Monday, January 5, 2009
As we embark on a new year, I’d love to ask a simple question to my readers in hopes that many of you would join in on the blog community. In addition to “regulars” sharing their answers, I am especially inviting the lurkers and quiet blog readers to chime in and de-lurk. This is your chance to join in. So, here’s two simple questions:
Question: What’s the most beautiful city/place you’ve visited thus far in your life and why? And share one place in the world you’d like to visit at some point in the future?
My answers: Future visit - I’m excited that I get to visit one of the places I’ve always wanted to travel in the next couple weeks. I’ll be flying to South Africa to do some research, praying, and relationship building for our poverty organization.
As for one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to, Read the rest of this entry »
6 Comments | 
travel | Tagged: san francisco, south africa | 
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Posted by eugenecho
Saturday, January 3, 2009
First of all, Happy New Year. I intended to put together a nice, happy, and joyful family letter but haven’t gotten around to it - and may not until 2010. Who knows? But as we embark on a new year, I want to personally commit myself to a deeper walk and work in Christ and in that process, not only be more hopeful, prayerful, grateful but also commit myself to a deeper anger. Yes, you read that correctly.
I personally think Christians don’t get angry enough at the grave examples of evil, injustice, and suffering around the world. We see, observe, discuss - but mostly at a distance - a safe distance. While my actions may be limited, I want to see the evil, injustice, and pain around me to impact me deep inside so that the Holy Spirit may use it to transform me and by His grace and power, compel me to be an agent of Hope, Grace, Faith, and Love.
I have a postcard of Martin Luther King Jr. on my desk and it reads the following:
When evil men plot, good men must plan. when evil men burn and bombo, good men must build nad bind. When evil men should ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love. Where evil men would seek to perpetuate an unjust status quo, good men must seek to bring into being a real order of justice.”
Tonight, I read another article by Nicholas D. Kristof in the New York Times entitled, If This Isn’t Slavery, What is? Stunning and f**k*n’ sickening Read the rest of this entry »
20 Comments | 
world news | Tagged: injustice, martin luther king jr., new york times, nicholas kristof, slavery | 
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Posted by eugenecho
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
If you can’t tell already, I enjoy blogging. After couple failed attempts, I started blogging regularly in July 2006. It’s instant publishing without having to go through book proposals and such…although I still am in love with ‘print.’ By now, most of you know why I blog and in the near future, I’ll share with you ‘how I blog.‘
But as I look back on this past year, I realized what a l…o…n…g year it was. There were some stuff I blogged about I had forgotten happened this year. But since it’s the season to look back, I put together a list of my “I’m Glad I Wrote This” posts and a second list of stuff that made me laugh. Amongst other stuff, two important things that make a good blog are 1] content and 2] comments/community. I’ve tried to do my part to share honest, engaging, and some substantive content and you’ve certainly done your part to build the community through your comments.
Thank you.
In no particular order, here’s a list of some of my “I’m Glad I wrote this” posts. Feel free to share stuff you’ve written Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by eugenecho
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
* Please take a few mins to view these pictures from the recent sitaution in Gaza. Let me warn you that they are incredibly graphic and intense but lest our hearts grow hardened and desensitized: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/12/israel_and_gaza.html
As promised earlier, here’s another perspective on the tension between Israel and Palestine and why Israel should feel threatened and act in some way. The article below in the NY Times is a good read as was the post I shared yesterday. I am not a radical Zionist since I don’t even quite know what that means anymore. As much as people try to cite history to support their views, I also believe that God chose Israel to carry out His plan of redemption for the larger world and while this many not include the totality of Israel from a political or statehood perspective, the “people” of Israel is still part of God’s future plans as well. The important thing we need to all remember is that God’s plan of salvation, redemption, and grace is not just for one nation or people but the larger creation - including Palestinians. Isn’t this the good news?
We’re all aware of the Holocaust but what do we really know besides numbers? In my lifetime, I find it incredibly provocative that in the 38 years of living thus far and in the numerous places I’ve traveled around the world, I have always encountered some form of random prejudice and borderline animosity/hatred for Israel and/or Jewish people. On occasions, I have asked these people - men or women, young or old, Western or Eastern - why they have such views and most don’t have the slightest clue. But they do and worse, there are those who seek to eradicate their existence. Why?
This doesn’t justify Israel’s violation of human right or international guidelines but something for us to consider. Peace and shalom. I yearn for the day when God will restore all. Until that day, may we wrestle and work towards that Kingdom.
