IBIZA, Spain — Known around the world for its party culture, Ibiza became the setting for a recent evangelistic outreach where God opened hundreds of doors as missionaries and local church members shared the hope of the Everlasting Gospel across the Spanish island.
From June 17–21, Streams of Light International partnered with the local Seventh-day Adventist church in Ibiza to conduct a literature evangelism initiative throughout Ibiza and the neighboring island of Formentera. By the end of the outreach, 38 missionaries had distributed more than 6,000 pieces of literature and received more than 70 Bible study interests.
The Ibiza mission came immediately on the heels of the Rotterdam, Netherlands, mission trip. From Rotterdam, the team traveled directly to Ibiza for another unique outreach opportunity.
“From the Netherlands, we traveled to Ibiza for a unique mission trip because it took place on an island known around the world for its nightlife and secular culture,” said Oleg Lotca, president of Streams of Light International. “Throughout the week, the Lord repeatedly reminded us that no place is beyond His reach.”
The outreach began with a day of literature distribution on the neighboring island of Formentera, where volunteers distributed nearly 500 books and collected more than 10 Bible study interests. The island currently has no organized Seventh-day Adventist church, making the outreach an important step in supporting efforts to establish a new congregation there. An Adventist boat captain donated transportation for the entire team, making the project possible.
Throughout the week, missionaries encountered numerous individuals whom God had already been preparing. One missionary met a Muslim man who shared that years earlier he had dreamed of a voice instructing him to read the Bible. More recently, he experienced another dream urging him to go deeper and accept the truth. When he received a copy of The Great Controversy, he said he believed God had answered His prayer by sending someone to him. He eagerly requested Bible studies.
Another providential encounter took place on the final Sabbath when a recently baptized church member met a former coworker who had once attended the Adventist Church but had drifted away because of Sabbath work commitments. After accepting an invitation to attend church that afternoon, she arrived with her aunt, who had also left the church. Both expressed a desire to renew their commitment to Christ.
Dietmar Butscher, Europe Evangelism Director for Streams of Light International, said one of the greatest blessings of the Europe mission projects has been watching local churches embrace their role in evangelism.
“Mission has a way of transforming people,” Butscher said. “As they see God working through them, their confidence grows, and they begin to realize that He can use them in powerful ways.”
For many missionaries, Ibiza challenged preconceived ideas about sharing the Three Angels’ Messages in one of Europe’s most secular settings.
“Overall, it was eye-opening to be in Ibiza,” said Alissa Gomez, evangelism coordinator for Streams of Light Training Institute. “You could hear people partying throughout the night, yet they were still very receptive to the books and to the message we were sharing.”
Each evening, missionaries gathered to share testimonies and pray together. One highlight came when members of a local evangelical congregation attended an evening presentation on Bible prophecy and the Three Angels’ Messages. Following the meeting, several young people expressed interest in attending Streams of Light Training Institute to learn literature evangelism and practical missionary work.
Lotca said the mission’s greatest impact extends beyond the week’s distribution totals.
“The local church has been strengthened and encouraged to continue the work,” he said. “We ask for continued prayer as members follow up with the Bible study interests and continue sharing the everlasting gospel throughout Ibiza and the surrounding islands.”
