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Gatecrashing: Gatecrashing
More pubs, clubs and bars per square mile than almost anywhere else in Europe. Hundreds of thousands of young people, intent on having the best holiday possible. The beautiful island of Ibiza is often derided for the shocking scenes of excess, violence and incapacity that inevitably result.
24-7 Prayer took up the invitation, God’s call to go to the party island and pray. So Brian and Tracy Heasley went. For seven years, they walked and prayed around the walls of the San Antonio. And most nights, joined by young volunteers, they walked through the town, chatting to clubbers and offering prayer. Thousands said yes. Some knelt, some put their hands together, some shared deep worries and concerns. They helped people home, looked after those in danger of being robbed, and befriended all kinds of people, from bar owners to prostitutes. The familiar T-shirts of 24-7 Ibiza came to be regarded as a fourth emergency service.
Brian and Tracy’s story will inspire you to pray and show God’s love for your own community as you seek to express the gospel in whatever situation he has placed you.
“God so loved the world that God did not just send words on paper, but Word made flesh. In Jesus, God put skin on and moved into the neighborhood, to live among us. One of the most important ministries in the world is the ministry of presence. Walking alongside, living among, earning the right to speak into people’s lives by loving them well – as they are and not as they could be. Sometimes one of the obstacles to Christ has been Christians who have so much to say with our mouths and so little to show of God’s love with our lives. Here is the story of a ministry of presence, a ministry of moving in and listening … It is also a reminder that little Ibiza’s are everywhere if we only have eyes to see. Let it invite you to find your own Ibiza.”
Shane Claiborne, author and activist
“It’s easy to sit on a sofa and critique a decadent, hedonistic culture. There are plenty of books which do that. Or you can swallow your pride, learn the language, meet the people and love them. This raw gem from Brian Heasley tells THAT story.”
Andy Flannagan Director, Christians on the Left
“I got to know Brian and Tracy when they first set up the Ibiza branch of the organisation… one that I’d never heard of till that point. They were out on the street, handing out bits of fruit to workers and tourists. Naturally, I thought it was some kind of PR stunt for a club or bar — so was rather surprised to find out the truth.
As a tourist once put it to me… ‘So: groups are just going round talking to people and then picking up drunks and taking them to their hotels or the hospital — and they’re not selling anything?’
I’ve seen them, over the years, carry away hundreds of drunk, confused people and get them cared for. Many of them have been abandoned or become detached from a group of friends and left alone in the street. The majority of them have got themselves into their situation due to the over-indulgence in all that Ibiza has to offer. But there’s no questioning or moralising on the part of 24/7… They see someone in trouble — and they’re there to help.
I’ve seen them take abuse at times, get covered in vomit, questioned by the police and not receive a word of thanks from those they help. They’ve been accused of being a pirate taxi service and drug dealers too — none of which has deterred them from their voluntary duty.
I suppose, in a way, they are PRs — just not for a bar or a nightclub.
24-7 Prayer took up the invitation, God’s call to go to the party island and pray. So Brian and Tracy Heasley went. For seven years, they walked and prayed around the walls of the San Antonio. And most nights, joined by young volunteers, they walked through the town, chatting to clubbers and offering prayer. Thousands said yes. Some knelt, some put their hands together, some shared deep worries and concerns. They helped people home, looked after those in danger of being robbed, and befriended all kinds of people, from bar owners to prostitutes. The familiar T-shirts of 24-7 Ibiza came to be regarded as a fourth emergency service.
Brian and Tracy’s story will inspire you to pray and show God’s love for your own community as you seek to express the gospel in whatever situation he has placed you.
“God so loved the world that God did not just send words on paper, but Word made flesh. In Jesus, God put skin on and moved into the neighborhood, to live among us. One of the most important ministries in the world is the ministry of presence. Walking alongside, living among, earning the right to speak into people’s lives by loving them well – as they are and not as they could be. Sometimes one of the obstacles to Christ has been Christians who have so much to say with our mouths and so little to show of God’s love with our lives. Here is the story of a ministry of presence, a ministry of moving in and listening … It is also a reminder that little Ibiza’s are everywhere if we only have eyes to see. Let it invite you to find your own Ibiza.”
Shane Claiborne, author and activist
“It’s easy to sit on a sofa and critique a decadent, hedonistic culture. There are plenty of books which do that. Or you can swallow your pride, learn the language, meet the people and love them. This raw gem from Brian Heasley tells THAT story.”
Andy Flannagan Director, Christians on the Left
“I got to know Brian and Tracy when they first set up the Ibiza branch of the organisation… one that I’d never heard of till that point. They were out on the street, handing out bits of fruit to workers and tourists. Naturally, I thought it was some kind of PR stunt for a club or bar — so was rather surprised to find out the truth.
