How It All Began
Our journey started in Lamphun, a serene town nestled in the heart of Thailand, where connections to the outside world are rare and opportunities are limited. It was here that a calling arose within us—a desire to bring hope, build bridges, and share love without boundaries.
In the beginning, we were just a small group with a dream of helping young people and families who had never seen beyond the mountains and temples of their villages. We began offering English classes in schools, at Buddhist temples, and even in the homes of local families. However, we soon realized that education was just the beginning. Each class and every encounter unveiled stories that brought us closer to the people. Gradually, we understood that our mission was deeper: to share purpose, love, faith, and to plant churches in homes.
Since 2013, when I first got involved with the work of Create International, a profound desire was ignited within me…
Beyond the media initiatives created by Create, I felt a deep calling to share the good news and engage in long-term work with unreached communities.
As time went on, our work led us to the Karen, Kyan, Shan, and Lahu tribes in remote villages where traditions run deep and contact with the outside world is almost non-existent. Among the Kayan of Long Neck, we didn’t just bring words; we provided support to help them build a better future. In the Lahu Red village, we were the first Christians to arrive, and their warm welcome showed us how transformative this calling can be.
This mission is not ours alone. That’s why we invite you to be a part of this story. The call is here, waiting for you.
One of the most impactful transformations happened with a teenager who came to our shelter. Coming from a context of extreme vulnerability, he found not just a roof over his head, but a family. Today, he stands as a beacon of resilience and hope, pursuing an independent life and inspiring others along the way. Stories like his highlight the profound impact a simple opportunity can have on someone’s life.
Our shelter has become a haven where teenagers from challenging backgrounds find more than just safety; they discover guidance, acceptance, and the chance to dream of a brighter future. And we are not alone in this mission. Every step we take results from the collective effort of collaborators, the local community, and those who believe in the power of transformation.
Reflecting on our journey thus far, we know it has been divinely guided. Each smile, each lesson, and each prayer testifies to the love of God that has brought us here. Our dreams extend even further: we aspire to expand our work, reach more tribes, and open new shelters so that, together, we can bring hope to the farthest corners of the world.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is to transform our local communities through the love of Christ, fostering global connections and promoting intercultural experiences that reflect God’s love and grace.
Our Current Goals
- Foster enduring relationships and share Christ’s love within our towns and tribal communities.
- Enhance spiritual and economic growth through educational initiatives and social support.
- Mobilize youth to help champion these communities.
- Connect local communities to the global world, promoting intercultural understanding and cooperation.
- Develop and sustain local, indigenous church movements.
- Implement sustainable programs that support long-term community development and self-sufficiency.
- Empower youth to achieve their spiritual, educational, and social potential by providing access to quality education, resources, and access to good mentors who love and champion them.
Edgar
Edgar Alitto Fonseca was born on September 1, 1979. Since March 2009, he has been fully dedicated to missions, serving with the missionary organization YWAM (Youth With A Mission), which is present in over 170 countries with the purpose of “Knowing God and making Him known.” In 2010, Edgar completed the DTS (Discipleship Training School) and has since worked with children and adolescents in the areas of education, counseling, and discipleship.
For four years, he led the Casa Lar ministry in Gravataí, RS, which focuses on preventing children from becoming street children and restoring families. In 2013, after a period of prayer and confirmation, Edgar moved to Thailand, where about 95% of the population practices Buddhism, making missionary work a significant challenge. Since then, he has served as a missionary in Chiang Mai, developing work in audiovisual, mobilization, and in the behavioral development and discipleship of children and adolescents in social vulnerability.
Additionally, Edgar is dedicated to working with unreached peoples, which are groups with little or no access to the Gospel, seeking to bring spiritual and social transformation. His work is based on the Educational Approach by Principles, in partnership with Create International. In 2021, recognizing the need for a new approach, Edgar founded Open Arms Community, which continues to focus on transforming lives through education, discipleship, and support for local communities. Through this initiative, Edgar remains committed to bringing hope and restoring lives among the unreached peoples of Thailand and beyond.
Patiphat
Patiphat Tittha is a dedicated mathematics teacher with over six years of experience shaping young minds and fostering a passion for learning. Based in Lamphun, Thailand, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Chiang Mai University and a Master’s in Mathematics Education, also from Chiang Mai University. His educational journey continued in the United States, where he earned a Master of Science in Education with a focus on teaching and learning from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, supported by a prestigious government scholarship.
Currently teaching at Suanboonyopatham Lamphun School, Patiphat is committed to equipping students with critical thinking skills, in-depth knowledge, and essential life skills. Through his role, he inspires students to reach their full potential, encouraging them to approach challenges with confidence and curiosity. Fluent in English, he excels in all language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—which further enhances his teaching and allows him to connect with students on a deeper level. Patiphat believes that, as educators, teachers are vital contributors to individual growth and societal progress.
“Through teaching, song, and friendship, I witnessed how deeply Jesus loves the people of Thailand, using us to share his message of faith, joy, and truth.”