Seeds of Joy in Western Ukraine

Abigail McClure is the granddaughter of Larry and Kathy Phillips, members of FBC Hickory and long-term volunteers with Baptists on Mission.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have watched my grandparents, Larry and Kathy Phillips, travel across the world serving the Lord. I always dreamed of joining them one day. That dream became a reality one afternoon during my final semester at East Tennessee State University, when my phone rang with life-changing news: I had been invited on my first mission trip to Western Ukraine.

In that moment, excitement and nerves collided—but with faith and courage that only the Lord could provide, I said yes. Hand in hand with my grandparents and Luke Milhaupt, I took one of the biggest steps of my life, walking boldly into what would become a truly transformative experience. From long flights to winding van rides along unfamiliar roads, every mile carried both anticipation and exhaustion. Yet through it all, the Lord’s hand was upon us. He guided us safely across the border between Hungary and Ukraine, calming every worry and filling our hearts with peace as we entered the place where we would share the good news of our Savior through Vacation Bible School.

I’ll never forget stepping into the sanctuary for the first time. The air felt different—filled with joy, hope, and something sacred. Then I saw her: an eleven-year-old girl named Anna, with a radiant smile and eyes that shone with the light of Christ. From that moment, she became the heart of our welcome, greeting everyone with love and laughter. Through her, I saw what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Each day was full of life—greeting the children at their first meal, listening together as the Bible story of the day was shared, and watching them write, create, and play. Every evening, we gathered around a big table to share a meal as laughter and conversation filled the room. From the very first day, the seeds of God’s love were planted, and we began to see them sprout in the children’s hearts.

As their faith grew, I felt something blooming within me, too. My own flower of faith opened wider, shining brighter than ever before.

The Lord knew that through this experience, my light would grow stronger—that I would find deep joy not only in seeing another part of the world but in changing lives through something as simple as a hug and the words, “God loves you.”

When our time in Ukraine came to an end, I realized how much I had changed. What began as a journey to serve others became one of transformation within my own heart. Leaving was bittersweet, but I carried home something far greater than memories: a renewed sense of purpose. The Lord reminded me that sharing His love doesn’t require grand gestures—just a willing heart and open hands. I returned home with a deeper faith, a brighter light, and a passion to keep planting seeds of joy wherever He leads me next.