More About Our Story
WHERE GOD LEADS, WE FOLLOW
For more than 30 years, our family has had the privilege of serving God through missions. What began as a simple step of obedience has grown into a lifelong journey of faith, calling, and ministry. Over the years, God has led us to serve in different places, cultures, and languages, continually reminding us that His work reaches far beyond borders.
From Tennessee to Texas, to Cambodia, and now to Slovenia, each season has brought new opportunities to share the gospel and build meaningful relationships. Every place God has led us has strengthened our faith and deepened our commitment to the mission He has given us. The following sections share more about that journey and the ministry the Lord has allowed us to be part of.
Steve's Testimony
I was born and raised in Crete, Nebraska and grew up with sincere religious exposure. Yet despite outward religion, sin had a strong hold on my life and I lacked true peace with God. The emptiness of that life eventually disrupted relationships, direction, and stability.
In 1986 I joined the United States Navy. During that time, the Lord placed a sailor in my life who cared enough to clearly explain the gospel. For the first time I understood that salvation was not found in religion, personal effort, or moral improvement, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone.
In 1987, at the age of twenty-one, I trusted Christ as my Savior. That moment marked a genuine turning point. As I was transferred from base to base, I developed a deep hunger for the Word of God and began growing spiritually through personal study and the encouragement of faithful believers.
After completing my military service in 1990, I moved to Tennessee and became actively involved in a local independent Baptist church. Through personal evangelism, teaching, and practical ministry, the Lord began shaping both my convictions and my burden for souls.
Margie's Testimony
Margie was raised in a conservative Old Order Mennonite (horse & buggy) community in Pennsylvania where strong family values, responsibility, and reverence for God were deeply emphasized. As a young adult, the reality of eternity became very personal following the death of a close friend, leading her to place her faith in Christ.
However, the environment she grew up in strongly emphasized works blended with faith, leaving her struggling with assurance of salvation. It was through the church Bible studies and the clear teaching of Scripture that Margie came to fully rest in the finished work of Christ and rejoice in the certainty of salvation by grace.
Her upbringing instilled a strong commitment to family life, faithfulness, and quiet service — qualities that have proven invaluable and profoundly shaped both her home and missionary.
Our Family
Throughout these years, God blessed their home with six living children. Margie faithfully homeschooled and nurtured their family while Steve balanced ministry responsibilities with practical service. Their family has experienced both the joys and sacrifices of missionary life, including the loss of a child who went to be with the Lord — a reminder of the eternal perspective that continues to shape their ministry.
Joel
Joel, the youngest of the Schnell children, is eighteen and has voluntarily chosen to join Steve and Margie in Slovenia. Having grown up around missionary training and ministry, Joel has developed a sincere interest in missions and desires to serve wherever God leads.
He is currently receiving missionary preparation and hopes to use education and long-term residence as a bridge for meaningful gospel ministry among the Slovenian people. Joel’s presence provides valuable assistance in ministry while also representing the next generation being burdened for the nations.