What six weeks of vomit, drugs and miracles teach you about prayerChloe Allan - 25 Jul 2013
For over a decade now 24-7 Prayer has been pioneering mission in Ibiza, the party capital of Europe. Through committed people who move out there and many amazing volunteers, they have been able to save countless people's lives as they roam the streets at night looking to help those who are too influenced by drink or drugs. They provide a presence who the emergency services turn to for help, an ear for people who need to talk, assistance for party-ers who can't get themselves home and an invitation for those searching for something more.
The Vision Course culminates in a six-week international mission trip and so last term we sent the UK students to Ibiza to experience life on the front line of mission. Chloe Allan writes about her experience; and about how you cope when 6 weeks of drink, drugs and miracles force you out of your comfort zone. (This post was taken from Chloe's blog)
I never thought I’d be the girl who knew her drugs.
Ibiza has been a funny world to be in, a nocturnal rhythm filled with house music and the mixed smell of vomit and alcohol. You are at a gig one minute and then get the crowd home safely the next, you’re friends with the police, bouncers and party-goers alike, and someone who can still remember their hotel room is a massive relief.
I’ve loved the weather, the sunsets, the amazing team I got to do this with, how open people have been to us praying for them, talking to people about Jesus’ love, seeing immediate answers to prayer, having lots of people round for dinner, people asking for bibles and the many many things that God has been teaching me that I couldn’t have learnt nearly so well anywhere else.
‘Character is reflected by attitude when you are out of your comfort zone’
This phrase stuck with me as I moved out here. In many things I have ‘got by’ with my enthusiasm and passion, or even sometimes gifting, but this, no. I felt really sapped of the things I often rely on. I knew that what came out of me was really a reflection of my heart, and that in order to do anything I needed God. I’ve had to watch my attitude so much and re-align my heart with God’s.
James 4:10 says “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up”, God never sets us up to fail and I really felt him carrying me though my time here. Even when things haven’t been easy and I’m telling God that I don’t understand what he is doing, he continually showers me with his goodness and encourages me to keep on hungering for more of him, because there is always more of him to give, he just wants me to desire it.
Ibiza has been teaching me a lot about serving, particularly when I really don’t want to or don’t feel like it, when I don’t see results or get anything in return. It’s love, it’s a conscious choice rather than a feeling. I’ve been learning to see a need and respond to it, putting aside what ‘fits’ me because really, it isn’t about me, it’s just about standing and serving and being open to God.
The last 6 weeks have continued to show me the importance of prayer in action, chatting with God and seeking him is to be the beginning middle and end of everything I do. I’ve been learning about listening to what God is saying about a person or a situation and acting on it, relying on his direction. It’s been a great learning curve for me in terms of boldness, I’ve just been going for it and Ibiza has been a great place to step out.
So, after 37 days, 3 mosquito bites and half a tan I’m glad I got to be here, but I’m so happy to be returning.
God keeps upping the adventure. What’s next?
The Vision Course is a life-changing experience of radical discipleship, personal growth and 24-7 prayer. The Vision Course will help you lay foundations of biblical knowledge, cross-cultural mission, character development and, of course, prayer for the rest of your life. Applications are still open for September and you can find full details and applications for on the Academy Page.
You can keep up with the work and amazing stories from 24-7 Ibiza on Charlie and Abby's blog as they lead the work out there.