About Cristo
Bringing the Light of Jesus to Northeast Thailand
Iris Cristo is a ministry based in Maha Sarakham, in the heart of Northeast Thailand (Isan)—a region within the 10/40 Window and one of Thailand’s least-reached areas. The Isan people number nearly 19 million, yet evangelical Christians remain a very small minority, and Isan is recognized as the region with the fewest missionaries per capita in Thailand.
Our mission is to bring the light and hope of Jesus Christ to as many villages as possible, especially to children, youth, and families who have had little opportunity to hear the Gospel. We build relationships, share the Gospel, disciple new believers, and establish ministries that serve the spiritual and practical needs of local communities.
But our vision goes beyond simply reaching people ourselves. We want to raise up strong, Christ- centered local leaders who will be equipped, empowered, and sent out to boldly make disciples, plant churches, and carry the Gospel into villages and communities beyond our reach. Our prayer is to see a multiplying movement of indigenous believers throughout Isan—ordinary people transformed by Jesus, equipped to make disciples, and sent to bring His light to the next village, the next generation, and ultimately the nations.
Spark Project
Spark Project is a one-day outreach designed to bring a spark of the Gospel into villages where there is little to no Christian presence. We go into a new village and spend the day building relationships and creating opportunities for people to experience the love and message of Jesus in a joyful, welcoming environment.
The day includes songs, games, snacks, a fresh meal, English activities, football, and a clear presentation of the full Gospel story. In the evening, we shift our focus toward the adults, creating a relaxed environment with snacks, a gift raffle, and an opportunity to share the Gospel and introduce people to Jesus. Our prayer is that each Spark Project would be more than a one-day event—it would be the beginning of relationships and an open door for the Gospel to continue taking root in that village.
José Project
José Project is our ministry in the village where we currently live and serve. We are investing in this specific community and in the children, youth, and families God has placed around us. At the heart of José Project is a learning center and safe space where children, teenagers, and adults can come, learn, build relationships, and experience a different kind of future. Through our current programs—including football, English classes, Bible studies, and Joy Club—we are creating consistent opportunities to disciple young people, share the Gospel, and help them grow in confidence, character, and purpose. We also dream of creating future opportunities for vocational training and skills development that can help families establish sustainable sources of income. For vulnerable families, having a viable way to earn an income can help break cycles of poverty and exploitation—including cycles in which women feel they must leave their children behind to work in a major city or become vulnerable to prostitution. José Project is ultimately about creating a safe place, building relationships, sharing Jesus, and helping families believe that a different future is possible.
Connect with Cristo
For those interested in a short-term visit, long-term missionary opportunities, or other general questions, please email Cristo@irisglobal.org
Instagram: instagram.com/iris_cristo_thailand
