Aaron Blue

         Aaron Blue is founder of The Charis Project. As CEO he has guided the Charis Project's development since 2010. He is also the director of Shade Tree Foundation, the Charis Project's sister organization on the Thai/Myanmar Border in Mae Sot, Thailand, which he founded in 2016. The mission of these two organizations is to protect children from the harm they endure when ignorance and despair oppress their families by equipping these families with the wisdom and hope to establish a strong home so that every child can grow up to be the hero they were born to be.

        Aaron brings 25 years of development and ministry experience in Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Mexico, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Navajo Nations, inner city Vancouver and San Diego, both working with other organizations and launching new programs. He is known for his learning and innovation approach to development work that results from the combination of his academic background and practical experience in ministry and development. Driven to solve root problems, rather than just treat symptoms, he employs creative problem solving, experimentation, and critical analysis in his efforts to bring actually useful and helpful aid to people and communities.

       Aaron is sought out as a consultant and speaker on subjects ranging from organic farming, education, best practices for 3rd party child care and whole child development, the role of development work in the redemption of land and culture, and applied theology. Aaron holds a B.A. of Philosophy from University of California San Diego. He studied Theology at a graduate level at Regent College. Aaron enthusiastically studies cognitive science, psychology, leadership, religion…all toward the goal of better understanding and producing positive transformation in himself, the teams he leads, and the communities he serves.

Aaron and his wife Carrien currently live in Thailand with 5 of their 6 children (the 6th has returned to the USA to make his own adult life.)