New Housemate

So my housemate arrived to my flat before i did, as my flight was delayed by that 'ash cloud'. I was hoping to straighten out and give the place a spruce up, but luckily Brian and Tracy gave it the once over and made sure his room was ready. The ash cloud meant i was 6 days late, but it wasn't all bad as i was able to get more time in Northern Ireland with my lovely lady Christine!

It's great to have Neil here, and i'm already enjoying sharing a house and having some good company. He's an outdoor legend, so i'm hoping he'll take us all rock climbing or kayaking. He's the kind of guy to trek across the Alps on his own for 2.5 weeks....legend!

It's his turn to cook tonight, so i'll let you know how that goes....this could be make or break!

Living Beautifully

I love this phrase so much.

I think it was Mother Teresa who used this phrase - and i for one think she did live such a beautiful life. She cared for the broken, the dying, the hurting, the forgotten, those with disease that meant they were ignored, the rejected. She did this for no fame, no money - nor did she want position or title. Now that's beautiful.

Jesus Christ also lived beautifully too. In fact, he did the ultimate, he gave up his life for humankind - the most beautiful and precious act a person can do for someone. He dies in our place, so that we might know God the Father. He took upon himself all our sin and shame and guilt so that we might go free. WOW!

So what does it mean to live beautifully?

A beautiful life is one that is poured out for others in service to them - not wanting to get something out of it.
It's a life that looks to the inner beauty of a person's heart and not the outward beauty that is so often praised in our society today.
A beautiful life is generous with resources for those that are overlooked and uncared for.

How can i live beautifully this summer here in Ibiza? That's a question that is on my mind right now. I desire Christ to cloth me with his beauty this summer - that's a good place to start. To be clothed with his kindness, his compassion, his justice, his forgiveness. I really don't think i can do it otherwise, or find it from anywhere else.

Taking the leap of faith

With the run up to the summer season beginning, I am thinking alot about all the people who'll be coming out here to serve with us on teams for 2 weeks. I am also thinking about the people who are planning on moving here for anywhere up to six months. What an incredible step of faith they're all having to make.

I know that some have given their notice in to their bosses and some are applying for careers breaks too; others are thinking of using their savings to invest in coming here and still others are travelling incredibly long distances and taking huge amounts of time away from loved ones.

I just am thrilled that the sense of adventure is alive and kicking in people's hearts! People are still being caught up in the wild life of following and trusting in God, no matter what, and it's such a blessing to have these people considering working out here with us. I can't wait!

Ultimately, when we give something up for God and for his Kingdom, we will get it back in some other way. It's like what Maximus said in the film 'Gladiator': 'what we do in this life, echoes in eternity.' Love that quote! Jesus said that whomsoever has 'left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother of children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.' (Matthew 19:29). What payback that is! Whatever we give up for God, we will get back 100 times more in eternity. Now that's a good return on your investment! Are we willing to have faith in God that he will honour our step of faith?

Most of the time our investment and sacrifice just does not compare to that of what God did by sending his only Son because he loved the world so much. God is our inspiration and the ultimate giver.

My new apartment

Check out the pics of my new place. It's pretty new and in lovely condition. Am so thankful for God's provision!

Give me my daily bread.

Man, i am SOOO thankful for being able to do what i do. During our team meeting this morning we were all just reminding ourselves how blessed we are to be doing what we do. Without people's generosity and God's thorough constant provision, we would struggle to do this work here on the Island.

I'm so thankful for all the people who give each month, not only to me but also to the work too. We talked about how, after seeing God come through time and time again on numerous occasions, your 'faith muscle' grows. The next time that something big comes up and you think, 'how will i ever pay for that?', you remember how God has always been so faithful in the past and your faith is that much stronger in God's faithfulness.

I'm here, doing this work, because God is so faithful, yesterday, today and forever. I just want to take this opportunity to say a massive 'Thanks' to anyone who has ever given or supported me and the work here. I also want to throw this out....are you planning on coming on a team to Ibiza this summer, or thinking of moving here for longer? Are you worried about finances or some other obstacle? If so, i just want to encourage you to trust God; he'll provide all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ.

Read this from Proverbs 30 last week. Pretty good i think:

⁷ "Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:

⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

My New Home!

