Moonwalker: Astronaut Charlie Duke

If you're looking for something awesome to see Friday night...

Astronaut Charlie Moss Duke, Jr. give a talk and testimony at ACF this Friday night. 
Dinner at 6:30, speaking 7:30-9:30PM.  Free, by the way.  Lots of good friends to see there too.
 
Or, as they put it:
宇航員Charles Moss Duke Jr. 佈道會
時間：3月22日（週五）7:30PM
地點：First Presbyterian Church
5300 Main Street, Houston, TX 77004
主要講員及內容：Charles Moss Duke Jr. 1972駕駛Apollo 16登陸月球
聯絡電話：713-204-2982

Doubt and Despair in the Shadowlands

Speaking of trying to answer the questions people pose, like “Why are you in Japan?” or “Why did you come here?”, sometimes I just wish I could show them a video or concrete image to show what I mean and not have to say anything.  I often do a terrible and awkward job of trying to explain myself. 

Actually, I did put together a slideshow that I've shown to about a hundred or so people.  But in the moment of conversation a quick reply is needed.

Were I alert, I would like to answer them something like, “Do you know the leading cause of death among youth men (aged 22-44) and women (aged 15-34)?  From 1998 to 2011, Japan has seen over 30,000 fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters kill themselves each year.  People give up hope and destroy their life by jumping from buildings and hanging themselves and other means.  By God’s grace, I aim to share the hope of life with them.”

Recently I came across a video that nicely elucidates one tip of the iceberg from a secular point of view.  I hope many people will watch it.  I hear it’s already been making a big impact.  I would love to know what you think about it.



But more than that, consider what if someone is brought back from the edge of the cliff and resumes a “normal” life of work, family, etc. and goes on to live a long life.  Maybe like many in Japan they even live to be over a hundred, and then die and go to hell for eternity.

Suddenly, the importance of that suicide prevention becomes meaningless in the big scheme of things as their lives are yet empty, meaningless, and “righteousnessless”, without true identity, individuality, significance, and belonging, separated still from a trust relationship with their loving Maker, who is the Lord God Almighty.  One cannot save someone from physical death, without also sharing true life with them so that they are protected from “the second death” (Revelation 2:11; 20:6; 20:14; 21:8).  A status quo life merely means going about underneath the just condemnation and wrath of God (John 3:16-21, 36; Rom. 2:5; Eph. 2:1-3).

“Be merciful to those who doubt,” Jude 1:22-23 counsels, and, “Rescue others by snatching them out of the fire [from the flames of judgment]. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating even the garment stained by the flesh [the sins that contaminate/pollute/defile their lives].”

In learning Japanese and researching issues like this, I’ve learned a few helpful words along the way.  “Ikigai” (生き甲斐), for example, means one’s purpose in life.  Japanese may not care what it is so long as they have any kind of hobby to keep them occupied.  They are usually doubtful that one could have certainty about finding the true meaning of why we have been given life on this earth.  “Inochi no monban” (いのちの門番) means a gatekeeper of life, one who recognizes the warning signs of someone who might be thinking of suicide and can intervene and bring help.  That’s what I want to be.

I know the gatekeeper (John 10:7-10, 27-30; 14:6) and he is full of loving-kindness.  Indeed, He provides the light of life for the whole family (Acts 16:25-34; Psalm 36:9).  People talk about “professional” help as real help or serious help, and certainly there are benefits to having some training in counseling, but I’ve never known a soul whose life has been transformed like the countless folks I’ve met that Jesus has changed (Psalm 30:11).  I’ve gotten to talk to several Japanese doctors of a Buddhist/humanist worldview about what they might say to persuade someone to not take his life - especially someone with no family.  They admitted they had no compelling reason to give why the person should choose life.  Even if they believe in the soul/spirit or some afterlife, there is no place in their understanding for real hope.

The One who knows the depths of our hearts (Psalm 139:1-2) says that He “is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18), “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3), and He even went so far as to take up our infirmities and carry our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4).

In their place, He promises true joy and true peace to comfort us in the midst of our troubles (John 14:27; 16:20, 22, 33).  “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6).  Together with my Japanese brothers and sisters in the Lord, I have known that peace and comfort He gives - hope for the heart.  It sure beats a prescription for Xanax.

