Picture a pastor from Seoul who turned faith into a global fight against hunger—meet Eugene Cho! A dynamic Christian advocate, author, and speaker, Cho’s journey from immigrant roots to leading Bread for the World is a testament to compassion in action. With his nonprofit One Day’s Wages, he’s raised millions to tackle poverty, inspiring believers to live out their faith boldly.
Born in South Korea, Cho’s story is one of resilience and purpose. His work blends heartfelt storytelling, sharp social commentary, and a call to justice, making him a unique voice in Christian advocacy. Let’s dive into the life of this remarkable leader who’s changing the world, one day at a time!
The Making of Eugene Cho
Eugene Cho was born in Seoul, South Korea, and immigrated to the United States at age six, landing in San Francisco with his family. His parents, who fled poverty and persecution in what is now North Korea, instilled in him a deep sense of empathy for the vulnerable. Growing up, Cho faced the challenges of being a 1.5-generation immigrant, navigating cultural divides while dreaming big. After studying at the University of California, Davis, he earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, setting the stage for a life of ministry and advocacy.
Cho’s early career took root in Seattle, where he and his wife, Minhee, founded Quest Church in 2001. For 18 years, he pastored a vibrant, multicultural congregation, honing his ability to connect faith with real-world issues. This period also sparked his vision for One Day’s Wages, a grassroots movement born from a bold idea: donate one day’s salary to fight global poverty.
Eugene Cho’s Unforgettable Works
Cho’s influence shines through his writing, speaking, and leadership. His first book, Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World? (2014), challenges readers to move beyond good intentions and take action for justice. With a conversational yet piercing style, Cho critiques performative activism while offering practical steps to make a difference.
In 2020, he released Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics, a timely call for civility and integrity in divisive times. Blending humor, scripture, and personal anecdotes, Cho urges Christians to engage politics without losing their faith or compassion. Both books reflect his knack for weaving theology with social justice, earning praise for their accessibility and conviction.
Beyond writing, Cho’s work with One Day’s Wages has raised over $8 million for projects like clean water, education, and anti-trafficking efforts. As President and CEO of Bread for the World since 2020, he advocates for policies to end hunger globally and domestically, amplifying his impact through bipartisan collaboration. His speeches, delivered worldwide, inspire churches and nonprofits with a blend of wit, wisdom, and urgency.
Why Eugene Cho Matters
Eugene Cho’s legacy lies in his ability to bridge faith and action. Through Bread for the World, he’s galvanized Christians to advocate for systemic change, influencing policies like the child tax credit to reduce hunger. One Day’s Wages has empowered everyday people to contribute to sustainable solutions, proving small acts can create ripples of change. His books challenge readers to live authentically, making him a beacon for those seeking purpose in a fractured world.
Recognized as an Outstanding American by Choice by the Department of Homeland Security, Cho embodies the immigrant dream while redefining Christian leadership. His story reminds us that faith, when paired with action, can move mountains—and end hunger in our lifetime.
- Born: Seoul, South Korea
- Key Works: Overrated (2014), Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk (2020)
- Awards: Outstanding American by Choice (2023), Frederick Douglass 200
- Fun Fact: Cho once donated a year’s salary to launch One Day’s Wages!
Ready to be inspired? Grab Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk and dive into Eugene Cho’s vibrant call to faith and justice!