Estudiantil means “Soccer School”

In our second full-field game this week, we played against a club team called “Estudiantil”. This game was played at night under the lights. Our team was much improved from the first game, but the competition level was also higher. We got behind 1-0 in fifth minute, but responded only a minute later when one of our players was taken down in the penalty box. Micah Herron’s penalty kick tied the game at 1-1. The score remained tied until just a few minutes before halftime, when Estudiantil took advantage of a turnover and scored an easy goal for a 2-1 halftime lead.

In the second half, we had a couple of great scoring chances that could have tied the game, but the Estudiantil goalie made good saves or the shots went just wide of the goal. Midway through the second half Estudiantil scored to widen the gap to 3-1. We still had a few scoring chances after that, but just couldn’t get the ball in the net. A late goal by Estudiantil made the final score 4-1.

Coach Andrew Scott commented about Estudiantil. “They had a quality pace of play, excellent touch, and took full advantage of our mistakes. It was a very profitable game for us. We saw a lot of improvement from yesterday’s match”.

After the game Coach Andrew Scott thanked our opponent for “taking us to soccer school”. Paul Reece shared the gospel by using the “pelota de muchos colores” and each Estudiantil team member and coach received a t-shirt and Bridge gospel tract. They presented us with a small banner with their club team logo on it. The captain of their team thanked us for choosing their team to play against. They really seemed to enjoy the competition and were very attentive and respectful during the gospel presentation. More great contacts were made for the church and camp ministry to follow up on.

Earlier in the day, work projects included, setting the final few posts for the fort. Some of the guys left their mark on the project by writing their initials in the cement at the base of a couple of the posts. Work was also begun on pouring a sidewalk and “backfilling” an area along a brick wall next to our lodge. One of our “daily” work projects is washing dishes. We each take turns doing the dishes by hand after every meal. By the end of this trip, every team member should be quite proficient at this skill. Moms, keep that in mind the next time your son is home. : )

Today (August 11), the guys should have an opportunity to communicate back home through e-mail. We are going into town a little early tonight so they can go to the Cyber Café. After that, Jason Lorch will be sharing his testimony and Paul Reece will be teaching the teens/adult Bible Study at prayer meeting. Today, we are also planning on practicing our special music and our children’s ministry lessons (gospel magic and puppets) for next Sunday, Dia del Niño (Children’s Day).

We don’t have a soccer game today and it is a good thing. We need to recover from some very demanding, physical games that we have played the past two days. The teams we are playing against are very skilled and extremely quick. It puts a lot of pressure on our defense, but Jason Lorch, Ben Cummins and William (a young man from the church youth group) have played well in the back. Also, we had a few minor injuries (ankle sprains) to Caleb Salsman and Andy Gibbons. Hopefully, the day off will help heal some of the aches and pains.

Team Testimony from Paul Reece:
Pictures and words seem inadequate as means to describe the experiences and blessings God has bestowed upon this team as whole, as well as me personally. Sharing the gospel has taken on somewhat of a new form in my everyday practice here in Uruguay. Though we have been given a few opportunities to share the gospel verbally, God has shown me through this trip what it means to share Christ with my life; to serve. In spite of the language barrier, I believe the team both on and off the field has truly lived out the gospel and will continue in this manner. The gospel has become not only something we give when a Uruguayan happens to speak English or an interpreter is standing by, but also something we live out for the sake of His Kingdom. As we strive to live as our Savior, we bring encouragement to those who know him and conviction to those we pray will soon receive Him.

My role on this trip has been a little different due to my ankle injury. I will admit my discouragement and in moments frustration towards God for my inability to be out on the field. But God has blessed me greatly and given me opportunities that otherwise would have been missed if my wish to play had been granted. He has given me the ability to take pictures, and from day one I have taken many. Saturday, during our first game, He allowed me to share gospel tracts with 4 young boys riding horses alongside the field. God not only allowed me to converse with the boys about the gospel tracts, but also blessed me with the opportunity to ride a horse in Uruguay. For some this is not a big deal, but for me it was a valued gift.

As the team worked outside Tuesday, God allowed me to assist in the design of a camp brochure, which we will hand out at games and other related functions. Tuesday night God gave me the opportunity to share His gospel with the opposing team using the “Ball of Many Colors” (The Wordless Book – but a soccer ball). God answered my prayer and communicated His truth clearly and effectively. I will be speaking tonight during the prayer meeting service and would appreciate your prayers. God is good, and shall accomplish His will through my weakness.

Thank you for your prayers. I can truly say that if I had to leave tomorrow, the trip would not be in vain. The Lord is working in my life, and what a blessing to know that His work is not done. Keep praying for us; that we might continue to be an encouragement to the missionaries and for the gospel to reach many more hearts before our time here comes to an end.

I love you Mom, Dad, Family – I miss you all… love you Nikole – see you soon.

Humbly,

Paul