Our Call to missions
Steve and Margie met through church Bible studies and were married in April of 1991. Early in marriage, they desired a simple and faithful life centered on home, church, and family. Yet through the missions emphasis of their church, that desire grew into a willingness to follow God.
That initial voluntary desire to assist God in the work of reaching the world with the gospel grew only stronger as they studied the Word of God. Fulfilling the Great Commission is the way God designed for all the world to hear the gospel. With the encouragement and authority of their local church, they pursued Bible training, missionary preparation, and practical skills necessary for cross-cultural ministry.
Their preparation included Bible training within the local church as well as specialized linguistic and cultural training at Baptist Bible Translators Institute in Bowie, Texas — a decision that would profoundly shape their future ministry.
MINISTRY IN CAMBODIA
In 1998, the Lord directed their family to Cambodia. Over the next twelve years they learned the Khmer language, built relationships within the community, and participated in evangelism, discipleship, and the strengthening of several churches and outreach ministries.
They also assisted with translation and literature distribution, helping make biblical resources available to believers and seekers. God allowed them to witness genuine spiritual fruit as believers grew in Christ and churches continued reaching new areas.
The relationships formed during those years remain deeply meaningful. Today, the ministry continues through a 30-minute daily radio broadcast in Kampot Province. While the Schnells cover the financial costs, the preaching and recording are faithfully led by Pastor Soeung of Damnakchangaeu Baptist Church in Kep Province.
Service at the baptist bible translators institute
In 2011, the Lord redirected their family to the United States to serve at Baptist Bible Translators Institute. For fourteen years they helped prepare missionaries for cross-cultural ministry through teaching, mentoring, and practical service.
Steve served in instructional, maintenance, and leadership roles, while Margie ministered through childcare, hospitality, and support for missionary families in training. These years deepened their love for missionaries and strengthened their understanding of the challenges faced on the field.
Though they believed this season might be their final place of ministry, God was still preparing them for what lay ahead.