Jon Heder, famous for his roles on “Napolean Dynamite” and “Blades of Glory,” discusses serving an LDS mission in Japan as member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how he learned to speak Japanese for this cause.
I served in Chile. No "brown spot" moment, but did have watery diarrhea for 4 days after a wonderful and kind, but blind, sister generously made us lunch. Lesson learned lol. All joking aside, I wouldn't say LDS missions differ too much when all things are considered. There isn't any vacationing so even if you're in Hawaii, you don't enjoy Hawaii as if you were a tourist. I loved my mission though. It was so cool to connect with people on such a significant and personal level. Will never forget that experience!
Loved my time in Japan as a sister missionary. They are truly lovely people. Hopefully I'll get to go back and serve with my husband as senior missionaries one day. 🇯🇵
@@user-bd5md5cm2j Good question. I served in Japan in the early 90s and asked a grandma there about this. She told me that they were so grateful for the American service men and woman because they treated them so well, helping the people rebuild and taking care of them when they had nothing.
@@GldnClaw hmm... not a lot to tell really. I met a lot of humble and hardworking people. most were kind, even if they were not interested in what we had to say. I met one old lady who spoke no english, at all, and the first thing she did was offer us homemade tamales. that is just the kind of people the Diné are. but I can say that everyone knew who we were and what we were about, as the church has had a strong presence there for a long time, and has been very influential culturally. or at least... the missionaries have been. they even have a word for missionaries, or rather members of the church, most of whom they interact with are missionaries so it is pretty synonymous. Gáamalii or specifically white mormon missionary: bilagáana Gáamalii but as far as day to day things I personally experienced... I saw a lot of packs of wild dogs, and got chased by most of them. one of my companions caught a glimpse of a skinwalker one time after teaching a lesson. I got invited to a religious peyote preparation (which I declined.) I talked a man out of murder, twice. I got to teach the family of someone who had been excommunicated because he was a devout follower of George P lee. (We had to get special permission for that.) We had christmas dinner with them, and I scared them by eating a raw jalapeño whole. they were really nice, and gave me 3 pairs of socks. and I acquired a taste for good pozole.
@@Potatodrumcrow not much to say. I didn't see it myself. But I can tell you what my companion saw. We had been given a ride by a member to an appointment. As we were leaving the home and walking back to the member's truck be saw a bear sized black figure. Like... A living shadow. It was crouched down by the front left wheel of the truck. It turned as if to look at him, stood up, took a step like it was going to run across the road, and then vanished in a blur of motion. Not like he just popped out of existence but he was moving so fast he seemed to disappear when he left. This companion I had at the time was not frightened easily. But it scared the daylights out of him.
Netherlands 2012-2014. Somewhat cozy apartments and lifestyle, but definitely had a harder time getting around to teaching. Great to see an uplifting comment section. Hope everyone is still striving forward the best they can.
A guy in my mission in Southern California who had served in Japan said to me as a Spanish speaking missionary said, “Spanish speaking missionaries come back bilingual, English speaking came back scriptorians, Japanese speaking missionaries come back humble.”
I got up at 530am daily (630 on pday) and spent an extra hour studying Japanese writing. I knew about 2000 kanji when I came home out of about 10,000 kanji that exist. Was a good start but I needed a third year to really get the language down.
Japanese people dont infiltrate other countries and try to change their systems and culture. Japanese people mind their business and value their homogeneous nation.
I'm a member of the same church as Jon Heder, I had the amazing opportunity to serve a mission in the Philippines and it was a lot of fun listening to his stories. Also once upon a time Jon's brother or relative served as a missionary in my ward growing up in Snowflake Arizona.
@@amde8554 it does snow in Snowflake sometimes in the winter, but it's named after a man with the last name Snow and a man with the last name Flake, Flake being my ancestor.
@The Man Flake I had a companion last name Flake, first name Elder ;) he served most of his mission in Japan and then came to Texas to finish it out after he was found to have a brain tumor and came to the states to get that taken care of. He was a great guy; one of my best companions.
Hilarious, I served a mission in Tokyo as well back in the early-mid 90s. Loved my time there and the people. Him talking like Napolean would be hilarious. As missionaries, we also spent two nights a week teaching a free English class and a few hours a week doing service in the local community.