Paul of Tarsus also was well acquainted with the great crushing weight of alienation, rejection, persecution.  His letters are filled with his reflections on such trials and how God has proved His faithfulness over and over:

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11).

P.S. - I would be remiss if I did not include this precious vision that's restoring hope among the disaster-ravaged region.  We can see His life at work in these survivors (2 Corinthians 4:8-12). 

12 Great Movies for Deeper Discussions about Jesus (plus maybe a dozen more)

So there’s a new Les Mis out in theaters.  I love getting together at someone’s home with friends from other countries to have “international movie nights.”  Hope to have one more soon next week before I leave.

I don't care much for junk-food-for-the-brain popcorn fluff or the crass, offensive, and vile.  Precious little that is heart-stirring and thought-provoking.  Much better to gather around to spend two hours on something that is genuine and emotive, even cathartic.

I’ve seen a lot of nonsensical “Christian movie” lists that include titles simply because something about faith or self-sacrifice is mentioned or a Christian portrayed in a half-decent light.  Most are but marginally related to gospel themes.  Many proclaim a totally heterodox or heretical take on the gospel message.  I’m at a loss to try to untangle their reasoning, so instead I’d like to submit these as some substantial entries that are basically family friendly.  Some of them you can even watch on YouTube.

A few I wanted to include are a bit more rough around the edges and messy (like The Apostle, 1997), or have some unnecessary, if brief, scenes with nudity, sex (like Joyeux Noël, 2006), so I felt it better to leave them off this more straightforward list.  Or just more Catholic than baseline Christian - sorry, The Mission!  Chariots of Fire or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe were likewise good and somewhat Christian-related, but overall not as much as I'd like.

I’m sure this list will be amended periodically or totally rearranged.  Let me know what you would add or delete.  Just don't forget the subtitles and to pause the film now and again to catch everyone up to speed.

1. Les Miserables (1998).  Classic and climatically moving tale of redemption, identity, law vs. grace.  Watched it the first time in Paris with my brother as we were backpacking through Europe and stayed at a missionary’s home.

2. The Robe (1953).  Absolutely brilliant old-school sword-and-sandals classic.  Don’t worry about the awful sequel though.  You can find on YouTube.

3. Courageous (2011).  All about fatherhood.  I've taught it several times for ESL classes concerning American culture/parenting.

4. The Cross and the Switchblade (1970).  True story of David Wilkerson facing New York gangs.  Admittedly, a little dated/goofy at times, but one of my favorites.  YouTube available.

5. Faith Like Potatoes (2006).  True story of revival in South Africa.

6. The Nativity Story (2006).  Makes you feel the first century cultural context.  By the way, true story. :)
 
7. Amazing Grace (2007).  Story of William Wilberforce, who helped abolish the slave trade in England.  The 18th century language will probably be challenging for those whose first language isn't English.  Not a lot of gospel, but it has a few good lines.  Apparently there's a song about it too?  :)

8. Grand Torino (2008).  Recommended, but not for kids.  Tons of cursing by the gritty Korean war veteran (Eastwood), even to comical effect, but in a moment it has you by the jugular.

9. To End All Wars (2001).  Well, this is a POW war movie, so lots of cursing.

10. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002).  Classic tale of revenge and forgiveness.  I should probably look up Robinson Crusoe while we're at it since I've heard such good things about it.

11. The Miracle Maker (2000).  Claymation, but well-done and moving.

12. The Little Troll Prince (1987). Animated.  Great songs I still remember from my childhood.  Good for Christmastide.

Okay, there are your twelve.  The rest is icing on the cake.

13. Luther (2003).  As in Protestant Reformation dude, not civil rights leader.

14. God’s Outlaw (1986).  True story of William Tyndale.  Some penetrating lines and in-the-head insight of one of the great scholars who gave his life to give us the English Bible (and therefore much of the English language) – an unspeakable gift to be able to read and understand the Word of God in our own language.  Beautifully sprinkled with gospel language, but that might also make it less accessible for non-native English speakers.

15. Shiokari Pass (1977). Near impossible to find a copy from an online store with English subtitles, but I finally got one.  Japanese bookstores seems have have enough copies.  The book is one of my all-time favorites.  True story.

