His parents were pastors of an Assemblies of God church, and when he was seven they went to Japan as missionaries.  While they studied the Japanese language, Kevin was in the daytime care of an elderly Japanese nanny who brought a distinctly Buddhist perspective, which Kevin absorbed into his developing personality.  He lived in Japan until graduating High School in Tokyo at the Christian Academy in Japan. 

Returning alone to the US in 1969 was a culture shock that drove him to exploring various religious faith communities, including Reformed Judaism.  He joined the Air Force and lived in Turkey, where he was introduced to the Mevlânâ – Whirling Dervish community, and was able to attend the 700th Anniversary celebration of Rumi’s death.  Another assignment opened the door to attend Christmas mass celebrated in Saint Peter’s Basilica by Saint Pope John Paul II. 

https://www.worldcommunityofsaintfrancis.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgX2Bg8x9sc