Our Projects
Our projects encompass a diverse range of initiatives aimed at community engagement and spiritual growth. We run vibrant Children’s Ministries, including English teaching with monks, which fosters language skills and cultural exchange. Our outreach extends to the Kayan (long neck), Lahu, and Karen tribes, where we implement Discipleship Making Movements (DMM) and focus on church planting to cultivate local faith communities. We also support business formation to empower individuals economically and conduct home visits to build strong relationships. Our children’s camps provide a fun and educational experience, while prayer work serves as a foundation for all our efforts. Additionally, we offer English teaching for young adults and actively engage in Thai church ministry, welcoming DTS outreach teams to collaborate on these impactful projects.
Tribes Ministries
In the Karen tribe, we actively engage with the local church by implementing social work initiatives and organizing English camps for children. Our efforts also include conducting home visits to strengthen community relationships and offering prayers to support the spiritual needs of the families we serve. Additionally, we occasionally assist with vegetable crops, fostering agricultural skills and promoting self-sustainability within the community.
In the Lahu tribe, we take pride in being the first Christians to enter this vibrant community, dedicating ourselves to building meaningful relationships with the families of the teenagers we support. Our focus is on fostering trust and understanding, which allows us to provide emotional and spiritual guidance, ultimately helping these families navigate their challenges and grow in their faith.
In the Kayan (Long Neck) tribe, we strive to provide more than just words; we are committed to offering essential support that paves the way for a brighter future through various community development initiatives. Our approach focuses on empowering individuals and families by addressing their needs, enhancing their skills, and fostering sustainable growth within the community. By working collaboratively, we aim to create lasting change that positively impacts the lives of the Kayan people.
In the Shan tribe, our efforts are centered around providing English lessons to children and adolescents, which helps enhance their educational opportunities and opens doors for their future. We also conduct home visits to build strong relationships within the community and better understand their needs. Additionally, we donate food baskets to families in need, ensuring that we address immediate hunger while fostering a sense of support and care within the community.
Community Engagement
At Open Arms, we engage with local schools, universities, and Buddhist temples by volunteering to teach English, particularly in a temple in Lamphun. Our mission is to foster relationships and serve the community through education. We conduct English classes and collaborate with local educators to enhance learning opportunities, creating a supportive environment where both students and teachers can grow together.
The Shelter House at Open Arms is dedicated to supporting adolescents and children from tribal families by providing a safe and nurturing environment that fosters opportunities for education and discipleship. Our mission is to open our home to these young individuals, where we offer tutoring and mentorship to help them thrive academically and spiritually. Through this initiative, we aim to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter future.
The Home Churches initiative at Open Arms is focused on conducting small group meetings to help root faith and biblical teachings in the lives of those we serve. Our mission involves organizing home group gatherings where participants can come together in a supportive environment to engage in meaningful discussions and prayer. Through these gatherings, we aim to deepen their understanding of scripture and foster a strong sense of community and spiritual growth.
Collaboration
We frequently partner and collaborate with all sorts of short-term teams. In particular, we’re a YWAM ministry, so DTS teams frequently come by, but we’re also able to host church mission trips, and other teams as well.
How you can pray for us
“Working with Edgar and his team was a transformative experience that deepened my love for Thai culture, especially during our three days in the Karen tribe, where we shared life and faith with the villagers and learned to approach missions with love and compassion.”