Going through the names given to God in the Bible can be a thrilling and profitable exercise. In this presentation, I would like to consider one of those names, which can be found used in the Book of Exodus (Chapter 15), just after the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea – that name is “Jehovah Rapha”.

When I was younger, my idea of an ideal restaurant was one that served tasty grub, lots of it, no fuss and quick service and was inexpensive. That has changed over time, for while I still look for good food, I am less bothered about quantity and am happy to pay more if I am looked after within a pleasantly ambient setting, appreciating exceptional service and presentation. While it is not quite in the posh and pretentious category (as opposed to cheap and cheerful) Tomassi’s fits the bill nicely and is a firm family favourite, long appreciating its traditional English and fish/seafood bias.

I recently learned of the passing of an old friend, mentor, thoroughly decent human being, gentle giant and Christian gentleman, Barry Owen, who I first met as a teenager when I began to attend Coleman Street Chapel, where he and his family were actively involved. He had been unwell for some time and needed carer support. Toward the end of 2024, three Chapel stalwarts, David Iles, Geoff Hayman and Paul Bullivant, all had passed away (see here and here for my tributes to them). All of them were well known to Barry, and while sadly Barry has left us, now he has joined them in their final rest.

Today, I had breakfast at the Garon Park Golf Centre with an old friend, who like me has more than his share of disabilities, such that both of us needed to find somewhere disabled friendly.