Rev. Don Van Antwerpen
"Pastor Kuma"
About Pastor Don
About Us
So by now you're probably wondering who is this crazy narcissistic guy who made an entire webpage about himself and his ministry work.. That's a fair question, and one I hope to answer here. Below you can find information about my education, family, and the church community where I'm currently living and working.
..If you're into that sort of thing, that is.
Education
We all gotta start somewhere...
While I've been to a few different schools, I got my start at Hope College, in Holland, MI, USA, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese in 2009.
After graduating, my wife and I moved to Japan as missionaries with the Reformed Church in America (RCA). During that time, I attended Temple University, and was awarded the degree of Master of Science in Education in 2013.
No sooner had I finished with the one degree, than God called me to another. Less than a week after graduating from Temple University, I began my studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, which awarded me the degree of Master of Divinity in 2016.
In 2019, I was ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America (RCA), under the auspices of the Classis of New Brunswick, where I continue to be a member to this day.
Since that time I've worked on the pastoral staff of several different churches in the US, before returning to Japan for my current call.
School, Seminary, and Life
Family
Pastor Don's Family
Look at 'em. Ain't they cute!
In 2009, I had the profound fortune to marry my wife Akiko, who is herself a pastor too. In fact, we're lucky enough to serve at the same church!
In 2011 we were blessed with our first child, a daughter, who fills our life with sunshine.
In 2014, we were blessed with a second child, a son, who is pure of heart and extraordinarily kind.
in 2017, we were blessed with a third child, who far outstrips me in empathy, kindness, love, and pure, raw intelligence.
I'm a lucky, and completely overwhelmed, guy!
Church
Pastorin' on the move!
At the moment, I am operating as an independent pastor in the greater Kansai area, working with churches, educational institutions, and other interested groups, in order to grow the ministry of God in this place in time. Of course, since this is happening in the middle of a pandemic, this involves a lot of writing (I currently have two different books I'm working on), as well as online ministry content creation, including a podcast, video-sermons and worship services for groups as need them, and fostering online Christian communities. If you want to know more about these projects, feel free to reach out!
