Steve Schnell was born in 1965 in Nebraska to a Roman Catholic family. He tried to be a good Catholic, confessing his sins to a priest and observing the sacraments. He joined the Navy in 1986. He led a sinful life until a fellow sailor confronted him with the Gospel of Christ. He trusted Jesus and became a bold witness. His buddies tried in various ways to tempt him back to his former lifestyle, and he got in “trouble” with his superiors for his bold witness for Christ.
Margie was born in Pennsylvania. Her family roots run deep in the Old Order (Horse and Buggy) Mennonite religion. A friend was killed in a highway accident which made Margie consider death and eternity. Her older brother was saved, and influenced greatly by his witness, she trusted Christ in 1986. Steve met Margie in Tennessee, and the Lord impressed Steve that she was to be his wife. Steve felt he needed the approval of her father, but his friends told him he did not have a chance. He was nervous but passed her father’s test, and they were married in April 1991.
Their plan was to settle down on a farm, work hard, serve God in Tennessee, and live a wholesome life. That plan was challenged by the call of the multitudes living and dying without Christ with little or no chance of hearing the gospel. The Schnells attended New Tribes Bible Institute for a time and also received extensive Bible teaching at their church.
The Schnells graduated from BBTI in 1996. In 1997, with the sponsorship of their church, they became missionaries to Cambodia. The Khmer language was Steve’s first experience at learning a new language, but it was Margie’s third language. With the Advanced Missionary Training (AMT) skills acquired at BBTI, they learned Khmer without attending a language school. They communicated the message of Christ to the Khmer people for several years, started indigenous churches, translated much Christian literature, and produced a radio program that continues today.
The Lord led the Schnells back to BBTI in 2011, and Steve’s experience in the Asian Buddhist culture became a valuable addition to our Culture Class. He has also taught Ethno-musicology and Chronological Bible Teaching. Outside of the classroom, his building skills have been an invaluable help. Margie has cared for students’ children so mothers could acquire the AMT along with their husbands.
It would seem that BBTI cannot function without the Schnells; but it must. Paul received the Macedonian vision, and the Schnells have received the “Slovenian vision.” Peter Marshall, after his first heart attack, was questioned by a friend if he learned anything from his health scare about overworking, and he replied, “Yes, I learned that the Kingdom of God goes on without Peter Marshall.” And the Schnells know that BBTI will go on, too! The 2.126 million people of Slovenia need the Schnells more than BBTI does.
Slovenians are friendly toward Americans. It is a beautiful country with a great part of the Alps in the northwest. Even though the cost of living is somewhat lower than in the USA, it is higher than at BBTI. This means the Schnells need to raise more support. They are currently visiting churches, asking for the prayers and the financial help of God’s people. Pray for an open door to Slovenia for Steve, Margie, and eighteen-year-old Joel who is a current student at BBTI. Their first challenge will be language and culture learning. It has been twenty-seven years since Steve and Margie learned a new language. Pray as they meet this challenge. Thank God for people that will take on new challenges and prove again the faithfulness of God.
Contact info: schnellfamily8@gmail.com
Winter 2025-26