMS internship, where he combined education, ministry and leadership while continuing to pursue his calling as a Christ-centered educator.
Angel Oquendo ’27, a Social Studies Education (8-12) major at Asbury University, continues to weave together faith, service and leadership through opportunities both on campus and abroad. During his time at Asbury, he has participated in Concert Band, Gospel Choir and Choir Band while serving on the One Mission Society (OMS) Leadership Team and participating in mission work through OMS and the School of Education.
Through my clinical experiences in local schools and the mentorship of incredible professors, I've grown into the educator I am today. Just as importantly, I've learned how to live out my faith in a holistic way."
During the summer, Oquendo returned to Hungary as part of the OMS Embark Internship, where he served alongside OMS staff and helped facilitate English-language ministry opportunities throughout the country. Arriving in Budapest ahead of Asbury’s annual School of Education mission trip, he gained firsthand experience in cross-cultural ministry, educational outreach and servant leadership while helping prepare for a weeklong English camp in Letenye, Hungary.
Throughout the week, Asbury students and alumni led English, Bible, music, crafts and recreation activities while building meaningful relationships with local children and families. As part of his internship, Oquendo also gained valuable behind-the-scenes experience in international ministry and welcomed fellow Asburians as they arrived to serve alongside local communities.
Oquendo's journey from mission trip participant to international ministry leader demonstrated how Asbury equips students to turn classroom preparation into Christ-centered service around the world.
His return to Hungary marked a full-circle moment. After first experiencing the country through a School of Education and OMS mission trip, Oquendo returned in a leadership role, investing in others through both education and ministry. His commitment to serving others also earned campus recognition as one of four recipients of the Roy L. Lauter Servant Leadership Award.
In addition to his ministry and musical involvement, Oquendo served the School of Education as an Educators Rising volunteer and evaluator at the state conference, further demonstrating his commitment to investing in the next generation of educators.
At the heart of Oquendo’s work remained a deeply rooted philosophy of Christ-centered service. As he explained, “I want to serve in such a way that people feel seen and loved.” Whether serving in Kentucky or Hungary, that vision continued to shape his calling as an educator and servant-leader.
Asbury University’s School of Education offers traditional and online undergraduate education programs, the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) for initial teacher certification, master’s degrees in English as a Second Language, Learning and Behavior Disorders, and Literacy Specialist P-12, and the newly launched Ed.D. in P-12 Educational Leadership.
Additional graduate offerings include the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Principal Licensure with Instructional Supervisor (dual licensure), along with certifications for Director of Pupil Personnel, Instructional Supervisor and School Superintendent.
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