In Depth:  Spain

Trevor Ramsey

In the first week of October, the bars and restaurants of Benidorm’s busy beachfront and area known as 'The Strip' were bustling and alive with many UK holidaymakers, enjoying some autumnal sunshine before returning to the harsh rigours of a British winter.

There was noise and colour, raucous laughter and angry exchanges on the streets and the walkways. The bouncers and security personnel were earning their money! Groups of Stag Dos and Hen Parties roamed the streets in packs searching out the next place of entertainment.

letter from Spain

Trevor Ramsey

The large expat population who sit around Benidorm’s bars and clubs any afternoon all year round are a strong minded, independent bunch. Thousands have made the ‘big move’ and have come to Spain for the laid back lifestyle. They look forward to no work, no time pressures, no stress.

Generally, they no longer like being told what to do, how to live their life or, especially, or what they should believe. Truth is not sought after. After many years of hard graft in the 'rat race' the prospect of a sunny climate and a cool drink, not having to think too much while watching the sunset seems irresistibly appealing - at least for a time.

letter from Spain

Trevor Ramsey

It started as a normal Friday. We had gathered in the rented church building in Benidorm to remember our Lord’s death with the breaking of the bread - a service which we held every Friday morning. It was just a small gathering but we are always aware that we are honouring Christ and always expectant for lives to be changed.

About 20 were about to start worshipping the Lord when a young lady walked in. She was bilingual with an English mother and Spanish father - one of the thousands of similar individuals along Spain’s famous Costa Blanca.

letter from Spain

Trevor Ramsey

Located on Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca, the town of Benidorm is known for many things - only a few of them are particularly healthy! Through popular TV programmes, such as Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun, A Place in the Sun or the sitcom Benidorm, many UK citizens have got a taste of life on the sunny coast.

Benidorm is still a very popular holiday destination - indeed nearly 800,000 UK tourists flock there every summer, seeking the perfect holiday of sun, sea and sand. Parts of the town are beautiful and peaceful but certain areas are awash with decadence and immorality, fuelled by excessive alcohol and a lax drug use policy, particularly on 'The Strip', the notorious street full of bars and seedy clubs. It’s a veritable hive of activity and noise and depravity, especially when the sun goes down.