Violet’s trip to Fortaleza (Iris Harvest school)
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Hi everyone!
My name is Violet, and I’m 19 years old.
This September, I’ll be heading to Fortaleza, Brazil, to attend the Iris Harvest School!
What is Iris Harvest School?
Iris Harvest School is a missionary training programme run by Iris Global. It’s designed to equip people to live lives of radical love and purpose, providing both spiritual immersion and practical ministry experience. Harvest School of Missions is an entry level prerequisite school for serving long term in Iris Global. Harvest Schools are intentionally foundational and formational in their teaching and modeling of the Iris Core Values and DNA. Harvest Schools of Missions are held throughout the year at various Iris ministry centre’s.
My Journey So Far:
I became a Christian at 17, and shortly afterwards, I felt a clear calling from God to become a missionary. I spent a lot of time praying over this calling, and it has consistently felt like a firm ‘yes’ from God. While I haven’t received a specific long-term location I’m called to, God has given me a heart for international missions.
I first heard about Iris Global through a friend who works with the organisation in Brazil. I visited her from late January to early February this year, and during that time I gained a glimpse into what life as a missionary with Iris looks like. While I was there, I experienced such a deep peace and confirmation from God that overseas missions is the path I’m meant to pursue—it made me even more excited to follow His call.
In March 2025, Heidi Baker and other Iris leaders came to my church (GodFirst Church, Christchurch) for the Empowered to Go conference with SEND UK. One of the speakers, Andrew Fanstone (co-founder of Iris Fortaleza), shared about Fortaleza. As he spoke, I felt a strong pull in my spirit to be part of what’s happening there. When I heard that a Harvest School would be starting in September 2025, I prayed about applying.
Initially, I had planned to begin a nursing degree in September 2025, and applying for Harvest School meant deferring my university course until next year. But I felt God urging me to apply—so I did. And now, I’ve been accepted! After much prayer, I truly believe this is where God wants me to be in this season, and I’m so excited for this new chapter.
While I don’t feel called to stay in Fortaleza long-term currently, I do hope to work with Iris again in the future. Completing a Harvest School is essential for that, so I’m thrilled to be stepping into this opportunity from September to November 2025.
About Iris Global:
Iris Global is a missionary organisation founded by Rolland and Heidi Baker. They focus on humanitarian aid and evangelism across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
What I’ll Be doing:
I’ll be based in Fortaleza, attending classes during the week.
On weekends, I’ll take part in local outreach and ministry.
Before graduation, I’ll go on a 7-day outreach to unreached communities in the northeastern regions of Brazil.
Funding:
Deposit: $200
Tuition: $2,600
(approximately £2,100)
Flights: To be confirmed
How You Can Help:
All students are responsible for raising their own fees. If you feel led to support me financially, I would be incredibly grateful—no amount is too small.
More importantly, I would really value your prayers:
That this journey will be safe, transformative, and deeply impactful
That God will work through me and touch the lives of those I meet
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for all your love and support.
With love,
Violet
The link to a youtube video to tell you more about Iris Fortaleza.
The link to a video about Iris Global.
Organizer
Violet Cook
Organizer
England