here's a blog that covers 6 weeks in one hit. there's no way i could cover it all. its been an incredible summer so far. Half way through my time here. Im expecting the next 3 months to be better than the first 3.
crap to blog in this way - will get back on it.
Since June the work here has been building and getting busier all the time. From now until the end of August San Antonio is at its busiest. There are so many great stories, too many to list them all. Praise be to God that more people have reached a decision to ask Jesus into their lives. We continue to sow seeds of truth, hope and love well aware of the new season that the work of 24-7 Ibiza has moved into.
Living as part of a missional community is great fun and very challenging, rewarding and is a great environment for personal growth. Every week we spend time chilling and eating together, and learning and praying together. Im loving getting to know and working alongside people that are living sacrificial lives for Jesus, seeking first his Kingdom and seeing Jesus bind up the broken hearted.
The prayer wall is really filling up now. Heart cries of primarily those who are not Christians calling out to their father in heaven for help, direction, provision, healing and more. He hears every single prayer and we have seen so many of our prayers answered.
The new bibles that 24-7Ibiza has had printed are being snapped up. Such a great design and the message version is so easily accessible. There are pictures on my blog. Minimum print run of 5000 means we intend to give 2500 away and sell the other 2500 to cover the costs. Not sure of exact numbers but somewhere near two thousand still to be sold at £5 a bible. Let me know if you are interested. There has been hundreds given away already. Heres just one story of many opportunities so far this summer we have had to share the gospel. I cannot begin to tell you the extent of countless opportunities taken.
One night last week, myself and Jessica - one of the short term workers here for 2 weeks - were out on the streets and we found ourselves in conversation with a group of about 5 or 6 guys from England. The conversation proceeded and we explained about 24-7 Ibiza and what we did in the West End of San An. I grabbed an opportunity and took out a bible and one of the group requested that I read some of John to them. Though surrounded by bars with the group having consumed a fair bit of alcohol I read out of John 3 to them.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his son, his one and only son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a hole and lasting life. God didnt go to all the trouble of sending his son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again”.
They responded well to it and I had an opportunity to pray with one of them there and then on the street. Two of the group took bibles and after a few minutes of further chat in which we shared a bit more about what Jesus has done for us we wished them a good night and they moved onto the next bar.
Later that night when in Garlands at Eden (a club in the west end) with the whole of the team I saw some of this same group on the dance floor. I went over and started to dance alongside them. I introduced myself to them again and they recognised me at which point they pulled out their Jesus Loves Ibiza bibles and held them aloft in the middle of the dance floor. Though they were obviously intoxicated having consumed one form of drug or another, we all danced together for a while as they held the word of God up high on the dance floor. It was great to see the word of God that is so powerful, so full of truth and life in the hands of some guys who really wanted it, loved it and need it.
The centre continues to be very busy. Occasionally I reach the top of the table tennis leaders board but generally maintaining a respectable position. The internet and wii are always being used, so too the chapel. Whether its for a free head, foot or hand massage that one of the longer term team members offer on a wednesday or for impromptu bible study with a group of west african prostitutes who pop in increasingly frequently, or for another worker of the west end to chill for a while.
The church service we run on a sunday has been growing exponentially in number. Last sunday our centre was packed out with 30 people. Such a diverse group of people. West end workers – PR's, strip club workers, bar workers, prostitutes; short term and long term team members and visiters. People from Nigeria, America, Australia, Germany, England and Ireland. It was truly beautiful to see.
Most nights we speak with the prostitutes on the street, most nights we pray with them in the midle of their busy working schedules of performing sexual acts as a source of income. We show love to these truly beautiful women as Jesus did.
Just this week a couple of the girls on our team went into the three strip clubs of san an to pray, chat with the dancers and see what would happen in stepping out into these places to shine for Jesus and share his love. They handed out curly wurlys, chatted with men in the clubs, chatted with dancers and got to tell the dancers how much God loves them.
Some random thoughts and experiences of my life over the past weeks. Honestly im not lying on a beach for 6 months.
