The Peru-less World Cup

I've been catching snatches of the World Cup over the past week. It's hard for an old soccer player not to be a bit attracted. We've even enjoyed a game or two as a family thanks to ESPN3.com's online broadcast. Kevin said, "I want to play soccer again!" So, I'm not the only one getting the itch to play a little futbol again!

One highlight was seeing the first goal scored during this World Cup. It was a tremendous shot! South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala hit a perfect left-footer into the upper 90 (corner) of the far post. If you didn't see it, you should look it up on YouTube or watch it on the official FIFA page (http://soc.li/Aw6UziS).

Some of you may be asking, where is Peru? Well, they didn't qualify. In their qualifying matches with the other South American countries, Peru gained the fewest points of the nine and is sitting out another World Cup. In fact, they haven't appeared in the World Cup since 1982. Apparently,

though, they had much better success in a previous era, as the FIFA profile page explains, "Between 1970 and 1982 a

golden generation of Peruvian footballers qualified for three out of four FIFA World Cups and won the Copa America in 1975. Teofilio Cubillas was the star of the side, scoring five goals over two different final tournaments, and his attacking flair and skill became synonymous across the world with Peruvian football in the 70s. But, six straight qualification failures since then have plagued the once-proud side."

Well Peru, we'll be pulling for you for 2014!

A Wonderfully Busy May

The month of May was a most eventful month for us. We were privileged to speak in five different churches about what the Holy Spirit is doing in Peru. Thank you to Pilgrim OPC (Raleigh), Presbyterian Reformed Church of Charlotte (Matthews), Christ OPC (Etowah), Cornerstone PCA (Brevard), and Ballantyne ARP (Charlotte). We greatly enjoyed your warm welcome and fellowship. Thank you for considering becoming partners with us in gospel ministry in Peru.

The end of the Greyfriars Classical Academy school year also allowed us to get away a little as a family. We were able to spend a few days in Brevard at Scott's parent's house. Time with family and recreation in the mountains was refreshing, especially the trip to sliding rock! The water was freezing, as usually, but all the kids went down (except Joseph, of course!). I think Nathan won the prize for most trips down the rock into the frigid pool.

The middle of the following week, Scott was able to attend the Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference with his father. It was good to spend time with Dad, be encouraged by the conference speakers, and make new friends and become reacquainted with some old ones. And come back with a box of new books, of course!

We spent most of this past week as a family at the James Island Co. Park camping with the Trae Shepherd family from our church. The Shepherds are experienced campers and helped us "rookies" survive our first ever family camping trip. It was a blast! Even the 2:30 AM thunderstorm was sort of fun! It's not every night that you get to sleep with water dripping on your bed! But I think the time at Folly Beach and at the water park were probably the highlights for the kids.

We're looking forward, now, to settling into a more normal summer routine. Please pray with us as we continue to seek opportunities to share with congregations about the work in Peru. Please consider becoming both a prayer and financial partner with us yourself. Our greatest need is congregations and individuals that will commit to regularly pray for us and regularly give toward our financial support needs.