I'm in!

There are boxes everywhere, but slowly and surely i'm making my way through them. Moving provides one of those rare opportunities to get rid of loads of stuff that have been collecting dust and doing nothing. And i need to throw away loads of stuff that has been sitting around for ages and hasn't been eaten. There's probably a reason why.

Tracy very kindly went through the huge inventory that i was given and she checked that list against all the stuff in the flat. There's some broken things here and there, and a few missing items, but apart from that it's a well nice pad. There are 2 irons as well...as if! Those can do one if you ask me.

We also prayed for the apartment, that it'd be a place of life and hospitality and full of God's presence. Quality!

Moving into my Apartment

Feb! Feb! Feb!

Is it just me or has January just taken forever to end? I've been wanting it to be February for a number of reasons, with the main one being that I move into my new place tomorrow morning. I've been looking forward to this moment for weeks. Most of my stuff is still in boxes, and i reckon in just 2 car loads i can move all my stuff. All that i need to do is give the place a clean and that's that.

I'm going to enjoy being a little bit more in the mix of the San An bay and also closer to The Heasley's too. The flat is a good size for only one person, and will be comfortable come the summer when someone else lives with me. I'll get some photos on here really soon to give you all an idea of the layout. It's got a really lovely community area with a swimming pool and surrounding garden which looks proper mint!

The other reason i'm looking forward to February is that my girlfriend Christine comes next Saturday for a visit - and i can't wait!

Baptisms at the beach

I got the honour of helping to baptise 2 guys at the beach today. They are both connected to the Anglican Church and both wanted to publicly confess their faith in Jesus and their committment to him. I was asked to help baptise them on Thursday night, at i jumped at the chance. I was just blown away at how special it was to be involved, and at how cold the sea chuffing was, but at least it was sunny and warm.

I swotted up on some of the scripture passages that relate baptism to Christ's death and resurrection. It was amazing to be reminded about why Christians do this. We are symbolically buried with Christ into his death, in order that we may rise to live a new life. But it's more than just something that is symbolic; the Spirit of God does his awesome work within us - his power is at work in our hearts. Romans 8:11 says, 'and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.' That verse was knocking about in my head all day. Pretty mind blowing stuff if you ask me.

I always end up wanting to baptised again when i'm involved in any baptism. I'd love us to see more baptisms on the Island and hope to see some this summer. Bring it on!

Apartment Hunting

Just to keep you updated on the adventure that is finding a home to live in.

Got an apartment in mind in San Antonio itself, very close to Eroski and near the Sunset strip (for those of you who know San An). I never thought that i'd live right in San An itself, but actually, as i'll be on my own i'd really appreciate the closeness to food shops, coffee shops and the hustle and bustle of life going on around you. It's on 6th floor too, and has a cool balcony with views of sunset and you do feel disconnected being high up, yet it's well easy to pop down and get amongst it in seconds. But she (the owner) has just put price up to €550 (any danger?), and i'm only going to go to €500.

Seen another place around the bay, and it's in a lovely area, pretty quiet with access to a pool and lovely roof terrace, but the downside is the kitchen. It's pretty pokey and extremly small, with no oven, and the living room has only a coffee table, and not much room for a table, esp one that can fit 4-8 people around. Hospitality is important for me, so not sure if this is the right place.

I really want a 2 bed place, so come the summer i can have someone, a volunteer for instance, come to live with me. That'll provide not only some company but some income too. This will mean more money going out during the first part of the year, but less come the summer.

Am back in the UK this Thursday, so need to make some decisions. I'd value your prayers for me at this important time.

Update

Today we are planning; dreaming; thinking; praying for the work of 24-7 Ibiza.

'If we always do what we've always done, we'll always have what we always had.' That's the quote currently knocking about in all of our heads.

We want to 'Fully' proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, and figuring out new ways to do this.

Another day to check what apartments are out there and to go looking at a few.

Am currently listening lots to Switchfoot and Jars of Clay.

Wished i was at the final ever Delirious? gig too. That would have been immense!

Flat Hunting

So, just bringing you up to speed with what i'm doing at the moment. I'm still living at the Anglican House in the mean time, until i find somewhere else more suitable. I need to find somewhere for the beginning of January.

