Background

Francis Stephanos is the pastor and founder of Addis Hewot Ministries. He came from Ethiopia to the United States of America in May of 2003 to reunite with his family who has been living in Minneapolis. He is married to Fetlework Mulugeta and they have four children and three grandkids.

Francis Stephanos has a Bachelor of Theology from Mekane Yesus Seminary, Ethiopia  and Master of Science in Economic Development from Eastern University in Pennsylvania and has extensive experience in church leadership, church planting, economic development, relief work, and peace making.

He says, “when I came to USA it was clear to me that I will soon go back to the ministry to take the opportunity of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with people. I believe God knows that nearly 20,000 Ethiopians reside in the Twin Cities and they need to hear that He is looking for them in order to give them abundant life.”

Some Testimonials:

“It is over 35 years since I came to know Rev. Francis Stephanos….His zeal for Evangelism, hard working personality coupled with teamwork spirit has contributed a lot in the expansion of God’s Kingdom in this land. Many people appreciate his humble attitude that made him accessible, when he was in positions of high responsibilities. Moreover, I have acquired great respect for him and his family for their practical and sacrificial love extended to those in need.” [Solomon Kebede, Meserete Kristos Church, P. O. Box 8876 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia]

“I have known Rev. Francis Stephanos Beko for more than 30 years…in the context of Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY)…He led the church with integrity, humility and great courage during period characterized by repression and severe persecution inflicted upon the people in general and protestant Christians in particular.”

[Karl-Erik Ludgren, Stockholm, Sweden, 10 March 2006]

“ He [Francis Stephanos] undertook his duties in a clever and humble way. …what impresses me most today is not how he manages the work of his office, but the way he does it. Throughout all the years, from a secondary school student until today being the president of one of the largest and fastest growing Lutheran churches in the world, he has not like so many others changed, but he is still the same faithful and straightforward person he used to be.” [Dr. Johnny Bakke, former Mekane Yesus Seminary Principal, written when Francis Stephanos was leaving for studies in the USA.]