Kevin and Kaori were appointed by CBInternational for career service in 1997 and moved to Japan in 1999. During the first two years Kevin studied language and cultural studies at the International Christian University . Kevin is currently finishing a Master of Divinity and Kaori Meanwhile, Kaori watched their son Justen Keiji, and began Bible study groups for young mothers whose children attended a local kindergarten. In 2001 the family moved to the Yokahama-Kawasaki area to begin church planting work.

The group launched their first Sunday worship service as Grace Chapel in November 2001. Once monthly, a lively evangelistic service known as “Gospel Celebration” is held at a community center. The Lavermans found a Black gospel workshop and English service also attracts many community seekers. Small group Bible studies for women, men, and not-yet Christians are also being conducted. Believers are growing spiritually and are becoming excited by the opportunities to reach their friends for Christ. In Japan , work pressures on Japanese business men squeeze out time for spiritual priorities. Christians make up only 0.6 percent of the population, making the spreading of The Word difficult.

Birthdays: Kevin (1/18) Kaori (5/31)