Adrian and Linda bound for Ibiza Chaplaincy
Early in May, the rector of Mount Merrion, Revd Adrian Green, announced his appointment as chaplain to the English–speaking church on Ibiza and Formentera in the Diocese of Europe. We’ve asked Adrian to tell us something about the new (and unexpected) adventure ahead.
How did you come to be appointed?
In mid–December last year someone sent me the advert, almost as a joke, but the Holy Spirit chipped away at me. I sent off for the application pack and to be honest, it had my name written all over it. It seemed like what we’d done in Mount Merrion but with sunshine! I was interviewed on 1 February and offered the job the same day, but Brexit and COVID meant I couldn’t make the announcement until 2 May.
It’s something that I didn’t see coming and it was hard to make the announcement because the people of Mount Merrion are like family to us, but we believe it’s God’s will. I always said that I wanted to leave Mount Merrion in a stronger place, than when I arrived and I believe that together under God’s grace we have achieved that; but I also believe that there are even greater things to come for God’s church in Mount Merrion.
Tell us about the chaplaincy
The chaplaincy has a long tradition of being known as The English–Speaking Church on Ibiza and Formentera. It’s a diverse evangelical Christian community with members from many different cultures and nations. There’s a monthly bi–lingual (English/Spanish) family service which is growing. My role as chaplain is supported by the Intercontinental Church Society (ICS). As we’re in the Diocese of Europe I’ll be introduced as chaplain by the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, hopefully on 9 September.
And the islands?
Ibiza and Formentera are the smaller of the Balearics. The population is around 135,000 (legal!) residents, living in three main centres – Ibiza Town (the capital), Santa Eulalia and Sant Antoni (near where the chaplaincy house is situated). Between May and October, the island has around 1,500,000 visitors who come mainly to enjoy the beaches and the nightlife.
What excites you about the task ahead?
What really excites me is the church’s vision. They want to see the people on the island reached for Jesus, especially groups they believe aren’t being reached at the moment. They also want to plant a church on the neighbouring island, Formentera, which is a short boat ride away. The opportunities are very diverse, and I hope we’ll have the chance to collaborate with 24/7 Prayer Ibiza.
Tell us what this means for your family
We have five children and three grandchildren but only our youngest son Ben is coming with us. Our youngest daughter, Mia, will continue to live in Belfast and finish her A–Levels and her two older brothers, Joe and Sam are also staying. It is going to be such a wrench leaving family, church and diocese but we felt it was right and it has been confirmed by some prophetic words.
How’s your Spanish?
I’m on Day 108 of Duo Lingo! In the late 80s I spent 6 months teaching English on a Spanish sailing ship so I’m brushing up on what I learned then. I’m sure it’ll come back.
How can we pray?
Please pray for Linda and me and all the family as we come to terms with the changes ahead. Please also pray for our new church as they don’t really know what they’ve let themselves in for!
Farewell but not goodbye
Travel restrictions permitting, Adrian and Linda plan to leave for Ibiza at the end of June but with family living locally they’ll be back from time to time (and there’s always the wooden cut–out of Adrian outside church is you miss seeing him around)!