Take 10 minutes to read this NY Times opinion column entitled, Why Israel Feels Threatened:
Read the rest of this entry »
22 Comments | christianity, politics, world news | Tagged: gaza, gaza strip, israel, new york times, palestine | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Like many of you, I have been following the recent escalation of tension and Israel’s “all our war” on Gaza with much sadness, frustration, and prayer. As a usual sympathizer with Israel for various reasons, I have been appalled at the current assault and the lack of strong condemnation by the U.S. leaders including both the current president and president elect.
The issues are immensely complex and Hamas had “something coming” [in my opinion] but the fallout on this “all-out assault” will only escalate to more deaths - on both sides and on both sides of the ocean. As you’re reading up on news wherever you are, also check out these additional news sources: BBC News and Al Jazeera.
I’m currently on vacation so I don’t have time to write more but I do want to “share” couple posts by others - today and tomorrow to engage your thoughts. This is a note that one of our church folks, Cyra, wrote and I thought it was worth sharing [with her permission].
Question: What do you think?
****************************************************************
Here’s Cyra’s thoughts on Israel and Palestine:
I’m no blogger, but Matt’s at work, and he’s sick of listening to me vent about Israel and Palestine anyway.
One of the hardest parts of growing up, I think, is learning that some of the things you were taught as a child are just wrong. Fortunately for me, as my worldview has shifted, so has my parents’, so we are able to agree that some of the things they taught me were wrong. One example is the relationship between Israel and Palestine.
As a child, all I ever heard about Israel and Palestine was that Israel is constantly under attack and that as Christians it is our duty to support Israel (since the Jews are God’s chosen people) and encourage our government to do the same. I heard this at home, but mostly I heard this at the various churches I attended. Just writing this, I can feel anger swelling up inside me toward all the people who propagated this lie, until I remind myself that many of those people, my parents included, were simply unaware of the truth of the situation and had been lied to themselves. Read the rest of this entry »
11 Comments | politics, religion, world news | Tagged: gaza strip, israel, palestine | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Monday, December 29, 2008
As I’m surfing through a list of the best films of 2008, I realized that Minhee and I didn’t get out very much. In fact, I don’t think we went out and saw a single movie together. Part of it is time and most of it is finances. We realized that going to see a movie now costs us about $50-$60 a pop: $20 for the movie tix and $30-$40 for a babysitter and well, no movie is worth $60. Which is another reason why the DVD is my best friend.
But we are trying to watch a film this week while we’re on vacation and have the services of our parents but to be honest, I haven’t heard of most of these films.
Here’s a list from the American Film Institute [AFI] on their Top 10 Films of 2008 and so I have to ask: Read the rest of this entry »
25 Comments | entertainment | Tagged: films, movies, top 10 movies of 2008 | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Just a quick note for those who live in the Bay Area and want to catch me for a chat.
Having grown up in San Francisco and being an example of someone who’s left his heart in San Francisco, it’s a great joy to be back in the city for a little Rest, Relaxation, and Reflection. I’m also thankful and excited for the privilege of “Speaking my Heart” at two churches tomorrow [Sunday, December 27].
I’ll be at Read the rest of this entry »
Comments Off | christianity, church, ministry, religion | Tagged: san francisco | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Dear Friends, Readers, Questers, fellow Seattlites, and Blog Lurkers,
Minhee and I wish you a very merry Christmas. Wherever and whoever you may be, may the peace of Christ descend and dwell in your hearts. May God illuminate you through His Holy Spirit that we may once more be renewed by the Hope of our Savior.
My family will be experiencing a different Christmas this year.
Question: Where are you spending the holidays this year?
We left this Christmas Eve morning for what ended up being a 16 1/2 hour drive Read the rest of this entry »
11 Comments | bible, church, quest church | Tagged: christmas, Jesus, Jesus Christ | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Monday, December 22, 2008
Seriously, when I made my “Farewell Video” last week mocking Seattlites’ winter ineptitude and “the world is ending” local news, I really had no idea what we had in store. I’ve braved two memorable winter storms: one in Princeton, New Jersey where it snowed so much we couldn’t open our front door and the other being a Chicago wind/snowstorm that was so cold that it made me cry…literally.
This wasn’t the worst I’ve experienced but let me just say that I’ve been humbled by Seattle’s Snowpocalypse. I’m not making any more sarcastic videos for a while. And I think I can speak for the entire city and while I’m at it, for the entire Western Washington that this has been humbling.