Saw four different places yesterday that were to rent, all around the Bay in San Antonio. A mixture of bedsits and apartments. Am hoping for a 2 bed flat, close to the Heasleys, and not too far away from the hustle and bustle of San Antonio. Am learning new words in spanish too, as many of the people i ring can't speak English, so i'm just making it up as i go...which tends to make for some awkward moments. All good though.

Cinematic Orchestra

When i was in LDN a few weeks ago, a friend of mine treated me to a ticket to see the mighty Cinematic Orchestra and it was such a great gig. I wasn't dissapointed. I think there's about 7 or so members, and they are so musically talented like you've never heard or seen. They had an orchestra there too, which, as you might not have guessed, are not part of the main group - it's just their name.

Here's a link on Youtube to see one of there songs 'All that you give'. It's an awesome song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F1RVXfiWEE

They finished with thier amazing song 'All things to all men'. UK rapper Roots Manuva sings on it and he was the special guest that night! Flipping awesome!

So i thought i'd take a picture of my new car! Brian and Tracy have given it to me and it's such a blessing.

Firstly, it's an Audi!

Secondly, it's pretty nippy...hence the expensive insurance! ouch!

Thirdly, it's Red!

But most of all it's a pair of Wheels for me to get around the Island, and that's great. I just need to buy a new battery now and get it taxed and i'm all sorted! Am just so amazed at God's awesome provision and His perfect timing too. He knows my needs exactly, and just last week i was praying that God would provide the finance that i need and over the past week i've seen God provide through some friends in a remarkable way. I just think God is awesome and i'm so thankful to Him for the way in which He provides.

Yo hablo espanyol!

Had my first Spanish lesson last night since June and boy, was it hard. My new teacher speaks way too fast, and i just couldn't keep up with her. I'm now in Level Two, and i can definitely sense the increase in difficulty. Everyone around me is speaking really good Spanish and I'm sat there just scratching my head.

But I've not giving up one little bit. I'm gonna stick it out and get on top of it all. I got asked to spell the word Portugese in Spanish - i was like, i can't even spell it in English let alone Spanish. Good times! This winter i want to really get on top of speaking Spanish!

Look how they shine...

WOW! I had to blog right away before going to sleep.

You know i live on a farm in Ibiza that's in the middle of nowhere, right? Well, before I hit the sack tonight, i thought I'd quickly pop up onto the roof to check out the night sky as it looked like it was going to be a clear sky.

Oh. My. Life!

I was not disappointed. I've never seen so many stars on display and to top it off, i saw 2 of the longest and most vivid shooting stars that I've ever seen! They were like rockets in the night sky. When I see the heavens and the stars twinkling, it's hard not to be in awe and wonder at creation, but more than that, at the Creator behind the amazing spectacle before my eyes. I don't stop at thinking how amazing the stars are; I keep going and think how amazing is God who created all that I see. The stars speak of something deeper...

Check out how Psalm 19 begins - how cool. (This is C.S. Lewis' favourite Psalm in the Bible btw).

'The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech of language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.'
Psalm 19:1-4

My conclusion tonight: God is awesome and most worthy to be praised!

The best T-Shirt?

During the summer i got given an amazing T-shirt by a really really great friend called David. He has worked in Ibiza in the West end for a couple of seasons now, and it's been a pleasure to develop such a great friendship.

Anyway, when he turned up at the prayer room at the start of this season, knocking on the door around 2am, he was wearing this t-shirt that he'd got from Topman of all places. He said he knew that I'd like it - and he wasn't wrong. It's got the words: 'If you don't get on with the Devil, Jesus will always take you back.' And it's got a picture of a woman (looking quite devilish) next to a Church and a sign saying 'All returns accepted, no questions asked'. He said that he wanted to give it to me, and a few weeks later, it was in my possession. It's now my favourite T-shirt ever!