Hi Michael. Just curious, when you were on your mission were you honest with the people you were teaching? Did you tell them that Brigham Young stole a wife and mother from her family, impregnated her, and then cast her aside as a boring side wife after she had his two-way-adultery baby? (Zina Diantha Huntington). Or did you tell her that old man Brigham Young married 15 year old Clarissa Decker, or Joseph Smith married fourteen year old Helen Mar Kimble?
@@wellsaidgoodheadfred9843Joseph Smith never married a 14 year old. He was married spiritually to other women but never had relations with anyone other than Emma.
@@sasquatl Okay Metal, well why did Brigham Young sleep with and have a baby with a married mother with two children and an active LDS husband? If Brigham Young stole a wife and mother from her family, impregnated her, and she had his baby, what makes you think Joseph wasn't doing the same thing? Explain Zina Diantha Huntington to me
Napoleon speaking Japanese is the best. This is the genesis of a new movie. Do it man!!! Another future classic. i can see a scene with Napoleon's blank stair as a Japanese person reads him the riot act or his first taste of seaweed.
@@jum5238 Sorry man, that Japanese you wrote means "Let me drink a little more, Napoleon." Give me some of your tots would just be "Tots o kure yo" or something.
I'm glad you enjoyed the location of your mission. Just unfortunate you weren't teaching the truth of Christ and the Bible. Joseph Smith made up what's in the Book of Mormon and lived in sin. I do hope you do some research in the LDS faith. I know so many people that have left when they found out the truth
I served in Nagoya in the 70s. We lived on a budget of $125\mo. Four missionaries lived in a one room flat, no running hot water. No flush toilets. Best two years by far. We did a lot of tracting at the eki. My favorite response was "Kekko desu!!!!!", shouted with hand raised to block you from seeing their face as they rushed by you. I love heder's approach, "Shitsurei shimasu, ojama desu kedooo..." "I acknowledge my rudeness and bothering you but... (would you like to hear a message about Jesus!?)" So accurate and self deprecatingly appropriate!
@@HillbillyBlackWe accept the Bible as the word of God. There are many interpretations of the scriptures. What specifically is your issue with those verses?
@@rjjohnson2402 with love I’m really struggling with some contradictions, and just trying to figure out how these are explained. D&C 132:20, says: speaking about the saints who achieve exaltation: "Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Where as Isaiah 43:10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. I’ve heard some alternate language from the LDS church, saying that it’s not becoming gods, but becoming “like God” which does sound like a better distinction however it still seems to contradict holy scripture. Matthew 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. Additionally, there’s 2 Nephi 25:23 - “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” Where as in contrast Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. I also struggle with the spirit brother nature between Christ and Lucifer. Scripture seems to indicate a different reality. It seems to say that Christ created Lucifer. If Christ created Lucifer then how can they be brothers? John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. And Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. [17] And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. So, if nothing was made that was made in the beginning with Christ and God, how could Lucifer be in the beginning with them? How can Jesus and Lucifer be brothers if Jesus created his brother? Furthermore, I don’t even think they could be considered spiritual brothers on the sense of how we consider ourselves brothers and sisters in Christ because one created the other. There’s a clear hierarchical distinction. I don’t consider God my brother. Do you? I’m curious to know your thoughts. Thank you for your time
Mine was in Montana (Billings) and 3/4 of Wyoming back in 86 to 88....i served in several areas its a large mission field.........and transfers were long rides lol....in Chevy Cavaliers or the older Ford Tourus... Casper Wyoming was my last area 😂
Hey brother, so did I! I served a decade later than you, from 1976-78, and yeah, you covered a lot of real estate to get from one place to the next. Fourth largest state in the US, but with only a million people. We drove Vegas, Pintos, and Gremlins. I was assigned once in Sheridan Wyoming. Beautiful area next to the Big Horn Mountain.
I was a college exchange student in Tokyo in 1989 and every night coming home from teaching English lessons, I would see Mormon missionaries near the train station but they would never approach me, until 2 weeks before heading back to the States, one finally approached and asked me what my religion was and I answered in English “Southern Baptist.” 😃
In the late 70's, my dad went to Sendai. He and a companion rode "trash bikes". One day, his companion slipped on the snow on the bike and my dad was obligated to sew his ear.
I served in Hawaii. Kind of funny the way Corolla mentioned it like guys get called to neighboring states being from Utah. It was a great experience though
Did my mission in California. I was lucky even if I had guns pointed at me and Christian cults arguing with me. 🤣 I would LOVE to go to Japan.....but not as a missionary.
