In Times of Trouble featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album I Look Up To The Heavens recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson

I am not sure if you are interested, but all of a sudden England started to play some exciting rugby in their last two games in the recent 6 Nations Championship. One of the star players, if not the star player was Ben Earl, so I was fascinated to read the article below in Premier Christian Media.
One of England’s most in-form rugby union internationals has shared on the team’s official behind-the-scenes video how he came to faith in God.
Ben Earl, who plays his club rugby for the London-based side Saracens as a backrow forward, told England rugby fans that his religious faith “clicked” just as he was about to leave school.
“We’ve been going to chapel every Sunday since I don’t know how young, and I guess it kind of clicked for me at one moment, probably during the stress of exams and other bits around school life.”
“Growing up in that time and something I took a lot of comfort out of having another support board… something that you can lean on. And it’s something that I’m really passionate about, not necessarily to show too much about myself and my religion, but something that I care deeply about.”
The 26-year-old said he chooses not to “shove [his faith] in people’s faces” but is “very happy” to talk about it when asked.
He also mentioned that his recent spell on the sidelines, courtesy of meniscus damage sustained in a pre-match warm-up in November, was a time in which he learned a lot about his faith.
“It kind of gave me another chance to reflect on where I am as a player and as a person, but also the idea that everything happens for a reason. I actually thought that time out injured was one of the most enjoyable that I had in terms of growing myself both professionally and as a bloke.”
“Everything is up to God’s plan, and I truly believe in that, and all you can do is try your best. I think that’s a bit of a liberator for me is something that I can lean back on and say, ‘Look, whatever happens happens, I know that this isn’t up to me. I can just try my best. Whatever I’m throwing my hand out and trust that everything’s gonna be alright.”
Earl, who stood out for England during last autumn’s Rugby World Cup playing at No.8, is currently playing a leading role in the side’s Six Nations campaign, which suffered a heavy blow in Edinburgh in round three, courtesy of a fourth successive defeat to Scotland, after victories against Wales, in which Earl was named Man of the Match, and Italy.
They next face Grand Slam champions Ireland at Twickenham.

PS A game that they won!

Quote of the week