After scoring for Liverpool in their 5-1 victory over Spurs at the end of April – a match which sealed the Premier League title for Liverpool – striker Cody Gakpo tore off his shirt to reveal another saying: ‘I belong to Jesus’. The Dutch forward also showed it off after the game while celebrating his team being crowned champions. Later, the Football Association (FA) wrote to Cody, reminding him of the FA ban on religious slogans on clothing and equipment. No further action will be taken, but such is the joy of knowing Jesus that players like Cody have often defied the rules to show others their gratitude to God. Brazilian footballer Kaka wore a shirt bearing the same words after winning the 2007 Champions League final. And as we reported in our last two issues, Marvin Andrews wore a T-shirt saying ‘The things that are impossible with men are possible with God’ after winning the Scottish championship in 2005, and last year Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was twice told off by the FA for writing ‘I love Jesus’ and ‘Jesus loves you’ on his armband Cody has previously said: “Faith gives me peace. And strength when I need it. I often read the Bible before I go to sleep. It is a kind of love letter that tells us how we should treat each other.” You read this story in June's Good News newspaper or on our website at www.goodnews-paper.org.uk (fb)

Tough guys prove faith isn’t just for wimps A former world champion power lifter and a former bodybuilder and bouncer tell Good News outreach newspaper that faith isn’t just a crutch for the weak. In our July issue, Arthur White and Ian McDowell, now preachers who lead the Tough Talk ministry, recall how God’s love changed their lives and tell how they now share their story in schools, churches and prisons. After seeing their impact in a prison, one reporter concluded: “You possibly haven’t experienced the true power of the Christian message until you’ve seen six and a half foot of hardened gangster sobbing uncontrollably.” Also in this issue… HOPE FOR THE EUROS – England striker Lauren James is in a fight to be fit for the Euros but trusts in God’s plan ALISON HAMMOND ON FAITH – ‘My Bible is my guide to life… I’ve got God to lean on’ MARCUS MUMFORD’S JOURNEY – The lead singer of Mumford & Sons’ latest song hints at a journey back to God YOUTUBE STAR SAYS ‘JESUS IS KING’ – A YouTuber tells his 24 million subscribers about Jesus THE POWER TO CHANGE – A Christian rehab centre sees God’s power break the grip of addiction CHURCH FEEDS COMMUNITY – Surrey church cooks 250 meals a week for the needy HELPING HOMELESS OFF THE STREETS – Yorkshire church provides safe space for rough sleepers THE AUSSIE AND THE AFTERLIFE – Australian troubled over what happens after death finds peace SET FREE – Shoplifter and drug addict with tragic past finds hope for the future DISNEY DOWNPLAYS FAITH – Disney’s new Daredevil series misses central spiritual theme EVIDENCE FOUND FOR BIBLE BATTLE – New dig shows Bible is right about Battle of Megiddo HIT FOR SIX – England cricket team chaplain found God after meeting an England cricketer … Plus all your favourite regular features like our quick quiz, film review, challenging sudoku, fun crossword and tasty recipe. +++ www.goodnews-paper.org.uk (fb)