Former Intern Dennis O’Connell Visits ECHO

In the 10 years since Dennis O’Connell interned at ECHO, God has lead him on a unique missions path. While at ECHO, Dennis was particularly enthusiastic about leading tours and liked sharing his agricultural knowledge with others. But teaching?

‘People always said I would be a teacher or a preacher,’ Dennis says, ‘but I didn’t think I’d be either.’

Now, teaching third grade in inner city Los Angeles, this New Hampshire native is doing a little of both.

Eyes bright, a big grin on his face, he talks about his classroom and how teaching in L.A. is a missions field of its own. With 12 nations represented among his 20 students, he feels like he is touching the world.

At ECHO, a fellow intern was the first to point out that Dennis would be good in the classroom. When his 12 months at ECHO were done, Dennis tried his hand at substitute teaching in Lee County.

The connection was instant. He stayed for the next nine months and was the most popular substitute in the county. Next, he headed out west to work in environmental education, teaching students of all ages through outdoor programs. In California, while working on his Master’s in international agricultural development, Dennis became a certified teacher.

With a classroom of his own now, he is touching lives and sharing his unique mission with his students. Recently, he read the Chronicles of Narnia with his class and took everyone – parents and extended family included – to see the film. Even in the extracurriculars, Dennis is walking God’s path.