24-7 Ibiza

If you're considering applying for one of our Short Term Mission Teams this summer, then read Karen's account of what it was like for her and the team:

It was late July 2017 and 8 of us from Belfast arrived into the Ibiza heat to be greeted by Jud and Stephen. It was a first for all of us, but as we walked down the packed main strip on our first night, all we had to do was mention “24-7” and we were welcomed like old friends.

Nights started with prayer and worship, then into an hourly rhythm between the prayer room and the streets. In the prayer room we interceded for the town and individuals, we brought the hard situations we witnessed to God, and we lifted up his name in the midst of a place where so many other things were being worshipped. At times it flowed easily and the presence of God was tangible, at other times it was like waging war (either in the spiritual, or against heavy eyelids at 3am!)

When we went out on the streets we were each paired with one of the long-termers and, basically, we did whatever was needed at the time! If people were lost, we helped them find their way home. If they were unable to walk, we called for the wheelchair or the aptly named ”vomit van”! If they needed someone to talk to, we listened. And, at times, we had the privilege of sharing the gospel, giving out Bibles and praying with people right there on the street. It felt like just trying to love people like Jesus did…and at times, as we knelt on a busy dirty street to help someone, who swiftly vomited on us, we had to remember that Jesus did exactly that for us!

During the days we (firstly, slept!!) had team time, prayer walks and had an opportunity to enjoy some of Ibiza’s beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets. As a team of varying ages, who didn’t know each other well to start with, we bonded as we served together, laughed together, ate together, prayed together, sweated together and got to celebrate what God was doing in and through each of us. Ibiza, we’ll be back!

Eat | sleep | pray | repeat.

This was my daily routine during my stay on the island of Ibiza last April. Well known for its nightlife, Ibiza is home to the summer outposts of major European nightclubs attracting many to savour the island’s appeal. I had travelled to the White Island where it hardly ever rains to meet up with the 24-7 Ibiza 2017 Prayer Team. We were on a mission – to pray into the new season of 24-7's work on Ibiza prior to the arrival of those who flock to the Island to imbibe on sunsets, cocktails, music and dance. We were like a pre-emptive spiritual strike force, our weapon of choice being prayer.

I joined a team of seven other pray-ers from across the UK to spend five days on the island praying.  We were hosted by the 24-7 Ibiza full time residential team who facilitated our praying with the back story of 24-7's love for Ibiza – the relationship with the clubs, the DJ’s, the bars, the workers and those who visit the island for their annual escape from all things ordinary. The trance-like music, the excesses of alcohol, the availability of drugs, all add to the clubbing scene that Ibiza is renowned for. It is all but a temporary escape and respite from responsibilities of life - this is where 24-7 flourishes.

We learnt about 24-7 Ibiza's modus operandi – the rhythm of prayer, the rhythm of the nocturnal and diurnal routines of the summer teams ministering to the clubbers. The permanent prayer room in the 24-7 centre being just a step away from San Antonio's infamous West End. So we walked and prayed, we talked and prayed, we worshiped and prayed - sometimes even in Spanish with the local Christians.

We spoke and wrote prophetic words over the island and over the teams of Christians from across the world preparing to travel to Ibiza to serve in short or long term teams over the summer. We called out to the Lord to bring about a harvest this year, to bring about change, to provide alternative work for those who feel stuck due to their circumstances.  We prayed for breakthrough for those who are trapped in a modern form of slavery, for justice and mercy on them. We prayed for painful circumstances to be redeemed and for those who hope and desire a new way of life. We prayed for the Ibiza Church, for unity and a spirit of collaboration between the island’s Christians.

After five days of praying the pre-emptive strike force departed the island, leaving the 24-7 team on the ground in Ibiza ready to receive reinforcements – the long and short term teams were on their way, all with prophetic words yet to be fulfilled on their 2017 tour of duty that is the 24-7 Ibiza West End season.

Through the window of the plane, my last view of Ibiza was through the rain that was falling as we took off, was this a sign I thought of blessings to come? On my flight home to London I pondered on the rhythm of my five days –  the fellowship, the fun, the meals and tapas shared as a team; the passion for Jesus, energy, sacrifice and vision of the 24-7 full time residential team. As I returned to all things normal I resolved to carry on the daily rhythm of eat, sleep, pray, repeat. 

Peter, 2017 Pre-season prayer team

If you'd like to find out more about our prayer team or apply to join in 2018 click here or visit teams.24-7ibiza.com

24-7 Ibiza Community Leaders

The 24-7 prayer vision in Ibiza has always been to introduce Jesus to people who don’t know him. Dave and Liz lead the 24-7 Ibiza team in living out this vision.

Dave and Liz were involved in planting Emmaus Rd Community Church in Guildford 11 years ago and served on the Leadership Team there, enjoying lots of fun and exciting parts of the church.

Liz is a qualified social worker, working for Children's Services for 13 years and as Pastoral Coordinator at Emmaus Rd for 6 years, overseeing pastoral care and setting up Family Outreach, a project serving vulnerable families in need. Dave has been Director of the Matrix Trust, a Guildford charity providing youth work and education in schools and communities, for 15 years.

Tilly is very caring and loves drawing at any given opportunity; Seb loves to climb, jump and cycle but doesn't enjoy walking.