The kingdom of heaven is really coming to san an this summer. Honoured and Priviledged to be a part of it. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
jesus loves ibiza
We are going to be giving away these Jesus Loves Ibiza bibles this summer. The cover was designed by one of the supporters of 24-7 ibiza. The jesus loves porn stars new testament and psalms message version have been much loved by the workers and holiday makers of san antonio in the past! These must be flying into peoples hands on the streets of san an already!
If you would like to buuy one, then the cost is £5 which will pay for yours and pay for another to be offered to someone out on the streets or in the centre. let me know!
I am in the uk for a week for a friends wedding. In Brecon at the moment visitng my family. I love the rolling green hills of south wales!!!
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
space, dolphins and deep water soloing
Ibiza is such a beautiful place. Was able to step out yesterday afternoon for a bit of climbing on some cliffs near to san antonio. After doing a route traversing the coast ranging from 1 - 40 feet above the water we saw a couple of dolphins jumping alongside a boat just 50 meters out to sea. It was great!!!
Me and Bruce went to space opening on saturday night and danced for 11 hours from before sunset until sunrise to some awesome dj's inluding fatboy slim and groove aramada.
Its not all sun and climbing, dlophins and clubbing - thats just a great perk of being here. Im out every night or on call this week in the west end. I love it, but its tiring getting in at 4 in the morning! God is good and his love endures forever!!!
Me and Bruce went to space opening on saturday night and danced for 11 hours from before sunset until sunrise to some awesome dj's inluding fatboy slim and groove aramada.
Its not all sun and climbing, dlophins and clubbing - thats just a great perk of being here. Im out every night or on call this week in the west end. I love it, but its tiring getting in at 4 in the morning! God is good and his love endures forever!!!
Friday, 28 May 2010
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Salvation
It is incredible to think upon salvation. The fact that God so loved the world that he gave his only son. That through jesus' death and resurrection we have been reconciled to God. That Jesus surrendered himself to death on a cross so that we might be free of sin and live for eternity. That he first loved us and invites us into fullness of life, into a relationship with him.
I love the fact that today Jesus longs to make himself known to those who dont know him, and to love and embrace those who have stepped away from him.
There once was a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father I want right now what's coming to me.' So the father divided the property between them. It wasnt long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through the country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any. That bought him to his senses. He said, “All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am staving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I dont deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.” He got right up and went home to his father.
When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: “Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.”
But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, “Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast!” Luke 15
Tonight there is a party like this in heaven!
Thank you Jesus that you came down for me.
Thank you Jesus that you died on the cross for me.
Thank you Jesus that you paid the price for me.
Thank you Jesus that you first loved me.
Thank you Jesus for the life you give me.
I love the fact that today Jesus longs to make himself known to those who dont know him, and to love and embrace those who have stepped away from him.
There once was a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father I want right now what's coming to me.' So the father divided the property between them. It wasnt long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through the country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any. That bought him to his senses. He said, “All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am staving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I dont deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.” He got right up and went home to his father.
When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: “Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.”
But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, “Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast!” Luke 15
Tonight there is a party like this in heaven!
Thank you Jesus that you came down for me.
Thank you Jesus that you died on the cross for me.
Thank you Jesus that you paid the price for me.
Thank you Jesus that you first loved me.
Thank you Jesus for the life you give me.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Night time messiness
I hope that some stories i share give an insight into what im getting up to this summer.
Last night i experienced my first messy situation of the summer. Myself and Tracy - who lives and works out here year round for 24-7 ibiza - helped take a really drunk girl and her friend back to their hotel. She had been drinking heavily and was petty much unconcious, seni-naked and alone on the street when we received a call from one of our friends who is a pr for a bar. Thankfully we were able to help her and her friend back to their hotel with the use of our 24-7 wheel chair which was well and truly christened.
I am glad that we were there to help her home safely. Im glad im in a position to be able to help those who get into a vulnerable state. I am glad that jesus christ first loved me which is what fuels my passion for this work. I am glad i have a washing machine to wash the chunks and bile from my 24-7 ibiza hoody!!!
