Negest and Shoan, Founders
Meet the Founders
Escaping from her communist persecutors in 1982, Negest fled by foot with her three small children. Her first husband was caught, dying for being a Navy Officer. In her desperate flight to freedom, hunger, cold and hardship took her youngest. But after many months, she stumbled into a refugee camp, persevering the unborn son in her womb! Miraculously, Negest immigrated to America, where she provided for herself, successfully raising her children, and then marrying Shoan in 2000. From 17 years of age, Shoan was a powerful evangelist for Christ in the Horn of Africa area. Born in Addis Ababa, obtaining advanced theological degrees in the USA, he ministered to various tribal groups in their own languages, on the radio, and in conferences, while developing many disciples for Jesus!
Sacrificially using their own funds, they founded HFHOA in 2003 as a vehicle to equip and encourage the church and make a positive impact for Jesus Christ during this time of intense challenges. Negest choose to return to her family’s home city, to rescue orphans and widows. At the height of his powers, our brother Shoan suffered a stroke, and has now graduated to be with the LORD. However, as you search this site, you can see that this legacy is still active, and we invite you to team up with Negest, and us as we minister in this vital region!
Our National Board of Directors
HFHOA consists of individuals called by the Holy Spirit to partner together in this unique ministry. Except for our evangelists, house mothers, paid social workers, local staff, guards, cooks, etc. in the Horn of Africa, everyone is a volunteer. Our hard working Nat’l Board pictured here, pay their own travel expenses which can be considerable, joyfully donating their own time and money. We have many others who voluntarily serve alongside, managing programs, sponsors, donations and technology both here and overseas. Every dollar given is invested in mission goals the LORD has assigned to us.
Evangelists
We supported impoverished but faithful evangelists, and their dear families. Many of them pastor small churches reaching out to share Jesus to their communities. Some use oral storytelling for the illiterate. Recently we asked Hagos (pictured @ James) to serve on our local House of Hope Board in Adwa, overseeing the staff, and also blessings our at-risk children there. Pray for him during these difficult times! Let us know if you would like to sponsor an evangelist. Contact us!
Key spiritual leaders working with HFHOA
James with Solomon, co-chair of House of Hope in Tigre
Negest with Pastors in Axum