About the Founders

Since October 2020, we (Aaron and Sarah McKisic) have been serving as missionaries in Tokyo with the ministry of Iris Global. As part of this ministry, our heart has always been to serve the poor and the displaced, especially in a nation like Japan, where the presence of Christianity is remarkably low, and the rates of depression and suicide are heartbreakingly high.

Japan may not seem like a traditional location for a ministry like Iris Global, yet it is precisely because of its deep spiritual need that we feel called. In Tokyo, our work has centered on establishing a local church, equipping believers for missions, and welcoming Japanese friends into our home to study the Bible and encounter the love of Jesus.

Now, with the full blessing and support of our leaders and team, we are preparing for a new chapter. Together with our children, Liam, Ella, and Remi, we will be relocating to Uchiko, a town of about 15,000 people in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in the fall of 2025. This region is known for the 88-temple Buddhist pilgrimage, drawing over 150,000 spiritual seekers annually. In many ways, it is spiritually active, yet the presence of Christian churches and missionaries is scarce. We began praying about this area in 2022 and have felt confirmation through our prayers, visiting the region, and favor with the locals.

Uchiko is primarily driven by agriculture and small trades. While the population tends to be older, there is a growing movement of young families and individuals returning from the cities, bringing new life into the local economy through small businesses and a vibrant farmers’ market. To our knowledge, there is one church, and there are between 10 and 20 Christians in the town. These cultural and demographic realities shape how we sense the Lord is calling us to minister here.

Our vision for ministry is both focused and flexible. It centers on four key areas: Worship, Engagement, Language, and Theology. These pillars are not exhaustive descriptions of our work but guiding values that will inform our daily rhythms and long-term goals. These are more an expression of who we are as a family and leaders, and are helpful for us to bring even more clarity to our decision-making.

• Worship will remain the heart of everything we do. As John Piper once said, “Missions exist because worship does not.” We desire to see Jesus glorified in Japan, and for every aspect of our ministry to grow from a foundation of worship and prayer.
  
• Engagement speaks to how we live among and love our neighbors. Whether through evangelism, shared meals, starting businesses, playdates with families, or simply being present in the community, we want to be known and to know those around us. We hope to reflect Christ in word and our actions, building trust and laying a foundation for future generations of believers.
  
• Language is a non-negotiable. While Japanese can be a daunting language for many, we believe that a deep, Spirit-led connection cannot thrive through translation alone. Anyone who partners with us locally will be encouraged to learn the language, both to honor the culture and to foster true relational ministry.
  
• Theology is essential. As we grow and disciple others, we must be rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Our goal is not to transplant Western culture, but to see biblically grounded ministry emerge that can be replicated and sustained, not just in Japan, but anywhere in the world.
  

Ultimately, our mission is simple: to know Jesus, be known by Him, and make Him known. We will continue to live lives of invitation; inviting others into our homes, our rhythms, and ultimately into a deeper relationship with God. We are committed to cultivating unity in the Spirit and believe that the love within the Body of Christ will be a powerful testimony that draws others to believe in and become obedient followers and pursuers of Jesus.

We are inspired by passages such as Acts 2:42-47, John 17, John 13:35, and Romans 10:13-15, and we believe that the Word of God is our sure foundation; sufficient, trustworthy, and true.

As of June, 2025, we have officially founded Ido House (Ido is Japanese for "a well") to begin a new ministry that will carry a heart of generosity, hospitality, and invitation. As others come to follow Jesus (either through ministry or to join the ministry) we believe that the Kingdom will continue to expand through the rest of the region of Shikoku and the whole of Japan.