Last night i experienced my first messy situation of the summer. Myself and Tracy - who lives and works out here year round for 24-7 ibiza - helped take a really drunk girl and her friend back to their hotel. She had been drinking heavily and was petty much unconcious, seni-naked and alone on the street when we received a call from one of our friends who is a pr for a bar. Thankfully we were able to help her and her friend back to their hotel with the use of our 24-7 wheel chair which was well and truly christened.
I am glad that we were there to help her home safely. Im glad im in a position to be able to help those who get into a vulnerable state. I am glad that jesus christ first loved me which is what fuels my passion for this work. I am glad i have a washing machine to wash the chunks and bile from my 24-7 ibiza hoody!!!
Sunday, 23 May 2010
27
Its great to turn a year older and wiser, and be able to celebrate all that has happened this year. Its great to be able to celebrate my birthday in such a beautiful place. But, it is at times like these that you realise how much you miss your mothers home made pies, your fathers whiskies, your sisters crazy stories and your brothers dry sarcasm.
Es paradis opening was friday night. some awesome music and good to be in a beautiful club celebrating. Went rock climbing at es vedra again yesterday. Took damien with us one of our mates who is working here in san an aswell neil who is visiting from NI.
Really looking froward to this year!!!!
Es paradis opening was friday night. some awesome music and good to be in a beautiful club celebrating. Went rock climbing at es vedra again yesterday. Took damien with us one of our mates who is working here in san an aswell neil who is visiting from NI.
Really looking froward to this year!!!!
Thursday, 20 May 2010
routine
i seem to be settling into a routine within my new lifestyle for the summer.
My day starts about 12 noon and ends at 4am. I spend afternoons in the centre, meeting as community, times of prayer or exploring this beautiful island. Our night on the streets start at 10.30 and ends getting home sometime around 3. I cant seem to get to sleep before 4am at the moment. im sure it will get easier to sleep whenever as i get more tired.
This week has been a lot busier. Seen more people on the streets at night and also making use of the centre.
Es paradis opens tomorrow which will be a great way to celebrate my 27th birthday. Cafe Mambo opening was tonight and i watched the sunset which was beautiful.
Yesterday me and claire (http://eatprayrave.blogspot.com/)had a great bike ride to an old ampitheatre and small bull ring. this was the venue of some big gigs and festivals back a few years.
but its seen better days!
My day starts about 12 noon and ends at 4am. I spend afternoons in the centre, meeting as community, times of prayer or exploring this beautiful island. Our night on the streets start at 10.30 and ends getting home sometime around 3. I cant seem to get to sleep before 4am at the moment. im sure it will get easier to sleep whenever as i get more tired.
This week has been a lot busier. Seen more people on the streets at night and also making use of the centre.
Es paradis opens tomorrow which will be a great way to celebrate my 27th birthday. Cafe Mambo opening was tonight and i watched the sunset which was beautiful.
Yesterday me and claire (http://eatprayrave.blogspot.com/)had a great bike ride to an old ampitheatre and small bull ring. this was the venue of some big gigs and festivals back a few years.
but its seen better days!
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Night Work
we are now in the second week of being out on the streets at night and its starting to get busier, still no where near how busy it will be later in the season, but its getting there. Its been great getting to know some of the workers and pr's whilst it is quiet. I leave home at 10.30 pm. for the first hour, we as a team will pray and worship and then we go out onto the streets. We are out and about on the streets or oncall for the rest of the summer until october. Its great to be getting started.
We took home our first drunk on monday. she was on the side of the road covered in vomit and blood. we got her home to her hotel safely. At night, aswell as helping those who get a bit drunk or whatever, we tell people about the centre we run, we have some great chats and hang out, and we also offer to pray with people or take prayer requests from people which we pray for in the chapel. Its the start of a busy, tiring, mad and exciting season!!
