One7

In September of 2010, our family moved to Charlotte, NC to volunteer with an inner city youth ministry called One7. It was founded in 2008 and now has kids from Africa, Vietnam, Burma, Mexico, El Salvador and the United States. The One7 vision: To reach and transform inner city communities and families by intentionally forming cross cultural youth ministry teams while focusing on holistic change and spiritual growth. We are a part of something so much bigger than ourselves, and we have never regretted the decision to move. One thing we have come to understand is that everyone has a story. All it takes is some time and active participation in someone’s life to develop a personal relationship. Just because a person is smiling on the outside, does not mean they are not ripped apart inside.

www.one7.org

One7 Blog

vision

To reach and transform inner city communities and families by intentionally forming cross cultural youth ministry teams while focusing on holistic change and spiritual growth.

38 thoughts on “One7”

  1. Jennifer Wilcox

    Chris,
    I have visited the One7 website and what a difference the organization seems to be making by positively impacting the lives of these children. I see the financial Donate portion of the site, but was wondering if One7 accepted non-monetary donations such as clothing or household items. That is an area where I would love to help.

    Thanks,
    Jennifer

    Reply ↓
  2. M.R.

    Should be more people like you guys: you restore one’s somewhat jaundiced view of the world. And at my age, it’s pretty jaundiced … Bravo! – live long and prosper.

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    1. Chris Martin Post author

      We have several different soccer teams, U9 up to U17, that not only play a regular season with Charlotte United Club, but also go to tournaments around the country. Last year, our U16 team won a national title up in Chicago through the US Boys Club Soccer organization. A local high school then hired David, the founder of One7 and also coach, to be their school soccer coach. For the first time in many years, the high school had a winning record.

      God is using One7 in this community through soccer and other avenues. It’s been great to see and be a part of.

      Reply ↓
      1. Melissa G

        That’s so cool! I’ve done some work with the SoCal Seahorses (part of Missionary Athletes International.. http://www.maisoccer.com/main/) They’re in Charlotte too so I thought you might have ties with them? If not, they might be a cool resource for you. Blessings as you move and grow in these communities!

  6. Swimming In The Mud

    Thanks for following, Chris. What a wonderful cause you are involved with here. I just started working for a nonprofit that works with victims of domestic violence–putting the writing skills to use with grant writing. Before I landed that job, I volunteered in a similar capacity for a nonprofit that got kids–mostly from underserved communities–out into nature to learn about science. They are either frightened of it all, as they’ve never known anything other than concrete and asphalt, or they embrace it entirely and are changed forever.

    Because of my love for writing, I left my hard-core IT career behind on this new career pathway… writing for the benefit of nonprofits. It was a rough choice because of the stability of IT, but I’m certain I did the right thing. I guess I’m sharing this with you because of our similarities… IT experience and a love for writing. After 20 years of the one, I guess it seemed time to focus on the other! Always good for the heart to do something for good causes. God bless you on your path!!

    Looking forward to reading your posts.

    Peace to you.

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  8. mywac

    Hey Chris – thanks for the ‘follow’. Your volunteering experiences intrigue me. I have just spent 2 years in the USA and was so astounded by the number of hard working professional friends I made who used their free time to volunteer. It is certainly a cultural difference you should be proud of. It’s less so here in the UK. I’m using volunteering during ‘My Year Without A Career’ as a means to explore new opportunties, meet likeminded people and help out all at the same time. It’s not as ingrained in people’s psyche here, but I am steadily finding agencies and organisations that can help. It’s inspiring stuff – MYWAC

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  9. Ashima

    Hello Chris!

    I’m passionate about volunteering.. I can proudly say that I’ve been volunteering for more than half my life now! :) For the last two years I have also been training and managing volunteers as part of my job description! and when I saw this page, I was really happy that you found me because that’s how I found you :)

    love your pics and would love to read more about your volunteering!

    Cheers,
    Ashima

    Reply ↓
  10. sowninpeace

    Hay chris, first off i wandered here because your now following Rogue pastry chef, thanks for that btw. At first i thought cool hes a writer, (i write fantsy) then clicked here and not only are you a writer but you have a heart too. Someone once said we are write the story of our lives on each blank day that God gives us. But I find people seldom pick up the pen to share it. you have that here. :) I totally understand where you come from (in this anyway) as i run a prayer quilt ministry. I know how it moves people when love is shown even in the smallest measure and how our own faith is increased by seeing others with nothing standing strong. You are doing a blessing and you will be blessed for it :)

    Reply ↓
  13. Saint In Training

    Love the pictures! They’re all so cute :) ! We (Mom and I) wanted to say thank you so much for following us! It’s always a blessing to follow a like star to another site and discover something special. We hope that you continue to visit us and we pray for your endeavors with writing and with the children – they really are our future.

    Blessings to you and your family,
    Rebecca and Ma Chris

    Reply ↓
  17. shermangerherd

    Thanks Chris for following my blog. That means a lot to me.BTW you are #101, so you win!
    Win what?, you may ask.
    Your choice: either, virtual cup of coffee or virtual cup of hot chocolate.
    Peace

    Reply ↓
  21. Christina Visionary, Mentor and Medium

    Chris, I served in the non-profit sector for over 14 years. It was such an inspirational chapter in my life and totally humbling too. The vision of One7:
    Focusing on holistic change and spiritual growth is transformational and such a positive contribution to humanity. I see you are using your God-given talents in a variety of ways. How fortunate we are to be the recipients of your perfectly directed intention and talents. And you are a very prolific author as well!
    With sincere appreciation,
    Christina

    Reply ↓
    1. Chris Martin Post author

      One7 has broken me to the point where I don’t worry about my petty little problems anymore. We moved to Charlotte to change lives, and those kids have changed ours. Thank you for your comments.

      Chris

      Reply ↓

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