In 2003, Open Arms International was founded to provide practical help for vulnerable children around the world. Through God’s faithfulness and the dedication of generous supporters, short-term mission teams reached thousands of people around the world with the love of Jesus, providing medical care, education, feeding and community development programs. In 2006, the organization purchased land in Kenya and Open Arms Village was established. Today it is a thriving safe haven for hundreds of children, helping them become all God has destined them to be, including future leaders in Kenya.
After seeking God’s will for how best to meet His heart for the poor, in 2022, God led us to partner with another childcare organization, Stand by Me, enabling us to rescue more children in crisis in Kenya and extend our impact to other countries beginning with Romania. In January 2025, Open Arms and Stand by Me became one organization, motivated by Jesus to transform the lives of 1,800 children in Kenya, Romania, Colombia and Ethiopia and helping them become everything God created them to be.