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\nBathe Me In Your Light featuring Lucy Stimpson-Maynard from the album I Look Up To The Heavens recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson<\/p>\nOf course, there are justified concerns about the World Cup being held in Qatar, but today\u2019s blog focuses on a young and successful professional footballer who seems to be portraying a different image to that often associated with his peers. The following is taken from an article written by Emma Fowler, who is the assistant editor for Premier Christianity.
\nAt Euro 2020, the then-19-year-old Bukayo Saka became the youngest Englishman to ever start a match at the semi-final stage or later of a major tournament. Now 21, he has already put two goals past Iran in England’s opening World Cup match. But as he faces up to the pressure of this, his first world cup, what part will his faith play in helping him navigate his ever-growing fame and the pressures that come with it?
\nSaka grew up in West London and was raised in a Christian home. He still lives with his parents and brother, and says his family regularly pray for his success. He attended The Edward Betham Church of England Primary School, which has a strong Christian ethos.
\nIn 2020, as part of a Year Five topic \u2018Do fame and Christian faith go together?\u2019 Saka wrote to pupils at his old school about the role that faith has played in his life. He said: \u201cI grew up in a Christian family who believe strongly in God. This always made me curious to get to know God more and I have done so by reading my Bible a lot and going to church a lot over the years. My faith is constantly being exercised when I\u2019m put in different situations or I play in big football matches such as my England debut. \u201cI hold onto God\u2019s promises such as the scripture \u2018Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours\u2019. So before every game I ask God to help me play well, help my team and try to score a goal or assist a goal and he answers my prayers so this is why I point to the sky to thank him.\u201d
\nSpeaking to Premier Christianity, head teacher Caroline Chamberlain told us that Saka was a \u201cpolite, modest and impressive young man\u201d who was conscientious at school and has not been changed by fame. She said that pupils at the school were inspired by Saka\u2019s words because he \u201chas shown that a strong faith is powerful in helping you to achieve in whatever field you work in.\u201d
\nSaka is one of the new generation of English football stars, praised for their decency, work ethic and talent. Like teammates Marcus Rashford and Raheem Stirling \u2013 he has a faith in God that seems to have a positive impact both on and off the pitch. And people are noticing. An article for the Evening Standard comments on the new social consciousness of the young team, many of whom are Christians.
\nIt is something that Chamberlain says is one of the many benefits of a faith-based education. It \u201cgives children far more than just a moral grounding,\u201d she says, providing \u201cpupils with the inspiration, rooted in the biblical truth that all people and all living things are valued by God, to challenge injustice wherever they see it – be it environmental, racial or any form of inequality.\u201d With Christian footballers such as Marcus Rashford more likely to be found making headlines for campaigning on food poverty than brawling in bars, she may be onto something.
\nThe school motto at Edward Betham is 1 Corinthians 13:13: \u201cFaith, hope, and love; these three things will last forever, and the greatest of these is love.\u201d The school says it aims to put \u201cGod\u2019s love at the heart of all we do\u2026 Rooted in Christian hope, pupils grow academically and, in their faith, equipped to live full and happy lives and care for the people and the world around them.\u201d
\nChamberlain adds that Saka once said he hoped he would continue to make her and the children of Edward Betham School proud. The message she has for her ex-student is clear: \u201cYou certainly do \u2013 your achievements are amazing. Keep giving it your all!\u201d<\/p>\n
Quote of the week<\/strong>
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