Obituary

Stephanos Berachi departed from us due to a car accident that occurred on May 20, 2013. Stephanos is survived by the Paulos Baraki’s family, Petros Baraki’s family, Mebrat Baraki’s family, Terhas Baraki’s family, and many extended families far and near, including all the people that he has gotten to know and worked with. Stephanos was born in Ethiopia on June 4, 1962 from his loving mother Mrs. Georgis Gebrehet and his father Mr. Berachi Woldemariam. Stephanos was the youngest of five children with two brothers and two sisters. After completing His High School education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Stephanos migrated to Rome, Italy in the early 1980’s to continue his higher education. After a few years, he moved to the United States and lived in the Virginia/Washington, DC area. Stephanos accepted Jesus into his life in the mid 1990’s. In the year 2004, he answered to his calling to be a missionary and decided to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma to study Theology. Stephanos enrolled in Rhema Bible College in the year 2006 and graduated in May of 2008. After his graduation, Stephanos had the opportunity to travel to Peru, South America as a missionary. His travel to Peru had intensified his continued desire to serve God through his missionary work. Stephanos talked about his greater mission, which would have allowed him to take the teachings of Jesus Christ to his home land of Ethiopia. Meanwhile in Tulsa, Stephanos found comfort in serving God by serving and caring for others through his job at the Gateway Foundation. For those of us that know him, Stephanos was a kind and loving individual who dedicated his life to live according to Jesus’ teaching. . . “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) Stephanos’ dedication to God allowed him to live a simple life, maintain a character that could relate to everyone and a smile that would light up a whole room. His desire to serve God, to love and serve others, and to sacrifice worldly possessions for the simple life of service shows the deepest part of his heart’s desire. He will be missed greatly by many. Acknowledgment: The Baraki family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the many thoughtful ways in which you expressed your concern, love and sympathy. We all will forever remember your kindness. May God continue to bless each and every one of you! Condolences may be sent through the guest book on this page.