@@davidpeterson7850 with love I’m really struggling with some contradictions, and just trying to figure out how these are explained. D&C 132:20, says: speaking about the saints who achieve exaltation: "Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Where as Isaiah 43:10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. I’ve heard some alternate language from the LDS church, saying that it’s not becoming gods, but becoming “like God” which does sound like a better distinction however it still seems to contradict holy scripture. Matthew 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. Additionally, there’s 2 Nephi 25:23 - “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” Where as in contrast Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. I also struggle with the spirit brother nature between Christ and Lucifer. Scripture seems to indicate a different reality. It seems to say that Christ created Lucifer. If Christ created Lucifer then how can they be brothers? John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. And Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. [17] And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. So, if nothing was made that was made in the beginning with Christ and God, how could Lucifer be in the beginning with them? How can Jesus and Lucifer be brothers if Jesus created his brother? Furthermore, I don’t even think they could be considered spiritual brothers on the sense of how we consider ourselves brothers and sisters in Christ because one created the other. There’s a clear hierarchical distinction. I don’t consider God my brother. Do you? I’m curious to know your thoughts. Thank you for your time
@@davidpeterson7850 James is wrapping up his case that genuine faith in God naturally results in a believer participating in good works. After showing how Abraham's saving faith caused him to act, James cites one more example from the Old Testament: Rahab the prostitute. Rahab's story is told in Joshua chapter 2. She was a citizen of Jericho who had heard the stories of Israel's mighty God and believed them: "The Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath" (Joshua 2:11). So when Israel's spies showed up to prepare for the battle against Jericho, Rahab hid them and helped them escape. Because of her actions, God spared Rahab and her family from the destruction to follow. It's important not to read something into the Bible which the author does not actually say. James point is not that Rahab's salvation was accomplished by what she did. The entire context of his discussion has been knowing what kind of faith it is that actually saves. Rahab's actions revealed that her faith in Israel's God was more than simply opinion: it was trusting, genuine faith. It's one thing to claim belief (James 2:14), or to have knowledge (James 2:19), but Rahab demonstrated that she had real saving faith-she "was justified," as James is using the term here-by courageously trusting the God of Israelites. This trust led inevitably to her good deeds. This is in perfect harmony with other New Testament passages such as Hebrews 11:31: "By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." Genuine faith in God and good works always go together. Works do not save, but they naturally flow from a legitimate relationship with Christ. Faith Alone Clement of Rome All these, therefore, were highly honoured, and made great, not for their own sake, or for their own works, or for the righteousness which they wrought, but through the operation of His will. And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. John Chrysostom The patriarch Abraham himself before receiving circumcision had been declared righteous on the score of faith alone: before circumcision, the text says, “Abraham believed God, and credit for it brought him to righteousness.” “What is the “law of faith?” It is, being saved by grace. Here he shows God’s power, in that He has not only saved, but has even justified, and led them to boasting, and this too without needing works, but looking for faith only.” “Faith alone” is no where yet is explicitly inferred from “faith apart from works” which is found in numerous areas of scripture. When it comes to being justified by faith alone the mechanism by which we are justified is key. The conversation between James and Paul is not a contradiction, but rather a different conversation altogether. According to Romans, we are justified by faith alone, apart from works of the law. According to James, the conversation is not about how we are justified, but rather the definition of legitimate faith and how faith is justified. We are justified by faith alone, and the evidence of that faith is works. In other words in the grand order of operation, we believe, we are justified by faith, and that faith produces works. We are justified by faith alone, Faith is justified by works. The context of James is the difference between a profession of faith or real faith. Living faith, or dead faith. Romans 5:1 ESV Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a Participle declaration. It IS what is active. Its not describing what one “does” or is “doing”. Its a labeled state of existence proceeded by an outcome. BECAUSE, Therefore, there in. “We have been”. Its already happened. Not we are in a current action. Its not contingent upon anything. Its the starting point. Where as James argument is about an active verb of one CLAIMING something without proof. James 2:14 ESV What good is it, my brothers, if someone SAYS he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? This kind of faith is DEAD. its a false conversion being described. This has nothing to do with how we are justified. Its about how that which justifies us is justified. Its an order of operation. How is faith evident? Its evident by works. Faith is first. Works result. Hebrews 11:1-4 ESV Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. [2] For by it the people of old received their commendation. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. [4] By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
I’m sorry how old was your Dad, was he during or after war…?! I love Japanese culture… but a lot of vets were held as pow’s and work farmed out or died. I’m confused?!🫤
Respect to Jon for serving in Asia. I served in Korea '94-'96. Loved it and the life at that time. Glad I learned about the real LDS and left in a hurry, the church lies lies and lies.
