Peter and Diane have been called to serve the Lord as church planters in Japan. Peter is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in illustration. He received his masters degree from Columbia Biblical Seminary and Graduate School of Bible and Missions in teaching English as a foreign language/intercultural studies. Diane is a graduate of Bob Jones University with a degree in home economics.
Peter and Diane were married in 1986. Together they served in Taiwan during MTW's 1987 summer program. They have served in Japan since 1990. Peter's responsibilities include Japanese evangelistic Bible studies as well as discipleship and communication of the gospel in Japanese through special events and messages. Peter also heads up the Nagoya team’s teaching English ministry which provides bridges into the community to share the love of Christ. Diane assists in many aspects of the team's ministry as well as hospitality in the home. The Bakelaars are committed to knowing Christ and making Him known among the Japanese. Thank you for praying that they will faithfully fulfill the goal of the Nagoya church planting team, which is training Japanese to reach Japan and the world for Christ.
Their children are: Keagan, Rita, Evan and Wendy.
