If you're a missionary or ministry worker who needs to keep supporters updated without putting your team at risk, Stello was built with you in mind. It's a free, open-source desktop app for sending secure, interactive newsletters — think of it as a privacy-first alternative to platforms like Mailchimp.^1
Unlike traditional newsletter services, Stello doesn't store your data on a central server. Everything lives on your own device, and messages are encrypted before they ever leave your computer. Recipients simply click a link to view your newsletter in their browser — no accounts, no apps to install, no passwords to remember.^2 Messages can be set to expire or be retracted after sending, giving you control that email alone can never offer.^3
What makes Stello stand apart is how it reimagines what a newsletter can be. Recipients see an interactive, mobile-friendly layout with collapsible sections, embedded slideshows and videos, and the ability to comment and react — features Stello's creator calls "webletters."^4 The design is intentionally simple: you focus on writing, and Stello handles the styling so every update looks clean and readable.
Stello is made by Gracious Tech, a non-profit Christian organization founded by Jon, a developer with degrees in both IT and theology who built Stello after serving on the mission field in south-east Asia.^5 Every app Gracious Tech makes is completely free — no cost, no ads, no sign-up, no tracking — released under the MIT No Attribution license so anyone can use and modify it.^6
Why Users Love It"It's so quick and easy to send our news"^1
"We have received way more return messages than ever before"^1
"I think this is by far one of the best newsletters that I've ever read."^1
Notable- Hundreds of missionaries from dozens of mission agencies rely on Stello daily^5
- Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux — also listed on the Microsoft Store^7
- End-to-end encrypted using AES-GCM symmetric encryption and RSA-OAEP asymmetric encryption^3
- Fully open source on GitHub with 2,393+ commits^6
- Donation-funded with no paid tiers or premium features — currently at 40% of full-time developer funding goal^5
- Part of a broader ecosystem from Gracious Tech including Paper Bible, fetch(bible), and Track Bible^8
