Who We Are
Hope for the Hopeless is a child development program begun by Pastor Surafel Gebretsadik in 1993 to support the growth and development of street children and orphans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The program has grown into a non-profit organization managed both in the United States and by local staff in Ethiopia.
The program is comprised of a rescue center for street children, a residential orphanage and long-term foster care homes where hundreds of children can
• Feel safe and secure
• Learn to trust again
• Learn the truth of Jesus Christ
• Receive food and clothing
• Receive education
• Receive basic medical care
Pastor Surafel
Pastor Surafel Gebretsadik was born and raised in Ethiopia. His ministry began during the Derg’s communist reign in Ethiopia (1974-1989). He was imprisoned four times for practicing and preaching the message of Jesus Christ and finally fled Ethiopia as a refugee. He eventually made his way to America where he has been granted citizenship and began his famiy.
When the communist government in Ethiopia fell, Pastor Surafel was able to return to Ethiopia. “My heart never left Ethiopia,” he says. He continues to return to his homeland to “do God’s work and help God’s children.” He established Hope for the Hopeless in 1993 to fulfill God’s commandment to care for orphans.
In addition to the work that Surafel continues at Hope for the Hopeless, he serves as Pastors for a local Ethiopian church in Phoenix, AZ and coordinates the refugee program there. He also conducts HIV/AIDS training for pastors in Ethiopia and continues to preach and live the gospel.
Fekadu
Fekadu Shenkute was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1965. He was raised during the regime of the communist Derg and was responsible for helping to support his family from the time he was a child. Through hard work, studying and with the help of God, Fekadu was able to attend the university at Arat Kilo Science Facility. It was during this time that he received Jesus Christ as his savior.
Fekadu began his career as a teacher and youth leader in a Lutheran church school. He worked there for ten years during which time he met his wife and began his family. He then became director of Compassion International’s project in Wolikete, Ethiopia. After two short years, the program was closed due to difficulties with the local Muslim town administration, causing 900 vulnerable children to lose the aid that was being provided.
With his wife and two young children, Fekadu returned to Addis Ababa and met Pastor Surafel through a friend. He became the director of Hope for the Hopeless in August of 2001. He says, “I am so happy with my work. I love Surafel, the kids, and all who are committed to Hope for the Hopeless.”
In addition to the work that Fekadu performs at Hope for the Hopeless, he serves as the Administrative Chairman for a local Lutheran church and holds a diploma in software engineering from Grace College. He will also graduate with a management degree in August so that he can better serve this program. Through everything, Fekadu continues to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ and selflessly serves the Lord.
