The History of Open Arms

What if there was a way to raise up orphaned children in third world countries to reach their full potential so that they might become future leaders in government, business, medicine and ministry and change their countries? This was the question that began to form in the hearts and minds of David and Rachel Gallagher while on a trip to Kenya in 2002.  At the time, Rachel was working as a pediatric intensive care nurse, having served on the front lines of third world poverty while working with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India.  David was putting together large outreach festivals for the Luis Palau Association in California and Arizona.

In preparation for the Kenya trip, the Gallaghers assembled an 18 person team of medical professionals, children's workers, pastors, and volunteers.   It was to be their first ever joint medical/ministry trip. Their destination was the city of Eldoret in the western part of the country.  What happened over the next several weeks was nothing short of amazing. The medical team treated more than 400 orphaned children for malaria, typhoid, upper respiratory infections, ringworm, and other infections. They received so many donated medical supplies that they were able to leave behind enough to last the local doctor an entire year. The children's team visited ten schools in five days and over 500 children got to know the love of Jesus. More than 5,000 people attended the outdoor festival each night. Nearly 600 received Jesus during the event and more than 3,900 people received Jesus into their lives during the two weeks following the outreach.

Touched by the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the children in Kenya and motivated by their own conviction that these children could move mountains if given the chance, David and Rachel began to form a vision for what would later become Open Arms International. They developed an idea to create secure and productive “Village Communities” where kids, orphaned by aids, civil war, disease and other tragic circumstances would be given an opportunity to reach their full potential, encouraged to pursue their dreams and trained to make those dreams a reality.  These villages would raise up new generations of leaders equipped to confront the difficult issues facing their people and to effect lasting change within their countries.  The first Village would be in Eldoret, Kenya.  One year later, in partnership with their good friends in England, Dr. John and Rosemary Lancaster, David and Rachel co-founded Open Arms International.

In 2002...David and Rachel Gallagher went with a team to Eldoret, Kenya, where the dream to start a Open Arms International was inspired.

In 2003...Open Arms International was founded in November.

In 2004…We took our first overseas Outreach trips as an organization to Uganda, Rwanda, and Bulgaria. Our teams held medical clinics, did children's ministry, conducted pastor's conferences and Christian evangelism events.

In 2005…Open Arms International took its first team to Eldoret, Kenya since the dream had been inspired in 2002. This also marked the first time any westerners were allowed into the Eldoret Prison. OAI went to India for the first time, following the devastating tsunami in December of 2004. OAI established a partnership with ALMA that continues to flourish. A relationship with Orphans Unlimited in Balama, Mozambique began, and OAI received permission from the governor, district administrator, and district medical officer to continue doing medical and Christian work with the local people.

In 2006…Open Arms International became an NGO in Kenya. OAI began its health advocate program in India and Rwanda, training and equipping locals to teach their villages good health.

In 2007…Purchased 52 acres outside of Eldoret, where the Open Arms Vilage is being constructed. OAI took its first Soul Safari team to Kenya and Israel, and while in Kenya, the Open Arms Village was dedicated.

In 2008…Began construction on the Open Arms Village. Received official approval from Kenyan government to care for orphaned children. Renovated existing homes at the Village to take in the first 18 orphans. Dug the water well. Started a feeding program in the Kambi Teso slum of Eldoret, Kenya, feeding 100 children four times per week.

In 2009...Brought 11 orphans to live at the Village and took in two newborn babies. Began construction on the first five new children's homes at the Village and completed two of the homes. Graded a road through the Village. Began the first preschool at the Village for our preschool-age children.

In 2010...Started the Open Arms Academy at the Village for preschool through fifth grade. Brought in 13 new orphans into the Village family. Constructed three guest houses for visitors and volunteers to stay in while serving at the Village. Completed construction on two additional children's homes at the Village.