We took home our first drunk on monday. she was on the side of the road covered in vomit and blood. we got her home to her hotel safely. At night, aswell as helping those who get a bit drunk or whatever, we tell people about the centre we run, we have some great chats and hang out, and we also offer to pray with people or take prayer requests from people which we pray for in the chapel. Its the start of a busy, tiring, mad and exciting season!!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Being Shaped
Are we prepared to have parts of us, our rough edges chopped off in order to be used in Gods plan for something greater? Are we willing to be changed as people in order to be used by god – to see his awesome kingdom come?
The past 10 days have been incredible, settling into a new home, a new town, a new community, a new team of people people, a new task, a new role. Inevitably, with all these new things comes change personally. Some of this change happens naturally, other changes will be harder and take time to work through. Its an exciting time that im loving every minute of.
After a busy week last week, this week seems a little gentler. Lets hope I can use this time to prepare for the business of later in the summer. Definitely feels like the calm before the storm!!!
The past 10 days have been incredible, settling into a new home, a new town, a new community, a new team of people people, a new task, a new role. Inevitably, with all these new things comes change personally. Some of this change happens naturally, other changes will be harder and take time to work through. Its an exciting time that im loving every minute of.
After a busy week last week, this week seems a little gentler. Lets hope I can use this time to prepare for the business of later in the summer. Definitely feels like the calm before the storm!!!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Centre Opening
On monday 3rd May the 24-7 Ibiza centre opened in the west end. The centre is here to provide a place for the workers of the town to network, get 30 minutes free internet connection, play the wii, have a game of table tennis, access to free water, someone to chat with or pray with, use of the chapel and more. The weather was atrocious today, some hectic thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightening – I thought the med was suppposed to be sunny???
Two people came to make use of the centre today, by august the place will be packed so its a nice introduction. One face was an old friend of 24-7's and its been great to get to know him. The other face was new to ibiza and is an example of the people and situations that I will be coming into contact with this summer. An alcoholic who came to ibiza to escape a situation, who has spent all his money in three weeks of being here. How quickly life can hit the bottom. It is an honour to be able to offer some help by means of a free phone call back home, internet use to check out a flight, some water and a chat. However, it is much more of an honour to be able to pray with him, for him and his situation, to be able to offer a place of sanctuary and to place in his hands the word of God which is so powerful in bringing love, hope and freedom!!!
Two people came to make use of the centre today, by august the place will be packed so its a nice introduction. One face was an old friend of 24-7's and its been great to get to know him. The other face was new to ibiza and is an example of the people and situations that I will be coming into contact with this summer. An alcoholic who came to ibiza to escape a situation, who has spent all his money in three weeks of being here. How quickly life can hit the bottom. It is an honour to be able to offer some help by means of a free phone call back home, internet use to check out a flight, some water and a chat. However, it is much more of an honour to be able to pray with him, for him and his situation, to be able to offer a place of sanctuary and to place in his hands the word of God which is so powerful in bringing love, hope and freedom!!!
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Arrival
I have arrived in the party capital of europe. The journey was an adventure into the inhospitable realms of flying ryanair as well as crossing europe. Its so fantastic to be here and im really looking forward to the summer ahead.
I have moved in with Bruce who has lived here for 2 years. He is part of the longer term community of the 24-7 team that live here - all year round. we will be sharing an apartment for the summer - and what an apartment it is!!!! Yesterday evening we ate on the terrace with great weather, looking across san antonio bay to cafe mambo and the sunset strip.
This week i have hit the ground running. Its been really busy getting the centre ready, and doing loads of prayer with a team of 6 people that are here for the week to help us prepare for the summer season. Its prayer that i believe really causes our work to be successful this summer!!!
Ibiza town
This whole chapter we really feel applies to the work we'll be doingthis summer.
Isaiah 62: 6
O Jerusalem, i have posted watchmen on your walls;
they will pray day and night, continually.
Sunset strip: San Antonio
These are the prayer team who have been watching and praying for the island and our work this week.
First night of the season clubbig tonight. Pacha - should be good!
I have moved in with Bruce who has lived here for 2 years. He is part of the longer term community of the 24-7 team that live here - all year round. we will be sharing an apartment for the summer - and what an apartment it is!!!! Yesterday evening we ate on the terrace with great weather, looking across san antonio bay to cafe mambo and the sunset strip.
