Friday Fotos–One Days Wages & Naming Boats

Wenona, originally uploaded by papalars.

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to be at the launch of my pastor, Eugene Cho, and his wife’s non profit called, One Days Wages. The event was hosted by the Q Cafe, included some live jazz music, Hors D Oeuvres, and important conversation with the guests about global poverty. One Days Wages is an international grassroots movement dedicated to ending extreme global poverty [www.onedayswages.org ]. We were reminded during the evening that nearly 3 billion people live on less than US$2/day. About 1.4 billion live in extreme poverty = less than US$1.25/day.

ODW exists to promote awareness, invite simple giving, and support sustainable relief through partnerships, especially with smaller organizations in developing regions. ODW believes that the collaboration of technology, social media, and human relationships is one way to invite people around the world to join in the fight against extreme global poverty, simply by donating 0.4% of their annual salaries, otherwise known as their One Day’s Wages.

ODW invests 100% of all public donations in grassroots organizations around the world that are already fighting extreme global poverty in alignment with the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals. Of his family’s decision to donate their entire 2009 salary to help start the organization, Cho says: “We want to communicate to people that they don’t have to be a rock star, a millionaire, or on Hollywood’s A-List to make an impact in the world. If everyone does their part, we can end extreme global poverty in our lifetime.” ODW is inviting both the Seattle and global community to join the movement in some of these practical ways:

1. Visiting http://www.onedayswages.org and donating their One Day’s Wages.
2. Following One Day’s Wages on twitter (http://www.twitter.com/onedayswages), joining the Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/onedayswages), and spreading the word to family, friends, colleagues, and beyond.

I think sometimes in western evangelicalism we use the words of Jesus to discourage ourselves from thinking we can really make an impact on the issue of global poverty. “The poor you will always have with you” came from the mouth of Christ we say[Matthew 26:11]. We must remember, however, that this same Jesus just a chapter earlier said the following, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me…” [Matthew 25:35]. This should keep us alert to what Jesus calls us to do. I highly recommend partnering with One Days Wages. It is a great way to do something about the poor.

On my way to the event last Saturday night I stopped by the Ballard marina to grab this picture of the boat above. I was struck again by all the interesting names people put on their boats. This evening I noticed Joy, Four Winds, Heidi and Charity and this one, Wenona. There is a story I’m sure behind each name.