Some humbling stuff: Read the rest of this entry »
14 Comments | family, travel | Tagged: seattle, seattle snowpocalypse, seattle snowstorm, snowpocalypse | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Sunday, December 21, 2008
As you know, Quest Church canceled our church services in light of the current snow storm [aka Snowpocalypse]. This is the first time in the 17 years of ministry that I’ve cancelled a Sunday gathering so this is awkward but the other elders and pastors believed this was the wisest decision for all involved.
But it’s cool. The “church” doesn’t cease to be the church if it’s not meeting in a building. I hope that numerous Questers are choosing to intentionally worship at home. In that effort, the pastors have put together a simple worship flow to guide you as you see fit. Here’s the worship guide which includes prayer, Scripture reading, communion liturgy, etc.
Also, I recorded my sermon Read the rest of this entry »
6 Comments | church, quest church, seattle | Tagged: seattle snowstorm, snowpocalypse | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Due to Seattle’s version of Snowpocalypse, Quest Church is cancelling all three services for Sunday, December 21. With safety in mind for the 500+ people that drive, cycle, and walk their way to church, the elders and I prayerfully made this decision. I have to share that I feel a little strange since this is the first cancellation in the history of Quest but this is also a great opportunity.
This shouldn’t b excuse for us to play pagan and do nothing except watch football games, consume christmas cake and egg nog, and shovel snow. We want to invite you to carve out some quality time tomorrow to ”Worship @ Home.” While it’s an amazing experience to gather with fellow worshippers from the Quest family on Sundays, you don’t need a worship team, program, or minister to worship the Triune God.
Tomorrow, I want to encourage you Read the rest of this entry »
7 Comments | church, quest church, seattle | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Friday, December 19, 2008
I didn’t expect the post about shoes thrown at George W. Bush to elicit so many responses. I don’t condone the act and wished it never happened but you still have to ask the hard questions.
And while I’ve already stated I don’t condone the act, I have to be honest that I’d be tempted to throw my shoes at several world leaders. One of them would be the leader of North Korea - Kim Jong Il. I don’t know how to react to this video sketch by comedian Danny Cho [no relation] about Kim Jong Il and his thoughts on Shoe Throwing. Should I laugh, be offended, shake my head…? Check out the video: Read the rest of this entry »
5 Comments | entertainment, politics | Tagged: danny cho, kim jong il, north korea | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I love Seattle. Many things to love: coffee, music, quasi-diversity if you look hard enough, the topography, ocean, the rain, teriyaki restaurants to rival Starbucks stores, etc. But it doesn’t snow very often and so when it does, people go crazy. Schools were delayed two hours earlier this week because of possible icy conditions. Yesterday, school was shut down because of a pending snowstorm - which never came. But alas, we get our “snowstorm” today that folks are jokingly calling the Seattle Snowpocalypse.
Seriously, it’s not that big of a deal but when you’re not use to it, local news stations cover it for hours as if it’s the end of the world. But just case it is the end of Seattle as we know it, here’s my farewell address to everyone. God bless you. I hope to see you at the other side. :) Read the rest of this entry »
42 Comments | seattle, travel | Tagged: seattle snowstorm, snowpocalypse | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I’m not sharing this to propagate gossip. There’s enough of it - both in the secular and sadly, christian community as well. But, when I read this news of a famous Korean actress and her lover being “sentenced” this morning, it really intrigued me because even after living in Korea for several years as an adult and doing pastoral ministry for couple years in my birthplace referred to some as the Land of the Morning Calm, I had absolutely no idea that adultery was “illegal” and a crime. I enjoy following Korean films when and IF they’re available here in the States but I don’t follow pop culture in Korea especially since my reading capacity is elementary.
In addition, you know that I’ve been posting thoughts and stories about government, politics, religion, morality and how they all engage together. Simply, the question I keep coming to is,
“What is the government’s role in legislating morality?”
I vacillate back and forth regarding the government’s role and constantly feel conflicted. I agree that adultery is “damaging to the social order” in addition to the clear damage to the SOUL. For the record, I acknowledge that your assessment and/or criticism that I have inconsistent views about the government’s role have weight. And there are days when I just think we should run everything by LAW all over again. Why? Because all of us have such an undeserving and under appreciated entitlement to freedom and grace.