@@EverSinceMyExorcism Most Mormons know that 19th century Mormons practiced polygamy. Most Mormons also don't know that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy. Most Mormons think that it began under Brigham Young after the Mormons began moving west. Most Mormons also don't know that Joseph Smith had at least 33 plural wives. Most Mormons don't know that 11 of those women were teenagers, including two who were 14 years old. Most Mormons don't know that 11 others were married to other men when Joseph Smith plural married them. Most Mormons don't know that Joseph Smith had sex with many of those women. Most Mormons believe that those relationships were only "sealings for eternity." Most Mormons don't know that polygamy was against the law of the land and of the LDS church's published doctrines the entire time Joseph Smith practiced it. Most Mormons don't know that Joseph Smith lied about teaching and practicing polygamy until his dying day. Most Mormons don't know that polygamy was the prime cause of Joseph Smith's death. Those are some of the things that I wish that Adam Corolla had brought up with Jon Heder.
@@randyjordan5521 You wish Adam brought this up with Jon Heder? You seem to be an expert already Randy, what is Heder gonna say to clear things up for you? Why don't you just bundle him into the 'most mormons' group that you seem to know so much about
@@theromannumeral LOl Heder wouldn't be able to respond to any of those questions, because like almost all Mormons, he knows very little of the facts regarding Joseph Smith's polygamy practice. Were you aware that polygamy was the prime cause of Joseph Smith's death? If you weren't, why weren't you?
I just decided to let my 2 children have a choice and their Mom found a Christian Church similar to the Baptist.... my 2 children were Baptized by Me and i was re Baptized in an independent Baptist church
To get to heaven the wife must wait for the husband to call her secret name that only he knows. How on earth can you believe that another person's destiny is in control of a man. This is a male dominated cult and to believe the man has control over your eternity demotes the Saviour . Absolutely illogical and blindness or dishonesty are the explanations.
Slight misinterpretation. She doesn’t have to “wait for the husband” to get to heaven. Heaven won’t be kept from her if she doesn’t choose him. In fact, that will largely be the purpose of it.. so she can choose her husband. not just be locked in forever due to sealing if he turned out to be unworthy of her hand or otherwise not the one she’d choose for eternity.
@@kasondow why have the bullshit name ceremony if it means nothing just another layer of lies and confusion and if the member thinks deeply their heads would explode so they must remain ignorant obedient and illogical wow its so convoluted they make shit up then they have get out of jail cards what a mess this is didnt jsmith say there was a man on the moon joseph Smith has a lot to answer for creating something that has led so many astray
Tithing is an ancient principle practiced by the faithful. When you understand just how much you've been given in life, returning 10% to the Lord brings far more blessings than the money itself could.
@L Many Christian denominations pay tithing. It's a commandment in the bible in Malachi chapter 3: "8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. 12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." It's not just The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that expects their members to pay tithing. God expects it, but gives more back in return. I have a strong testimony of the principle of tithing. There have been times where I should have gone hungry and I chose to pay tithing instead of buy groceries and I was miraculously provided for. Not sure if you're religious, but it's definitely something you could pray about if you're interested.
@@marcwells03 Please give me a tough theistic worldview question. I will sincerely do my best to answer with logical rigor, and in an even-handed manner.
@@ZeroESG.goopootoob tell me about the rules of slavery. Specifically where does god say you should buy your slaves ? Also what happens to your slaves, based on gods law, when you die.? What should happen if a man rapes a woman, based on gods law? Now remember the Ten Commandments and don’t lie or based on gods law we know what the penalty is….😱😱
@a w awwww..snap! I wonder if he'll come back with the common apologetic that slavery was different back then. Which is a complete nonsense. Dr. Josh Bowen's book the bunks that pretty thoroughly.
@@gabrieledwards1066 he won't respond because he seems like a nice theist and they tend to shy away from conflict, especially when its one of those "tricky" parts of the Bible that they don't agree with
