Take a good look at the photo to the right - A life needing redemption...

Dave Anderson has joined our staff in early November. Dave will co-ordinate and develope our "Redeemed Lives" program. Dave comes with many years of experience of working in our society and ministry. Welcome Dave!

"Redeemed Lives" will be a 1 year rehabilitation institution for men in bondage to alcohol and drug addiction. This will be a Bible based 24/7 program where the students in the program are involved in daily Bible Study, Chapel Services, employment, recreation, counselling, and home chores. This program is expected to accept it's first resident in early 2009. We are starting the program internally but our vision is to purchase a farm. WE NEED A FARM to properly execute this program. CAN YOU HELP?

To appreciate this journey on which God is taking us , please read on about our..............

Long Term Vision to Become a True Rescue Mission

God gave us a vision some years ago and we've been following that direction. Let us tell you about the 6 phases of this vision.

Phase 1 was a change to the way we distributed food from our food bank. Changes were made over a year ago where by we handled the dispersing of food in a more responsible way and as better stewards of the food provisons that God gives us. These changes also solved some privacy issues that we had. Our food clients are allowed to come here once a month, and we no longer monitor wherever else they go to get food assistance.

 
Phase 2 was the opening of a business, needed to give our men in the program a place to work everday as part of their Re-Hab. We have now opened "Redeemed Goods", a store that sells very good new and used items. We are also using the store for Work Skills training for Mission clients. You can read about it by clicking Redeemed Goods on the menu bar.

Phase 3 is the actual start up of the "Redeemed Lives" program. We will begin very small at first with a maximum of 3 men. This part of the vision will become reality soon. Much prayer and preparation is needed. We want to introduce these students to a Saviour who gives hope. We hope to help change lives from the inside out.

 
Phase 4 would see the beginning of a Skills Centre for the clients of the Mission as well as the students in the program, where they can learn skills and training in areas like woodworking, financial guidance, sewing, knitting, reading, computers, cooking and more.

Phase 5 will be a huge step! Now it's time for a bigger Mission main facility.  It will have to be capable of hosting Saturday meals, the food bank and Mission administration. The present building would then be used as our full time church facility, providing daily Chapel Services and children's ministries. By this time, our hope is that we may be able to convert our apartment building next door into a long term addiction program for women. We understand that ministry to women may very well involve their children, so that has to be considered. The cottage could be converted for administration for that program. This would all hinge on city zoning of course.

Phase 6 is another big step of faith. We would like to purchase homes in our neighbourhood and renovate them by using those in our Re-Hab programs, as part of their work requirements. These homes would then be used for a 2 year follow-up program for the graduates of "Redeemed Lives." At this time in their recovery, they would be either working or attending post secondary schooling. This would a community living type of home for perhaps 4 people where they would no longer be monitored 24 hours a day, yet still have connections and responsibilities to our ministry. A home may be renovated and used as a foster home for mission kids of the women in the long term program.

Believer's Expo - This vision will need a grand annual fund-raising event. We keep thinking about the need for an Exposition in the Niagara Region that believers might be interested in visiting. We have shows for everything else - why not a "Believer's Expo?" All profits from the event would go to the Re-Hab programs at Open Arms Mission. Imagine a venue where you can visit almost everything that has to do with Christianity. Imagine, Christian businesses profiled, Christian opportunities like missions, materials, goods, organizations, profiles. Imagine  renowned speakers doing seminars and evangelical events. Imagine a variety of renowned musicians and singers providing worship times for all ages. This is a very exciting concept and will need much planning. We believe this may be in our future.

Our vision is all about people's lives! People that need Salvation and Spiritual power to change. Open Arms Mission commits to being most effective in providing that kind of ministry.