How awesome is the message on this T-shirt? And the fact i got given it by someone i met in Ibiza is pretty cool. It's got The gospel all over it!!! The sign saying 'all returns accepted' reminds me of the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible, one of the greatest stories Jesus ever told. The youngest son takes his share of his inheritance and turns his back on his father and goes to a far off country (a modern day version might have Ibiza as the country) to spend all his money on wild living. After running out of money and his friends have left him, he decides to try to get a job feeding pigs, and is desperately hungry. He makes the decision to go home and face his father, worried that he might not be accepted. But the fathers heart is amazing, waiting and ready to accept back his rebellious son, with full forgiveness and in total grace. Jesus told this story to tell us what God the father is like, and it's a pretty awesome message!

This story is relevant more than ever today. Jesus - the exact representation of God - is ready to welcome back anyone who has gone and danced with the Devil, no questions asked. Fact!

24-7 Rocks Amsterdam

I had the opportunity to be in Amsterdam this weekend as part of the 24-7 Prayer gathering. The meeting wasn't that large, yet many different nations were represented there, with Germany, Scandinavia, The Balkans, and Essex among the main groups! It was an excellent weekend, and i loved hearing some of the things going on in Europe and listening to some excellent talks inspiring us to renew our love for God and the call to pray.

It's so clear that 24-7 isn't about a vision, or a mission statement, or about buildings, or results but about people. What i love most of all about the 24-7 movement is the friendship i have with such great people. Doing what i do in Ibiza means I've had the privilege to meet some fantastic people over the past 18 months, and it was great reconnecting with many of them and catching up with them. It brings such life and renews faith in what I'm called to do. People are so supportive of Ibiza, in particular the Irish lot and the Boiler room in Standford-le-hope. What lovely people they all are! I love you guys. Thanks for the amazing Ethiopian that we shared...yum!

The highlight of the weekend was the Auction on the last day. T-shirts were designed and donated and sold to raise money for 2 couples to bless them in their work. I think about €2500 was donated. The giving and generosity during the sale of a special knitted t-shirt (made by Peggy from Standford) was remarkable. Who says being generous isn't fun? Good times!

I Heart Amsterdam

The picture above is of the motto that the city of Amsterdam have adopted since 2005. These huge monuments are scattered throughout the city and represent the pride and confidence the locals have in their beautiful city.

During a seminar whilst attending the 24-7 Prayer conference I heard a guy mention that it's interesting that the words in red is the name God uses in Exodus to tell his name to Moses....'I am'. How cool is that? All over the great city of Amsterdam is Gods name. In a city with such a 'dark' reputation, we see Gods name right in the centre of it all.

I loved being in such a beautiful city. When i wasn't in meetings, i got to enjoy seeing the sights, the canals, the restaurants that serve every type of food, the people from every corner of the globe, and the buzz. One evening we did walk through the red light district as i wanted to see it firsthand. It was both shocking and sad, to see people literally 'on sale'. But apart from that, the city was such a fantastic place.

24-7 Euro Gathering in Amsterdam

This weekend I'll be in Amsterdam for the annual 24-7 Prayer Gathering. I'm well looking forward to being there and seeing lots of friends and hearing some great talks and hopefully being encouraged. Am feeling really knackered after a busy summer season and i hope to enter a time of rest; rest for my soul. I read in Matthew 11 about Jesus giving rest for the soul. The Message puts it in such a beautiful way: 'Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest...learn the unforced rhythms of grace.' Wow!

The theme for this year is taken from Phillipians 4: ‘Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.' I love this bit of scripture so so much, and can't wait to hear more.

Last night of Streetwork

On Friday night we walked the streets of the West End for one final time. Helen had a great idea to buy some pick 'n' mix sweets and we walked about handing them to workers, which they loved. I was up for going out to 'Wonderland' @ Eden as Faithless were playing but i was just not up to it. Feelings of tiredness and the emotions of the season winding up and saying goodbye to some special people meant that all i wanted was to get some rest.

Having had some rest yesterday, and spending some quality time with God, I'm feeling much fresher, which is just as well as today we're heading down to Space for the Closing Fiesta! We need to be in before 1pm, which is always wierd to be in a club for that time, but it means cheaper entry. I just hope that it doesn't rain, as much of it will be outside and the weather has been pony lately! The line-up is unbelievable - as always - and I'm well looking forward to having a boogie. Am hoping to bump into loads of worker friends and enjoy the day together.