Bakelaar, Peter & Diane

Peter and Diane have served as church planting assistants in Japan since 1990. Peter is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a B.F.A. in illustration. He holds a master’s degree in TEFL /Intercultural Studies from the Columbia International University Seminary and School of Bible and Missions. Diane is a graduate of Bob Jones University with a degree in home economics. Peter is an elder in the PCA. They have four grown children.

The Bakelaars are committed to knowing Christ and making Him known among the Japanese. They have expanded the ministry of church planting by engaging culture through the arts. Together they have established Gallery nani (Japanese for “what”) and Studio Tsunagaru (Japanese for “connection”), which have become meeting places for people to encounter God’s Word and God’s people. The Bakelaars believe art is one way to effectively invite questions and bring connections that lead to God, the Creator of all things!

Through teamwork with the MTW Community Arts Team, the Bakelaars are assisting churches in raising their profile in their communities and lowering their doorstep for engaging new visitors by connecting with people in Seto, Nagoya, Japan, and the world. You can follow them, engaging all age groups and social levels at www.nanijapan.org.