18th September 2026

This week I stumbled across an enjoyable YouTube clip. In the opening moments we are told: “This is a story of care, innovation, resilience and community”. The footage tells something of the story of the hospitals in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypVGFoIbOic). It gives a sense of a long tradition of striving to do good in society, to respond to, and to seek ever better ways of caring for those in need.

I was delighted to see an old friend featured, and a former colleague. I searched the old photographs wondering if I’d spot any Tyndale folk. There have certainly been doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, NHS managers (and no doubt other NHS staff) worshipping at Tyndale across the years.

“Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23).

“Christ has no body but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours” – words traditionally attributed to 16th Century Spanish nun and mystic, Teresa of Avila.

At Tyndale we endeavour to pray for one another, including for those who are experiencing periods of ill health. Some are called to join very obviously in God’s healing work in His world. We are called in so many other ways too though, to be Christ’s hands and feet in this world.

The YouTube clip concludes, suggesting an exciting new chapter for the hospitals as they merge to form one organisation. What might our personal next chapters look like; Tyndale’s next chapter; and who we might find ourselves alongside in that adventure?

Ruth Allen