Our Story
One Life is a non-denominational faith-based organization that seeks to unify, equip, and support local pastors and leaders in bringing dignity and hope to the forgotten people within Baja California, Mexico through a variety of holistic support services and community resources.
building homes
nurturing families
transfOrming communities
Our Beginnings
Most foreign aid to the Baja Peninsula doesn’t reach the San Quintin Valley, creating what many refer to as a “forgotten zone” that stretches south to La Paz. Our story begins in the early 1990s, when a passion for outdoor adventure and missions led to the formation of a company focused on facilitating trips to Baja. While that work impacted many lives, we began to sense a deeper calling—to go beyond what we were doing and invest more directly in the people and communities of this region.
In 2007, the vision to support the existing efforts of local indigenous organizations in the San Quintin Valley began to take shape. Two years later, in 2009, the Los Olivos campground was purchased, planting the roots of One Life One Chance in the heart of the valley. Today, this campground serves not only as our Mexican headquarters but also as a recreational park and a vital gathering place for the surrounding community.
Today
One Life believes in establishing long-term, interdenominational relationships with the local community and its leaders.
One Life continues to serve the people of the San Quintin Valley by building long-term trust, encouraging and supporting children’s education, supporting and mentoring local leaders, facilitating healthy opportunities for community fellowship and unity, and helping meet basic human needs such as housing, food, and hygiene as well as emotional and spiritual support.
ONE LIFE (UNA VIDA) TEAM
Mexico Team (San Quintin)
Manuel began serving with One Life in 2018. As Executive Director of the organization in Mexico, he provides leadership to the ministry and Los Olivos park staff teams. He manages the everyday affairs of the ministry and is a key connection point between our Mexican and Canadian staff. Manuel is married to Anarely and they have three children: Saith, Christopher, and Nicole.
Manuel de Jesus Morales
Hipolito (Poli) Ramirez Nazario grew up in Puebla with his family, but at the age of 16 he moved to Baja California. He came to know the Lord in 2013 and married Belen, the daughter of a local pastor. Since then, Poli has grown in his faith and actively served in his home church and community, and in 2019 he and his family were blessed with the construction of a home by One Life. Poli joined the One Life team in September 2021, working alongside Arturo & Heather in pastoral care and community outreach. Poli & Belen have a 6-year-old son Yeshua, and are expecting a new baby in June 2022.
Hipolito Ramirez Nazario
Antonio serves God as a pastor at the Biblical church Spring of Living Water in San Quintin. However, the roles does not have a salary and Antonio had been doing sporadic manual labour for his livelihood. As he was preparing to be married, him and his fiancée prayed to receive guidance from God and for Him to provide a more stable job. God opened doors and answered his prayers to be able to join the One Life San Quintin team. Antonio assists with the maintenance of the park grounds and also with the house builds. Antonio says, "every day I want to give my best, knowing that I work for a Christian ministry that loves God and its neighbor."
Antonio Rivera
Flor has been part of the team at Los Olivos for a few years. She runs the gatehouse and store at the entrance to the park. She also takes care of cleaning all the buildings on-site, making sure they are ready for those who use the park.
Florinda Mendez
Canada Team (Chilliwack)
Brenda is a co founder of One Life, a board member, and the Finance Director. She has a lifetime of experience working with One Life One Chance. In her off time she enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with her Grandkids.
Brenda Wall
With a background in full-time church ministry and experience in elementary and middle school education in Alberta, I moved to Chilliwack in 2021 to be closer to family and explore new opportunities. Recently, I’ve been embracing my role at One Life, where I’m thrilled about the growth and development happening both personally and within the ministry. My family life is as dynamic as my professional one—my outdoorsy husband and two children have a deep love for sports and the arts. In my free time, I find joy in tending to my garden and chickens, exploring the outdoors with friends and family, and baking.
Jennifer Yee
Coralie’s job experience was varied before realizing a gifting for administration. She came to One Life with 5 years’ experience and is excited to use her God-given gifts to both be a blessing and be blessed by this ministry. When she’s not serving at One Life, Coralie enjoys singing, cooking, reading, going for walks and hikes, watching detective shows, and spending time with her family.
Coralie Dowedoff
Keila is a Guatemalan living abroad who loves singing, travelling, exploring, has deep respect for all animals and a passion for community work. After serving as a translator for over 10 years on mission trips in her home country, she knew she wanted to dedicate her time and skills to work alongside others for a brighter and dignified future. She believes this new chapter with One Life was part of God's plan for her life, which is an enormous blessing full of deep lessons.
Keila Jerez
Cassandra has years of bookkeeping experience and is very pleased to be working at One Life Ministries. It has always been her desire to serve the Lord with the gifts He has given.
Cassandra Hall
Board
of Directors
Rob Wall
One Life Co-founder
Brenda Wall
One Life Co-founder, Director of Finance
Randy Stark
Chair
Ana Adamik
Chris Climie
Jeremy Tinsley
Tony Rahnborn
