The History of Davar Church
- April 1996 - On the evening of Wednesday, April 24, 1996, approximately ten people gathered voluntarily at the home of Mr. Asai in Pasadena, California, to establish a new church. The following Sunday, they began holding English worship services in a small classroom at William Carey International University in Pasadena. Soon after, they introduced Japanese services for those who did not speak English and established "Friday Prayer Time."
- August 1996 - The group was officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization under the name "Davar Kingdom of God." This month also marked the launch of the Tape Ministry, which began recording weekly sermons.
- December 1996 - The first puppet show, Peace Be With You, was staged. The performance depicted the death and resurrection of Jesus and featured original music composed by Jun Asai.
- August 1997 - The first Summer Bible Seminar (Retreat) was held. Participants spent several days in a shared cabin focusing on Scripture, prayer, and serving one another.
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March 1998 - The church moved to Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles, where it began renting a vacant church facility. In addition to regular services and Bible studies, the church introduced "Saturday Serving Hours." This program trained members to serve one another through tasks like cleaning and preparing the Sunday communal lunch.
The church held its first Bazaar (garage sale), which became a regular seasonal event held in the spring, summer, and fall. Donations grew with each event. Additionally, the church began a monthly volunteer ministry serving the homeless. - December 2002 - The puppet show Pacem Story, an original story by Jun Asai, was staged.
- December 2005 - The puppet show The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, adapted from C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, was performed in English. That same month, the first Winter Bible Seminar was held. It attracted participants from other states and overseas, becoming an annual event alongside the Summer Seminar.
- December 2006 - The puppet show The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was performed in Japanese.
- June 2007 - The church transitioned from analog to digital recording by replacing tape recorders with CD recorders. Consequently, the "Tape Ministry" was renamed the "Word Ministry."
- February 2008 - The church returned to William Carey International University in Pasadena and began holding Saturday worship services.
- January 2013 - Sunday worship services were officially started.
- August 2014 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (Steinway Piano Gallery, Pasadena), hosted by Davar Church.
- August 2015 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (Pasadena Conservatory of Music, PCM Auditorium), hosted by Davar Church.
- August 2016 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (The Colburn School, Zipper Hall), hosted by Davar Church.
- August 2017 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (The Colburn School, Zipper Hall), hosted by Davar Church.
- August 2018 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (The Colburn School, Zipper Hall), hosted by Davar Church.
- June 19, 2019 - The church moved to the Coral Innovation Center in Pasadena and transitioned back to Saturday worship.
- August 2019 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (The Colburn School, Zipper Hall), hosted by Davar Church.
- February 2020 - Jun Asai Piano Recital - Held in Japan(Mori Hall, Nagakute City House of Culture, Aichi Prefecture), hosted by Davar Church.
- July 2023 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (The Colburn School, Zipper Hall), hosted by Davar Church.
- July 2024 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (The Colburn School, Zipper Hall), hosted by Davar Church.
- January 2025 - The church building was tragically lost due to damage caused by the Eaton Canyon wildfire. Until a temporary space could be secured, Sunday services were held at various rotating locations.
- February 2025 - The congregation began holding worship services at a temporary location.
- August 2025 - Jun Asai Piano Recital (The Colburn School, Zipper Hall), hosted by Davar Church.
- December 2025 - Sunday worship has now commenced at the new permanent relocation site: 2031 E. Villa St., Pasadena, CA 91107. We are deeply grateful for this new home the Lord has provided.
