In 2027, we will be hosting a Couples Recon Trip in collaboration with Kevin and Kaori Laverman who are engaged in church planting in Kawasaki, Japan. (learn more about their ministry here: https://www.lavermansinjapan.org/)
This trip will provide couples that chance to see church planting in two different cities and to learn from the experience of two missionary couples. The goal is to provide space to observe, ask questions, and prayerfully discern whether God may be leading you toward long-term, full-time ministry in Japan while providing answers and guidance on what serving in Japanese as a couple/family will look like.
Trip Dates
June 3-14, 2027
Application Deadline: February 28th, 2027
Who This Trip Is For
This Couples Recon Trip is only intended for couples who are actively pursuing full-time ministry in Japan or seriously discerning that path. Only applicants with strong references, a clear public testimony, and a track record of faithful church involvement will be considered for an invitation. Male participants must have prior ministry experience or one year of Bible college. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact us before applying.
Those looking to be a tourist or a short-term opportunity to help a ministry while traveling, need not apply.
Group Size
To keep this trip intentional and relational, participation will be limited to 3–4 couples.
Child Participation & Childcare
The focus of this Couples Recon Trip is to observe, discuss, and prayerfully consider next steps for your family as you discern long-term ministry in Japan. Due to the pace of the trip and the amount of information to process, caring for children during the trip would detract from this purpose.
While we will offer guidance and discussion regarding what future ministry in Japan could look like for you and your children, children are not able to attend this trip, and we will not be able to accommodate them in any capacity.
Cost
Approximately $2,300 per couple + airfare
Application process
Participation is by invitation only. Here is the process:
1. Submit an Interest Form
Start by filling out our Recon Tour Interest Form. This gives us some basic information about you, your church background, and your interest in serving in Japan.
2. Talk With Our Team
After reviewing your information, we’ll contact you to schedule a conversation. This gives us a chance to get to know you, answer your questions, and learn more about your interest in Japan.
3. Invitation to Apply
Following the conversation, we’ll let you know whether you are invited to submit a formal application for the Reaching Japan Recon Tour.
4. Application Review
Once your application is submitted, our team will review it. If approved, you will receive an invitation to join an upcoming Recon Tour.
Important Application Note: Both husband and wife must complete an application.