In 1990 at the age of 24, Jean Nicole had a radical, life-changing encounter with Jesus. Twelve years later while on a missions trip to the Philippines, he received his call to the nations. Shortly thereafter he quit his job of 17 years, sold his house, and went to Bible School. After two more short-term missions trips, Jean was invited to do a 2-year internship with Randy Clark (Global Awakening Ministries). In 2006 while leading a trip to Pemba, Mozambique, Jean met his future wife Teisa.

Teisa Nicole (Miller) radically committed her life to Jesus as a teenager and also received His call to the nations. After eight years of home missions ministry with Teen Challenge (TN) and School of Urban Missions (New Orleans), Teisa received a word from God about moving to southern Africa. Teisa joined Iris Global (under the leadership of Heidi and Rolland Baker www.irisglobal.org) serving for several years before meeting Jean and getting married on the field.

For 10 years, Jean and Teisa served as base directors for Iris Global base in White River/Nelspruit area of South Africa. The base consisted of ever expanding ministries that include the Harvest Bible College, Village of Hope- a community outreach center with various ministries like a preschool, feeding program, Dignity (human-trafficking ministry) and 24/7 Prayer Center, and Michaels Childrens Village (MCV).  They pioneered Michaels Childrens Village (MCV) in 2009- a family-based residential center dedicated to transforming orphaned/abused children into sons and daughters of the King.  MCV continues to expand/grow under new leadership (MCV FB page).

After leaving their beloved African home of 15 years, the Nicoles returned to America for a season of rest/family reset when God revealed the vision of Awaken Hearts.   Jean went to Manilla, Philippines in early 2020 and received confirmation to move forward with pioneering a new Iris Global ministry center/Awaken Hearts to reach Manila and prayerfully other unreached nations in Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Hong Kong, etc).  The Nicoles arrived in Manila on Jan2, 2023.  They joined the RockFish Philippines church planting team and partnered with KIDS International during the first year of learning and adjusting.  Dream Center was launched in mid-2023, providing weekly ministry training and mentorship to 12-20 missionaries. In 2024, Dream Center hopes to expand to training for OFW (overseas Filipino workers) being sent into creative access nations!