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Moving day at our new home-for-now in Žilina, Slovakia

Expanding Fronts

Joshua Steele · March 25, 2022

God is continuing to open doors here in Slovakia, and we are seeing good progress on several fronts. In this episode, we’ll talk about our new apartment, some good relationships that we’ve been building with Ukrainians, an exciting evacuation story from Kharkiv, and Joshua’s upcoming trip back to Lviv. Additionally, we have some good news about a new van!

Typical apartment buildings in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Photo by Max Tereshchenko on Unsplash

“Save us”

Joshua Steele · March 15, 2022

A few days ago, I received a sobering text message which consisted of only two words: “Save us”. That message was sent by someone trapped in the city of Chernihiv, currently besieged by the Russian invaders.

As we crest the last hill, we finally see the crossing area come into view. What a welcome sight!

Our Journey

Joshua Steele · March 5, 2022

On March 1, 2022, our family completed our crossing from Ukraine into Slovakia. This has been a difficult journey, but as always, God has been more than faithful. It’s been a few days since we posted news of our progress, so in this (admittedly longer) audio update, we’d like to bring you up to speed. We’ll talk not only about what has transpired, but about our current position in Slovakia and our plans the future. Thanks for listening!

Photo by Aleksandr Paramonov on Unsplash

EVAC

Joshua Steele · February 26, 2022

Events are unfolding quickly here, and today we have time only for a few short lines. We are now nearing the close of the third day of Russia’s evil and brutal war against Ukraine. As I write, fighting rages in the city streets of Kyiv while families huddle in underground subway stations. And yet, the Ukrainians seem to be surprising everyone with their courage and skill! I’m told that the Russian army has lost more men in the past three days than during their entire campaign in Syria.

Photo by Eugene on Unsplash

Sirens and Shelters

Joshua Steele · February 25, 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues into its second day. This morning, we woke up to air raid sirens in Lviv. Please listen to the audio clip below for our latest update. As always, we greatly appreciate your concern and prayers for our family and for Ukraine during this time.

Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash

Ukraine Update from Lviv

Joshua Steele · February 24, 2022

Russia has invaded Ukraine. Our family remains in Ukraine as of this writing, and we’d like to provide you with a brief update on our situation here. Please listen to the audio clip below to learn more. As always, we greatly appreciate your concern and prayers for our family and for Ukraine during this time.

Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk on Unsplash

Are We Safe?

Kelsie Steele · February 13, 2022

My mom made a comment to me about my husband several years ago. She said, “I think Joshua has good judgment. I would feel safe with him.” I don’t even remember the circumstances that prompted that remark, but recently I have thought of it several times. Due to Ukraine’s recent place on the world stage, there has been a lot of interest in what our family would do.

One last family photo on U.S. soil as we prepare to depart DFW airport bound for Lviv

Home Sweet Ukraine 🇺🇦

Kelsie Steele · January 24, 2022

Over time I’ve become convinced that every circumstance in my life is in God’s hand, a planned part of His story for me. There are no accidents for his children! Turns out I would need the comfort of that conviction as we traveled back to Ukraine this week.