Stephen Aputara was born in a small town of in the Brong-Ahafo region of Southern Ghana on the 2nd January 1962.  He is the first of 14 children.  After attending school in northern Ghana, Stephen went on to complete training in a telecommunication school.  He worked for 5 years in that industry in Bolgatanga, Ghana.  In 1982, Stephen gave his life to Jesus.  Later that year,  he met and married his wife Mercy.  They have been blessed with five children (Kenneth, Japhet, Phoebe, Abigail and Ruby), and two grandsons (Adeliwine and Awinenongre).

 

Though the Aputaras were settled with nice income in the south, when Stephen heard the call of the Lord, they both quit their jobs and returned to northern Ghana to share the Gospel throughout the towns and villages in that region.  Stephen received a diploma in theology from Maranatha  University College in 1992.  He then went on to attend Stephen Olford Center (Union University in Memphis) for Biblical Preaching and Leadership.  Stephen served as the National President of the Bible Church of Africa (now Good News Bible Church) from 2005 to 2013, and as the National Board Chairman of the Widows and Orphans Movement in Ghana from 1997 to 2015.

 

Stephen met with Pastor Dustin McCarty in 2011, when Strategic Impact made entry into Ghana.    Stephen's passion for winning souls, training disciples, planting churches and his desire to expand God's Kingdom rapidly among towns and villages matched perfectly with the vision and effectiveness of Strategic Impact's approach.  He joined Strategic Impact officially in 2013.

 

In his role as West Africa Director, Stephen offers training, coordinates ministry efforts, coaches emerging leaders, and serves on the SI Africa Leadership Team.  Though officially "retired," He still serves as a ceremonial Pastor in All Souls Bible Church (blessing marriages, dedicating babies, conducting naming ceremonies, and providing wisdom).

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Stephen always enjoys returning home to his family, spending some free time on his farms, taking walks, riding his bicycle, and providing encouragement and counseling.