At Farmington High School, many students in Comp, Public Speaking, and Creative Writing classes are guided by a teacher with an incredibly unique background. Bobby Upchurch grew up in Ukraine and Belarus, beginning at age 11 as part of a missionary family. His experiences living in another country not only shaped his worldview but also deeply influenced his approach to teaching.
As most would say, deciding to move across the world is not the easiest decision. Leading up to this journey, the Upchurch family prepared in many ways, including allowing even the youngest members of their family to help make this huge decision. This shaped how Upchurch parents their kids today.
“They also involved us in that decision. I was 11, and we talked about it a lot. We prayed about it as a family. From the very beginning, they said this was a decision we would make together. So, it wasn’t something that just happened to us; we were part of it,” Upchurch stated. “ As a parent now, that has changed how I think about doing things with my own kids. They didn’t think we were too young to be a part of big decisions. We did everything together in the field—we were always working with them.”
The family left everything they had built in America and moved to Europe to help others. Upchurch believes that growing up as a missionary kid was the most important thing that he has ever experienced
“I would say it’s probably the most significant thing that’s ever happened to me.” Upchurch stated, “I think the most important part was that it showed me what it looks like to be obedient to God—because my parents literally left everything, and we all left everything. It definitely changed my perspective. People talk about obedience all the time, but I got to live it and see what it really looked like. It was fantastic.”
Living in America, people often overlook how much of a blessing it is to live in such a free, abundant, and mostly safe country. Many people in America will never get the chance to truly be an outsider. While in Europe, the Upchurch family experienced this, and it formed the man Upchurch is today.
“It also completely changed my worldview. Had I just lived in Southeast Missouri and never experienced life elsewhere, I wouldn’t know what it felt like to be an outsider.” Upchurch stated, “So many of my core values today are directly tied to that experience. It changed me—I would not be who I am now without it.”
Although many benefits came from Upchurch’s life as a missionary, there were some challenges and scary moments. One of which was the language barrier, along with just being a foreigner.
“Oh, yeah. Lots of them. One big challenge was not knowing Russian when I first arrived. Even when I did learn it, I always had an American accent, so I always stood out. It was really hard being someone who’s always been a talker, and suddenly not being able to communicate,” he stated, “That experience softened my heart. I know now what it’s like to be the person who no one understands. That changed me.”
Upchurch also experienced some very scary moments, including gangs and even a member of the mafia.
“There were also some scary situations. Belarusian people are generally sweet and laid back, but in our town, skinhead gangs were a thing. They didn’t like foreigners, and since we looked different, we were targeted. I used to travel alone with my guitar and ride public transportation, and they would sometimes follow me or pretend to shoot at me with their hands shaped like guns. One time, while playing basketball, my younger brother got cornered by a group who thought he had money.” He stated, ”They pushed him, he told them to stop, and they punched him, breaking his glasses. We ran over, and they fled once they saw a group coming. There was also a girl who liked me whose dad was in the mafia. I wasn’t interested, but I was a little afraid of what might happen if I upset her. So yes—definitely some scary moments.”
The Bible says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. These verses are known as “The Great Commission”, a foundation for Christian missions. The Upchurch family was called to mission work in Europe, and through obedience and the power of God, they shared the love of God with many people.