16. The Hiding Place (1975).  True story of Corrie Ten Boom, who rescued Jews and was sent to a concentration camp.

17. Facing the Giants (2006).  From the makers of Courageous.

18. Blue Like Jazz (2012) – Certainly not your average family flick, but it’s well-done and rewarding in unexpected ways.  Wait for it; it gets you in the end.

Shorter films:

Most (2003).  Excellent Czech short film - 30 minutes.  “Most” is actually the Czech word for “bridge.”  It’s on YouTube.

Good Soil (2007).  Around 20 minutes, feels like five.  Japanese, with English subtitles.  A little hard to find a copy, but I have one if you want to borrow it.

Paper Flower (2011).  About "compensated dating" in Japan.  One of the excellent shorts from Toy Gun Films.  There's one set in Columbia that's quite good, another in Africa.

Update on Houston-Chiba exchange program, among others

Though I passed on my involvement with the Houston-Chiba Sister City Committee (with Sister Cities of Houston) and the board of Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) at the close of 2012, last year's chaperone, Japanese teacher Mrs. Fang Ji of Johnston Middle School, did a couple write-ups about the JMS students two-week trip.  Since the HISD link might expire, I'll take the liberty of reproducing the text as well.  I never really got any pictures from last year's trip, or else I would share some.

Texas Foreign Language Association Journal, Spring 2013

HISD Community News:

Johnston MS student ambassadors receive commendations from city

On Dec. 6, four students from Johnston Middle School received commendations as from the City of Houston for their service to the Bayou City.
Isabel MacDonough, Ariel Miranda, Hannah Reeves, and Ethan Yang, who are learning Japanese, served as student ambassadors to our sister city in Chiba, Japan, a city northeast of Tokyo. They spent two weeks there in June 2012 with host families, touring the schools, as well as the sites of Chiba City and Tokyo.
They were chaperoned by their Japanese language teacher at Johnston, Fang Ji.
Johnston MS has participated in this exchange program for five years and has offered Japanese language classes for more than 15 years. It also hosts four middle-school students from Chiba every other summer.
The students are pictured with Japan America Society of Houston President Gary Nakamura (far left), City Council member Jack Christie (center, who appeared on the mayor’s behalf), and Johnston alumnus and exchange program committee member Daniel Morgan (far right), who served as a chaperone during the summer of 2010.



Not exactly news since it was last December, but recently I was informed that Johnston Middle School has decided to close down their Japanese/Chinese program.  Bummer.  Well, it was a good run.  I worked with the SCH/JASH/HCSCC program from 2009-12.  I look forward to the new ideas and fresh spirit that the next committee chair brings to the program with the next lucky Houston middle school. 

Oh, by the way, my friend Miyuki Kobayashi is bringing in not one, but two, batches of high school and college students from Tokyo this year with her own JAMSRY program.  Just in time for the rodeo.  Can't wait to meet their smiling faces.  It's so rewarding to get to share the joy of hospitality with new friends.

HMNS World Trekkers Program, Featuring Japan

Did anyone get to hear the Japanese astronaut speak at NASA this morning?  I missed it.

Thought you might like to know that next Friday there you can take the whole family to go hear Dr. Dinosaur speak about Japan at the Museum of Natural Science's World Trekkers program.  Food, games, performances, the whole shebang for only like 10 bucks.

Just kidding.  I mean, everyone knows Dr. Dinosaur is crazy.  Not to mention extremely dangerous.  Kids would not be safe around him.

See?

I doubt he even knows much about Japanese history and culture.  Nevertheless, it is the Museum of Natural Science, so it's sure to be interesting...

Japanese Astronaut to Address Rumors of Secret Nazi Moon Base*

"Thrilling Science Presents..."

It's always a struggle not to simply turn this blog into a personal shrine to ninjas, space cowboys, retro-futurism, and other pulp interests (as I've done in some essays here), but in this case I do have actual cultural news to share of the sort that SHJN is all about (which you can also find out from websites like JASH, JAGH, the Consulate, etc.).

I hate to be redundant, but from the Consulate:

JAXA Astronaut, Dr. Satoshi Furukawa lived on the International Space Station (ISS) for five and a half months in 2011.  Dr. Furukawa will share some of the scientific experiments carried out on the expedition and a glimpse into life onboard the ISS.  The lecture will be followed by a short video of footage from the ISS.

