Family

104 articles tagged “family”.

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.

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!

At long last, the Steele kids are reunited at our home in Ukraine!

Destination

Joshua Steele · July 27, 2023

At long last, our journey has brought us back to Ukraine! In this episode we’ll talk about moving, missile strikes, Bible First French, and the return of our CMO project this summer.

Has someone been telling you that the war in Ukraine is fake news? The US didn’t do this. NATO didn’t do this. This is the naked aggression of Russia alone, and today it hit pretty close to home.

Cruise Missile Strike in Lviv

Joshua Steele · July 6, 2023

Last Monday, July 3, we completed the final wave of our move back to Ukraine. Or house here in Lviv is in a somewhat chaotic state as we try to unpack, get rid of clutter, and readjust to life in Ukraine. Notwithstanding the stress of yet another international move, we are glad to be home! Sadly, it didn’t take long for us to be reminded that Ukraine is still at war.

This is the valley in Slovakia where God has kept and blessed our family over the past year. Our village, Mojš, is visible on the far right below the river and above the Kia factory.

Countdown

Joshua Steele · June 7, 2023

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year and three months since we evacuated from Ukraine on a bitter-cold March morning in 2022. During this time, God has kept and blessed our family in Slovakia. We have connected with a wonderful church family consisting of Slovaks, Ukrainians, Czechs, Americans, and Britons. These people have become very dear to us, and we are keenly aware that we are leaving a piece of our hearts here. Now, the time has come to return to Ukraine and our ministry in Lviv.