What do you think of the above and below? Read the rest of this entry »
21 Comments | christianity, culture, family | Tagged: adultery, divorce, korea, marriage, morality, ok so ri, park chul, south korea | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Do you remember the song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid? When this song came out in 1984, it instantly became one of my favorites. I couldn’t stop listening to it. It was on my Sony Walkman 24-7.
Of course, there was the U.S. version via We Are the World a year later but this original Band Aid ensemble and song is my favorite. Seeing this again reminds me how difficult it is to have ’staying power’ as musicians and artists. It’s so easy to flame out after several years. Amongst the featured musicians, Bono [U2], Sting, and Paul McCartney seem to be the only artists that still have thriving careers.
Who was your favorite artist from the original Band Aid ensemble? Mine was…
Read the rest of this entry »
11 Comments | entertainment | Tagged: band aid, bono, christmas, sting, U2 | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
George Bush and his legacy as President of the United States? What do you think? Is it too early to tell since the war on terror will mark the legacy of his presidency?
When he was sworn in eight years ago, who would have thunk things would have turned out in this manner. Even folks in his own party have dismissed him, opposed his leadership and pleas, and he was clearly ignored at his own party’s convention. Now, I know that 9/11 changed everything but who would have thunk? So much convoluted thoughts in my head bit let me share four random things including the news of the shoe-throwin’ journalist:
Read the rest of this entry »
129 Comments | politics | Tagged: iraqi journalist, Muntadhar al-Zaidi, shoe journalist, shoe-throwing journalist | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Monday, December 15, 2008
This is a must read for any person in leadership but I share this especially for pastors and church leaders for your consideration as you consider the uncharted journey ahead. When people talk about the vision of being a multiethnic or multicultural church, it nearly always comes down to numbers. For a moment, don’t worry so much about getting to the 20% threshhold that enables your church to then “qualify” or pat yourself as a multicultural church. It’s over-rated in my opinion.
But we have the privilege and burden in influencing the ‘worldview’ of this and emerging generations of Christ followers. Read this and consider how this impacts the way you see your church, neighbor, country and ultimately, your ministry context. You will eventually grow extinct if you unable to adjust to a changing landscape where diversity IS the way we see the world.
Read this NY Times entitled In a Generation, Minorities May be the U.S. Majority. It’s not a matter of IF but WHEN: Read the rest of this entry »
8 Comments | christianity, church, culture, seattle | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Friday, December 12, 2008
My biggest fear is waking up one morning and realize that I’m on my death bed. And as I reflect on my life, I have regrets about my family - particularly with my children. Or simply, that it all went by so quick - and I missed it.
There are days like today when I cannot believe how big my children are and how fast they are growing. Minhee and I feel so privileged to be the parents to our three children. And today, we celebrate our 2nd child’s birthday. TC turns eight years old today.
We obviously love all of our children but TC has a special place in our hearts because she was born at the lowest point of my life. Read the rest of this entry »
18 Comments | | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Friday, December 12, 2008
This is the 2nd blog “open mic” I’ve hosted here. I hosted the first “open mic” several months ago after randomly feeling inspired to do so and got some interesting stuff.
What is a blog open mic? It’s simply a digital version of an OPEN MIC. The pic above is from an Open Mic we host at Q Cafe on Tuesday nights from 6-9pm for those that want to actually get on a small stage and get your talent on. In the comment section on this post, you can share anything - [well, almost anything]:
Read the rest of this entry »
27 Comments | technology | Tagged: blogging, open mic, wordpress | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Thursday, December 11, 2008
As some of you know, I posted the story yesterday about the unfathomable and tragic story of Dong Yun Yoon and his family [English name: Don Yoon] who were killed when an F/A-18 jet crashed into his home. Don, 37, was at work at his cafe when he heard the crash. His wife, two young babies [15 months and 2 months], and his mother-in-law were killed. Unfathomable.
But throughout the day yesterday, I kept wondering to myself why Don’s tragedy and story wasn’t picked up more by the media and the larger blogosphere - especially the Christian blogosphere. Read the rest of this entry »
52 Comments | faith, family | Tagged: don yoon, don yun yoon, dong yun yoon, san diego | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Part II: Why aren’ t we drawn to Don Yun Yoon?
The story is brutally painful. As a husband and father, I can not imagine a more painful thing. Dong Yun Yoon [English name is Don Yoon], 37, was at work at his cafe when he discovered the horrible news of a F/A-18 jet crashing into a residential home - his home. His wife, two young babies, and his mother-in-law who had recently arrived from Korea to help take care of the babies [a Korean custom] all were killed in this tragedy. But in the midst of such deep anguish and pain, Dong Yun Yoon asked people to pray for the surviving pilot of the crashed jet and shared:
“I know he’s one of our treasures, for the country, and I … don’t blame him. I don’t have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could.”
