Blog | Joshua and Kelsie Steele — Missionaries serving Christ in Ukraine

Late in 2024, our team had the incredible privilege of traveling to some of the areas in Ukraine hardest hit by the war. Amidst minefields and bombed-out homes, we spoke with people who have endured unimaginable loss. The image above was taken on the final day of our trip when we had the opportunity to preach the Gospel and distribute aid to a large group of Ukrainians in the city of Zhytomyr.

The November Project

Joshua Steele · February 24, 2025

It all began with a phone call from Ben Sargent. Ben serves on our board of directors with Euro Team Outreach, and for some time, we’d been planning for him to visit Ukraine. The goal had been to brainstorm and plan future ministry projects. But now Ben had a new idea. “Josh, when I get there, I want you to find me an interpreter and a vehicle to take me close to the front so I can preach the Gospel. I don’t care if something happens to me; I’m ready to go!” That’s one reason we’re so blessed to have Ben on our team. His enthusiasm and vision keep us going! As we spoke on the phone, I thought fast and made a few suggestions. After our conversation ended, I knew who I needed to call: Oleksandr Ilchenko.

The Steele family, fall 2024: Joshua, Kelsie, Abigail, Rebekah, Hosanna, Kathryn, David, Mia

Fall Family Photos

Joshua Steele · November 21, 2024

If you’ve been following my Facebook updates this month, you know we’ve had some exciting days of ministry in central and southern Ukraine. I’m working on a more detailed report about all that, but in the meantime, I thought I’d share something a bit lighter: our latest family photos!

2024 has been a year of sorrow. Yet, in the midst of our trials, God has brought joy and new life.

Of Books, Baptisms, and Blessings

Joshua Steele · September 24, 2024

One of my most frequent prayers in times of trial is that God would use me up to bless my family, to bring souls to Christ, to glorify His name on the earth, and that He would take me home as soon as my work is done. I don’t say this lightly: 2024 has been a year of sorrow for me, and yet God has given peace and joy despite the fires. Our family is still in Ukraine, we’re still serving Christ, and we are excited to finally be sharing with you an update about what God is doing in our lives!

I Remember You

Joshua Steele · July 31, 2024

Every day I had with you was a gift — a treasure that can never be replaced. And yet, through my tears, I rejoice. I would not call you back if I could, for I know you are at rest in His presence.

Mom is still with us, and God has granted her a most unexpected and miraculous recovery. We praise Him for the gift of life and for each new day we have together.

A Miracle for Mom

Joshua Steele · June 13, 2024

Six weeks ago, I was begging God for a day—even half a day or just a few hours—a chance to see my mom again before she passed into eternity. On the morning of May 1, as our family prepared to board a plane in Vienna bound for the US, Mom’s heart still beat, albeit weakly. International flights usually offer in-flight wifi, and this time, I planned to pay for it. I couldn’t bear the thought of being off-grid when the end came. If we couldn’t make it in time, a video call was the next best option to say goodbye.

I recently made a two-week solo trip to the US to visit and support my family as my Mom is treated for multiple myloma cancer. We enjoyed many sweet moments together, including this Sunday morning hymn sing.

Circling the Wagons

Joshua Steele · April 26, 2024

Mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 2020, and since that time our lives have been different. There are days when things seem normal, and there are battles that are dark and scary. Mom is a courageous fighter, and Dad, along with our siblings and their spouses, have worked tirelessly to support her. Now, Mom is facing new challenges with her health that represent a much steeper decline than we have previously seen. Treatments that once seemed promising are no longer effective. There is an urgency now that we have not felt before. We are circling the wagons, as it were, to support her in every way we can.

We recently had the wonderful privilege of leading a marriage retreat for couples from our church in Lviv.

Ministry and Family in Time of War

Joshua Steele · January 19, 2024

There are days when things appear almost peaceful. We move about the city, living what seems a normal life, and we almost forget that there’s a war on. Then the sirens go off again, reminding us why we pray for peace and liberty in Ukraine. Thankfully, Lviv remains one of the safer areas of Ukraine right now, and God has been faithful to protect our lives and property. We have lost so little compared to many, and the Lord continues to guide and bless us. In this (admittedly overdue) report, we’d like to share with you a glimpse into our family and ministry in this difficult time of war.

On a hot day in August, our family and the CMO team gathered at a hospital for wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Lviv. We went room to room, singing Ukrainian songs and sharing the Gospel.

Loving Ukraine

Joshua Steele · October 19, 2023

We’re back with more news from our family and ministry in Ukraine, but also an important announcement. This will be the final episode of the Journey to Ukraine podcast. While we are sad to have reached the end of this chapter, we’re glad that our journey has brought us home to Lviv! Ukraine remains free, but the war is not over, and there are new challenges ahead. Please join us for this special episode as we share what’s next for the Steele family in Ukraine!