Kevin Utz shares his experience going on a mission trip to Ukraine. The trip was organized by his church, and they had to raise money to fund the trip. They traveled to a small village in Ukraine, near the area affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Kevin and his group had a schedule planned out for their activities, and they had interpreters to help them communicate with the locals. One memorable experience was visiting the local market and buying up all the Coca Cola bottles and ice cream. They also noticed the presence of wild dogs in the area. The highlight of the trip was the services they held, where they had full seating capacity and were able to share the Lord's Word with the community. This conversation explores Kevin's mission trip to Ukraine in the mid to late 1990s. Despite initial concerns and cultural differences, the team was welcomed by the community and had a positive impact through music and spreading the gospel. The experience transformed Kevin's perspective on material possessions and gratitude. The trip also highlighted the power of music as a universal language and the bravery of those who accepted Jesus in a controlled country. The key takeaways include the importance of human connection, the need for gratitude, and the ability of music to bridge cultural barriers. 00:00 Introduction to Before You Knew Me 02:27 Kevin's Background and Return to Westminster 03:48 Background of the Mission Trip to Ukraine 06:07 Fundraising and Preparation for the Trip 07:30 Journey to Ukraine and Arrival in the Village 08:54 Raising Money and Individual Contributions 10:44 Kevin's Personal Calling to Go on the Mission Trip 15:28 Arrival in Ukraine and Initial Fears 23:36 Memorable Moments and Personal Connections 28:49 Highlights and Memorable Moments 34:56 Unexpected Challenges 41:42 Greeting Government Officials in Kiev 44:05 Transformed Perspectives on Material Possessions 48:59 The Power of Music 53:45 Bravery in Faith 57:55 Gratitude and Human Connection 01:02:13 Personal Transformation Takeaways * Mission trips can be life-changing experiences that allow individuals to connect with different cultures and share their faith. * Fundraising is an important part of mission trips, and it often involves reaching out to family, friends, and the community for support. * Visiting local markets can provide unique insights into the culture and allow for interactions with the locals. * Language barriers can be overcome with the help of interpreters, allowing for meaningful communication and sharing of ideas. * Sharing the Lord's Word and experiencing worship in a different cultural context can be a powerful and emotional experience. The mission trip to Ukraine had a positive impact on the community through music and spreading the gospel. * The experience transformed Kevin's perspective on material possessions and gratitude. * Music served as a universal language and helped bridge cultural barriers. * The bravery of those who accepted Jesus in a controlled country was inspiring. * The trip highlighted the importance of human connection and the need for gratitude. Sponsored By: Respect The Brand - In today’s digital world, your online presence is your most powerful tool in real estate. But are you standing out? With Respect The Brand, we’re not just changing the game; we’re redefining real estate visibility. If you’re ready to transform your social media journey into a compelling story that captivates clients and skyrockets your brand, it’s time to get in touch. Respect The Brand: Where your real estate brand meets limitless visibility. Dive into the digital landscape with us and see the difference today. Share your story highlights to drea@dreahespen.com to record your episode on Before You Knew Me Be sure to connect with Kevin! www.facebook.com/kevinteamutz www.instagram.com/kevinutzre/ www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-utz kevinutzre.com