Please RSVP by Feb. 7^th noon.  To RSVP and for more information contact the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston: info@ho.mofa.go.jp (713) 652-2977 X2115

 

Dr. Furukawa and his fantastic team of intrepid scientists have been keeping our spaceways safe for years now.  I think it'll be fascinating to hear just what the future holds in terms of atomic-powered galactic exploration.  

Dr. Furukawa pictured below in spacesuit.

Getting prepped for a mission in his versatile Incom T-65 starfighter.

 

*If only I had some cool, Nazi or retro Soviet-era space propaganda to heighten the sense of conflict.  That would surely amp up NASA's budget.

Houston homes with a slight Asian accent

Here's a post without a home.  I guess I'll just stick it here.

Sometimes when cruising through a neighborhood I will chance upon some oriental-inspired architecture or randscaping - ah, I mean, landscaping.  I don't imagine other people care all that much, but I find it different and appealing, especially as I jot down ideas and sketches for something that I would like to see designed someday for myself if I had a tub of money.  Maybe you'll find these refreshing as well.

If you had any others to add, drop me a line.  I don't know much about architecture, so feel free to correct me.

Houston certainly has some gorgeous homes, that is, some ridiculously massive mansions/palaces which I idly wish the people who own them might invite me inside someday.  These are not them.

Bunker Hill Village, I think on Bayou Glen Rd.

 

I'm not entirely sure if this was even consciously meant to be Asian in style.  I think the steps take away from the effect, which should be as smooth and relaxing as possible.  Also, maybe if the eaves were curved a bit, like the upturned point on elf shoes.

All in all, this is probably the best of the lot.  It's downhill from here.

The Japanese Supplementary School hosted at Westchester Academy.

This garden(?) is actually quite ugly, especially compared to what it could be.  I wonder if it was an Eagle scout project or something.  The torii strikes me as particularly fragile-looking.

Over by Montrose and UST.

A metal security gate inside of the inviting torii - kind of a contradiction in terms if you ask me.  Probably some pot-smoking Buddhist-wannabes judging by the stone pagodas/stupas. 

S. Braeswood near Buffalo Speedway or so.

A beautiful little bridge in a tiny little yard that goes nowhere.  Well, at least the willow tree and such help accentuate it.  Theoretically there is a place for some water beneath it for a ripply pool.  And the view across the street is of Braes Bayou, which could also use a facelift.

Near W. Bellfort and Chimney Rock.

A bridge for Hobbits?  Hobbits who use ADT Security apparently.

Off of Nairn St. by the Brae Burn Country Club.

Simple and austere, though a bit threadbare.  Maybe it's a Zen monastery by night.  Could use a dwarf cypress or bamboo or one of those curvy, gnarly, ornamental juniper shrubs in the lawn.  I love ornamental juniper.  Or a pond with koi and a footbridge and a little hedge enclosure to one side.  Why not?

Stella Link, south of 610.

Not a residence, but a trophy store.  The owner told me it used to be a Chinese restaurant a long time ago.  Went on about the still beam structure (steel?) supporting the place, but I didn't really understand.  Anyway, nice digs.  Would make a cool dojo.

P.S. - If you ever wondered what Shinto gates have to do with Texas and the American West, look no further.

Add another cross-beam and you're almost there.

 Wonder if I should call them up and claim to be a long-lost cousin?

Cogitating over Kanji

Came across some interesting etymology about the radical “示” (113), which is simplified to “礻” when used as part of a compound (as in 神).  Apparently, it originally came from the image of an altar in ancient Chinese oracular bone inscriptions.

I've always loved delving into the history of words, but mainly in English or the Indo-European family.  With Japanese, obviously I'm way out of my element, but since it's pictorial in nature, it's pretty interesting to check out even for illiterates like me.  I must have gotten bored in some writing practice/doodling and ended up combining it with the early oracle character form (with some drops of blood added for effect).  Picasa offered some cool effects, so I thought I'd share.  T-shirt designs perhaps?

And then after a bit more doodling, I present to you my masterpiece... ta-da!

Next time I'll have to play around with 義, like Hudson Taylor is using there.