As a tourist once put it to me… ‘So: groups are just going round talking to people and then picking up drunks and taking them to their hotels or the hospital — and they’re not selling anything?’
I’ve seen them, over the years, carry away hundreds of drunk, confused people and get them cared for. Many of them have been abandoned or become detached from a group of friends and left alone in the street. The majority of them have got themselves into their situation due to the over-indulgence in all that Ibiza has to offer. But there’s no questioning or moralising on the part of 24/7… They see someone in trouble — and they’re there to help.
I’ve seen them take abuse at times, get covered in vomit, questioned by the police and not receive a word of thanks from those they help. They’ve been accused of being a pirate taxi service and drug dealers too — none of which has deterred them from their voluntary duty.
I suppose, in a way, they are PRs — just not for a bar or a nightclub.
- GenresChristian
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 7, 2022
Mission Work is Hard!
I know it is because my wife and I have been full time missions for over 25 years. It is hard when you are foreign missionaries and it is hard when you are home missionaries. It is hard when you are full time Christian workers and it is hard if you are a Christian trying to serve God in your every day life. No matter what your situation you need God in you and you need God’s help when serving Him.
Gatecrashing is an awesome book. It’s full of awesome stories from someone who is trying to serve God just like I and many of you are. It is also full of helpful suggestions that you can use while ministering. Most of all, though, it is an awesome book on how important prayer is in your personal life and the life of your ministry. Prayer can change things in your ministry but more importantly it can change people’s lives.
I heartily recommend this book!
I know it is because my wife and I have been full time missions for over 25 years. It is hard when you are foreign missionaries and it is hard when you are home missionaries. It is hard when you are full time Christian workers and it is hard if you are a Christian trying to serve God in your every day life. No matter what your situation you need God in you and you need God’s help when serving Him.
Gatecrashing is an awesome book. It’s full of awesome stories from someone who is trying to serve God just like I and many of you are. It is also full of helpful suggestions that you can use while ministering. Most of all, though, it is an awesome book on how important prayer is in your personal life and the life of your ministry. Prayer can change things in your ministry but more importantly it can change people’s lives.
I heartily recommend this book!
September 2, 2018
Good practical book about mission and serving people when there feels like there's no reason or anything to get in return. You really feel their struggle - Brian Heasley is an absolute saint for getting stuck into the mess of Ibiza and praying relentlessly for God to breakthrough. It is truly incredible what 24/7 has grown there and continue to work in today. Would have like a few more stories to really ground the book in the emotion of San Antonio. Loved the practical bits for anyone trying to do 24/7 prayer ministry or mission in their own area. Definitely worth a read!
September 16, 2025
I enjoyed reading this a lot, it's an easy to read account of the wild, whacky and wonderful story of 24-7 setting up a permanent base and presence on Ibiza. Ultimately it's another account of going where their prayers took them, and a working out of the 24-7 values of prayer, mission and justice.
I appreciate that Heasley writes honestly about both successes and failures, about good times and dark times.
He also ends each chapter with a helpful summary list of practical tips, e.g. about prayer walking, or setting up a prayer space, or perseverance in prayer.
I appreciate that Heasley writes honestly about both successes and failures, about good times and dark times.
He also ends each chapter with a helpful summary list of practical tips, e.g. about prayer walking, or setting up a prayer space, or perseverance in prayer.
October 2, 2024
This is an eye-opener not only to those who are not believers but also to those who are.
Written in honest, straightforward language, witholding no bars, this book outlines the lifestyle of Ibiza and those who choose to frequent it every summer.
Graphic details of those who over-indulge are given - definitely not for the faint-hearted or "religious" members of the churchgoing community.
Telling the stories of those lives changed by a higher power is intriguing and awesome
Written in honest, straightforward language, witholding no bars, this book outlines the lifestyle of Ibiza and those who choose to frequent it every summer.
Graphic details of those who over-indulge are given - definitely not for the faint-hearted or "religious" members of the churchgoing community.
Telling the stories of those lives changed by a higher power is intriguing and awesome
November 12, 2018
A challenge to all Christians to pray more and stick their neck out when it comes to serving the community even when it doesn't look good.
January 25, 2020
What a fantastic book on how prayer works really enjoyed the book
September 5, 2023
Read this while with 247 Prayer in Ibiza. Such an exhilarating and inspiring challenge and encouragement - great stories of God's work.
September 3, 2014
So enjoyed this book - if you put into practice all the things you believe God honours our prayers and great things happen
Practical ideas on prayer rooms, prayer walking and living and serving a community
Practical ideas on prayer rooms, prayer walking and living and serving a community
February 7, 2016
Great book and inspiring to read. Does what I suspect it is designed to, makes you want to pray
June 30, 2018
Powerfully moving book, Brian and his team brought light (Jesus) into a very dark place getting stuck in where people needed help and changing peoples lives as a result.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews