Meet John & Iris

Serving God. Strengthening His people. Bringing hope wherever He leads.

John and Iris Drake are passionate Christian ministers based in Australia, serving through Nova Church and international mission work.

About John & Iris · Nova Church

A heart for people, a calling to the nations.

John and Iris are passionate Christian ministers based in Australia who have dedicated their lives to helping people grow in their relationship with God, strengthening churches, and supporting communities both locally and overseas.

Serving through their church community and international ministry work, they have travelled to Africa and other nations to encourage churches, preach the Gospel, pray for people, and help others step into the calling God has placed on their lives. Their heart is not only to minister through words, but through practical love, compassion, and service.

Their story

A turning point in Africa

Their ministry journey took a significant turn in 2013 during their first mission trip to Africa alongside leaders from their church. What began as a short ministry trip became a life-changing experience that deeply impacted their hearts and vision.

While visiting a local church in a remote community, they encountered families facing extreme hardship, including limited access to clean water. During one church service, a father shared the story of his young daughter and her sick baby. After the testimony, the mother placed the baby into Iris's arms and asked for prayer.

In that moment, Iris silently asked the Lord for guidance, feeling that her own words were not enough. She prayed for just one word from God to speak over the child. That experience became a defining moment in their ministry journey and strengthened their faith in the power of prayer, compassion, and surrender to God's leading.

After returning home to Australia, people began supporting the vision God had placed on their hearts. Through the generosity of others, funds were raised to help build a community water well in Africa. Rather than relying on large outside organisations or machinery, the project involved local workers and families from the community, providing both employment and practical support while creating sustainable access to water.

Today, John and Iris continue to minister with a heart for people — encouraging churches, praying with individuals, supporting missions, and helping communities discover hope, purpose, and the love of Jesus Christ.

Their mission is simple: to serve God faithfully, strengthen His people, and bring practical and spiritual hope wherever He leads them.

John's healing testimony

Walking again. Speaking again. Living again.

John's life changed dramatically at the age of 23 after being involved in a serious head-on car collision during the Christmas season.

At the time, he was building a successful future as an accountant and had many opportunities ahead of him. However, the accident left him with severe injuries that completely altered the course of his life. John lost coordination, struggled to walk and speak, and found himself physically limited to the point of relying on a wheelchair.

During one of the darkest seasons of his life, John turned fully to God for strength and help.

Rather than giving up, he chose to place his trust in the Lord and began the long journey of recovery. Through determination, rehabilitation, exercise, and faith, John gradually regained movement, speech, and independence. He pushed himself physically through sports and training, including hockey and cricket, rebuilding strength step by step.

Over time, what once seemed impossible became reality.

Today, John lives an active life and ministers alongside his wife, Iris, both in Australia and overseas, including ministry work throughout Africa and other nations. His testimony is one of perseverance, healing, faith, and the restoring power of God.

John gives all glory to God for the healing, strength, and purpose he has experienced throughout his journey. He believes his story is not simply about recovery from an accident, but about how God can bring hope, restoration, and purpose even through life's most difficult moments.