Gatecrashing

“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 ClaiborneAuthor and Activist

“I had the privilege of walking the streets of San Antonio with Brian and Tracy on a number of occasions. Brian and Tracy demonstrated a love, commitment and passion for everyone they met. I could imagine Jesus treading the streets with them. This book will inspire you to see that there is no place too dark and there is no person beyond Christ’s reach.”

Billy KennedyLeader of the Pioneer Network

“Gatecrashing is a story where Brian humbly compels you to love people in the shadow of God's love. At one point in the book I just found myself crying because that heart which Brian talks about for Ibiza – I know that heart. I know the tears that come when God breaks your heart for a land, a place, a people group. Brian draws you to God, to God's heart, and the impact is powerful. Read this book — please read this book — and allow this story to open your heart and inspire you to what might be possible when we take a chance on obedience. Allow it to inspire you to mission fuelled by prayer. For this is a story that calls me to keep chasing after God.”

Helen WarnockNational Director of Scripture Union in Northern Ireland

“Brian demonstrates the importance of prayer, working in some of the most difficult places – and shows how God answers us in the most unexpected and unusual ways, always reaching out for a lost generation. A powerful read...”

Paul CowleyExecutive Director of The William Wilberforce Trust

“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 FlannaganDirector, Christians on the Left

“Brian is the real deal; full of integrity, kind and committed. This book captures so much of the amazing things God has done in and through him. An inspiration to all.”

Tim HughesDirector Worship Central

“Prayer can be this confusing, mysterious, transforming, terrifying, totally life-altering practice — and yet, so often, my prayer life seems to fall flat. I can't find time to pray, or I find myself bowing my head and saying things like, "Dear God, I'd really like that new pair of jeans." If you're like me, this book will wake up the idea of prayer for you. Brian doesn't just spend these pages telling you why prayer matters. He shows you. With stories. And by the end, you won't only have new ways to pray or new reasons to pray — you'll have a new passion for prayer as well.”

Allison Vesterfelt Author of Packing Light: Thoughts on Living Life with Less Baggage

“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. Brian once told me that the best way they could spread the word of God, and how much he cares for us, was by showing a practical example of this to people.

The group continues, under new leadership, and they'll still be on the street tonight helping those that have over-indulged. The bar owners, police, ambulance staff — and the casualties themselves — owe 24/7 a big debt of thanks.”

Sean ConwayThe Huddle Bar, Ibiza