Our Story: where love finds a way

Caring Arms is a Christian ministry founded by Bjarne ten Harkel, focused on homelessness, addictions and people struggling with mental health issues.

We provide food and support to anyone in need, regardless of their background, religion, or beliefs.

From a dream to the streets

Years earlier, Bjarne had a vivid dream about a safe haven for the homeless and addicted in Tenerife, a place full of light and acceptance. After a long and difficult personal journey, which included a near-death experience his heart fully opened to God. A miraculous encounter led him to the exact place from his dream.

The fulfilment of that divine promise became the starting point of Caring Arms. Bjarne began his work from a simple van, traveling the streets to offer meals, coffee, and a listening ear. Today, that mission continues across Europe.

The founder’s journey

Bjarne’s story is unique. Long before coming to faith himself, he gave up a high-paying career to voluntarily serve those on the margins, driven by a deep desire to help the broken. With a lot of experience in the secular world, coaching and navigating the complex realities of addiction and mental health struggles, he understood the brokenness he saw. Yet, for a long time, he wanted nothing to do with faith himself.

A childhood in a fundamentalist movement had left him with deep wounds, believing that God was identical to judgment and pain.

The turning point came unexpectedly. After a dark season in his life, Bjarne, who normally took care of people with mental difficulties, was now on the receiving end of care. One of the staff members took his hands and stepped outside of the rules and prayed for him. She didn’t judge him; she cared for him and she really saw him. In that moment, he experienced something beautiful. It wasn’t through rules or religion, but through this genuine love that a true seed of his Creator was planted in his heart.

Our approach: true love in action

This work is not a religious program. Our work is a living illustration of how Jesus himself operated, seeking out those pushed to the side by society. We are guided by the biblical definition of true faith:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

This is why our focus is on connection, not rules. We don’t offer a religious program; we build genuine, long-term friendships. Trust is the bridge over which God’s love can reach a person. Our perseverance reflects the heart of the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4).

Where others give up, Caring Arms continues.

We believe faith without works is meaningless, as the Apostle James wrote (James 2:15-16). Our work is simply the practical outworking of Jesus’s own words:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

Bjarne now works as a volunteer evangelist for Caring Arms, guided by the vision of his vivid dream he once had.

Not a dark place, but a place full of light; where people feel accepted and are truly seen

Mission​

– Meeting people where they are.
– Building genuine friendships with the marginalized.
– Offering practical, tangible support.
– Demonstrating the unconditional love of Jesus.

Vision​

– A world where every soul is precious, seen, heard, and loved.
– To see broken lives restored with Hope and purpose.
– Bring people closer to God especially them with religious trauma.

Values​

Unconditional Love: Loving without an agenda.
Perseverance: Never giving up on people.
Authentic Connection: Relationship over religion.
Hope in Action: Faith demonstrated through service.
Dignity: Seeing the person, not the problem.