In late 2007, I started reading a blog called Curious in Ibiza. It’s written by Brian Heasley who, along with his wife Tracy, was the leaders of 24/7 Ibiza.
On his blog, Brian shares stories about the things that happen out on the streets in Ibiza. He shared stories about getting to pray with people, of building relationships with prostitutes, and the more I read, the more I was intrigued. The ministry sounded so unique, and I loved the thought of being out there in the trenches armed with God’s love. I became a blog stalker! From reading his blog, I knew 24/7 Ibiza offered opportunities in the summer for people to come take part in 2 week mission teams. In the back of my mind I thought it would be cool to eventually get to do that.
Then in the spring of 2009 Brian posted a blog that included the dates and descriptions for all of the mission teams they were hosting that summer. I noticed that the very first team was an intercessory prayer team. Here’s the description:
April Team
Before the busy summer begins, we plan to spend time praying, giving the season over to God, preparing the way for the summer months ahead –
After reading that, I instantly knew that I was supposed to go. I freaked out; because I knew I didn’t have the money to go. It was actually my pastor at the time Randy Woolstrum, who encouraged me to calm down, and have a little faith. Before I knew it, God provided the money, and in April of 2009 I headed to Ibiza for the first time.
I spent 6 prayer filled days on the island (Check out my trip report), and I fell in love. I fell in love with the people, the work, and with the heart of 24/7 Ibiza. When I left, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be coming back. But to be honest, I was thinking more along the lines of doing another short term trip.
Boy was I in for a shocker!
On September 9, 2009 (I remember, because I wrote it down in my journal!), I was going to bed when God rocked my world. I was praying when in the middle of my prayers, this thought came to me…”Poppy, you need to go to Ibiza.” I remember I sat straight up in my bed because this thought had literally just come out of nowhere! Not only that, it was so clear. After that I was wide awake, and for about an hour I prayed as my mind began to race with the possibilities. After some prayer and confirmation, I reached out to Brian and Tracy. I remember I felt a bit like a crazy person. Technically I had been to Ibiza, but I had never been during the busy season when they actually do most of their work. They suggested I come for the summer, and we would take it from there.
So in the summer of 2010, I headed back to Spain. As a US citizen I can use my passport to stay in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. That summer I stayed for 88 days! I had an amazing three months, and by the end, I was even surer that God was calling me to commit to the ministry on a more long term basis.
So now, I’m working on trying to move to Ibiza to work with 24-7 year round. I really don’t know if I can express in words how excited I am at the prospect! Mostly because I feel so privileged that God has called me to go join with the work that’s being done there. I’ll also admit that I’m a little scared. Mostly about the amount of money I need to raise to be able to stay in Spain. But then I remember my first trip, and the way that God provided, and I know things will be okay.
So, that’s it…that’s the story of my Ibiza journey.
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