This week i have hit the ground running. Its been really busy getting the centre ready, and doing loads of prayer with a team of 6 people that are here for the week to help us prepare for the summer season. Its prayer that i believe really causes our work to be successful this summer!!!
Ibiza town
This whole chapter we really feel applies to the work we'll be doingthis summer.
Isaiah 62: 6
O Jerusalem, i have posted watchmen on your walls;
they will pray day and night, continually.
Sunset strip: San Antonio
These are the prayer team who have been watching and praying for the island and our work this week.
First night of the season clubbig tonight. Pacha - should be good!
Thursday, 22 April 2010
community
One thing about ibiza im looking forward to is living as part of the community.
goldfinches are sociable birds often seen in colonies. i think i saw a group of six in my garden the other day - but there has regularly been a quadruplet.
Ecclesiastes 4:
8 There was a man all alone;
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
"For whom am I toiling," he asked,
"and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?"
This too is meaningless—
a miserable business!
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
goldfinches are sociable birds often seen in colonies. i think i saw a group of six in my garden the other day - but there has regularly been a quadruplet.
Ecclesiastes 4:
8 There was a man all alone;
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
"For whom am I toiling," he asked,
"and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?"
This too is meaningless—
a miserable business!
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Preparation
Having finished work 2 weeks ago i have been resting and preparing for my time in Ibiza. Gardening, canoeing, climing, visiting family, eating well. Its all been great fun, but its also been an important time to get focussed not only in regards to the practicalities of moving country but more importantly in prayer!!!
Have been to brecon, cheltenham and gloucester, back to bristol and am in brecon till i fly. busy but restful if you know what i mean.
glos cathedral
Brecon Cathedral
river wye: glasbury to hay
iconic Bristol image
gardening
Have been to brecon, cheltenham and gloucester, back to bristol and am in brecon till i fly. busy but restful if you know what i mean.
glos cathedral
Brecon Cathedral
river wye: glasbury to hay
iconic Bristol image
gardening
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
The countdown
In four days time i will arrive in Ibiza. I will be living in San Antonio for the summer; living, working, dancing, and praying with 24-7 prayer (http://www.24-7prayer.com/). It's a big change from life in Bristol, but hey im glad to say the adventure of life goes on.
Blogging on a reglar basis will be a new experience for me. hope you can catch a flavour of what im doing and why im doing it. Photo's, stories and adventures to follow - assuming i get there!!!
Blogging on a reglar basis will be a new experience for me. hope you can catch a flavour of what im doing and why im doing it. Photo's, stories and adventures to follow - assuming i get there!!!
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
An Ode to Neil by James Barber
A time has come from up on high,
To journey south in three weeks nigh,
And slip the surly hands on work,
Free from patients crying "my venflon hurts".
A new adventure, to a new time,
I have trouble making this poem rhyme,
Good luck Neil may adventures flow,
in Ibiza's capital San Antonio.
Will you miss the early starts,
Nightime working and the other staff,
To save the souls of party life,
The wayward flung and wayward strife.
The best of luck from all of us,
Enjoy and learn this is a must,
Stay in touch and let us know,
Your stories of wayward San Antonio.
And finally i have to say,
I hope you had a fun last day,
May God be with you and do his utmost,
Let us all to you celebrate this tonight.
cheers James, love your work!
To journey south in three weeks nigh,
And slip the surly hands on work,
Free from patients crying "my venflon hurts".
A new adventure, to a new time,
I have trouble making this poem rhyme,
Good luck Neil may adventures flow,
in Ibiza's capital San Antonio.
Will you miss the early starts,
Nightime working and the other staff,
To save the souls of party life,
The wayward flung and wayward strife.
The best of luck from all of us,
Enjoy and learn this is a must,
Stay in touch and let us know,
Your stories of wayward San Antonio.
And finally i have to say,
I hope you had a fun last day,
May God be with you and do his utmost,
Let us all to you celebrate this tonight.
cheers James, love your work!
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