I listen to the Dong Yun Yoon’s video interview on CNNand couldn’t stop crying. Regardless who’s involved, it’s an utterly painful tragedy but looking at him is like looking at a familiar face. As a Korean immigrant myself, his story his familiar. His voice and broken English is familiar. His comments and words are familiar. The people standing around him all are familiar. In many ways, I feel like he’s my younger brother or cousin. He was doing what many Korean immigrants do - work their tails off to provide for their family. He was working at his coffee shop nearby. Yoon immigrated to the United States in 1989 with his brother and sister while his parents remained in Korea [something all too familiar with many Korean immigrants] all in hopes and pursuit of the great American dream. Dong Yun later became a U.S. citizen.
He married his wife, Young Mi Yoon [a nurse], four years ago and had two children: Grace [15 months] and Rachel [2 months]. They had just moved into this house one month ago.
“My wife — it was God’s blessing that I met her about four years ago, and we got married,” he said quietly. “She’s just such a lovely wife and mother, who always loves me, and (the) babies. I just miss her so much.”
Read the rest of this entry »
49 Comments | beauty, christianity, church, faith, family, korean-american, us news | Tagged: don yoon, dong yun yoon, F-18, jet crash, san diego, san diego jet crash, yoon dong yun | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
It’s crazy. I can’t believe it’s December already. The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. As the new year is soon upon us, I’m sharing 7 personal goals for the upcoming year. Why seven? Just sounds more spiritual…
What are some of your goals/resolutions?
Last week, we managed to get some of the lurkers and quiet blog readers off the stands and onto the field. So, let’s do it again!
In addition to “regulars” sharing their answers, I am especially inviting the lurkers and quiet blog readers to chime in. This is your chance to join in and become one of the cool people.
Here are my 7 personal goals for the upcoming year - all in hopes of honoring Christ through my life, family, and gifts: Read the rest of this entry »
26 Comments | family, how to, marriage, seattle | Tagged: 2009, books, goals, humanitarian, resolution | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Monday, December 8, 2008
Minhee and I moved to Seattle in 1997. We are entering our 12th year in Seattle but it was only about 8 years ago when I really began to grow in love with the city of Seattle. I was kayaking in Lake Union when I just gushed over the beauty over the city. And I just started praying for the city and the hope - someday - of being able to plant a church in the city. God honored that prayer and on occasion, I’ll trek over to Kerry Park [few mins from Quest] and lift occasional prayers for the city and people of this city.
It isn’t a perfect city by any means: I wish there was more diversity; city remains ethnically divided; the road systems are wacky; a subway system would be nice; our sports teams are dreadfully cursed, we need more sun, etc. But there are also some amazing things about this city: the topography is absolutely breathtaking; the local music scene is alive and well; everything is green and wet; the city is a creative force and is the hub of numerous companies, etc.
How about you? Where do you live and what do you like or dislike about your city or town?
One of the regular chats I give when I’ve had the privilege of speaking at conferences or churches has been the importance of knowing, loving, and engaging your city. Read the rest of this entry »
14 Comments | church, churchplanting, family, leadership, ministry, quest church, seattle, travel | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
Saturday, December 6, 2008
I hope that while this entry topic might not be as alluring as your top search engine topics like Britney Spears and Barack Obama, you’ll take a few minutes to read up the progress of our global poverty organization. This has been one of the most humbling seasons of our life. When we went public with our vision to give our year’s salary to start this poverty initiative, we had absolutely no idea about what was in store with the financial crisis and meltdown. Our convictions have been tested but each time we think about how “bad” we have it, we’re reminded of the grave situation for the poorest of the poor - those affected by “extreme global poverty.”
Here’s 5 Updates on our Progress:
- FACEBOOK. On Friday, December 5, our Facebook Group - which can be accessed at http://fightglobalpoverty.com - surpassed 200,000 members. It’s pretty amazing considering we started the group on May 15, 2008. While there are no guarantees if folks will ultimately support our organization, it confirms our aspiration for our initiative in helping change the world:
Human Relationships + Technology + [Vision] = Movement
Read the rest of this entry »
14 Comments | seattle, technology | Tagged: compassion, facebook, global poverty, NGO, philantrophy, poverty | Permalink
Posted by eugenecho
