SHELDON THOMAS
Founder of Gangsline
Sheldon Thomas is the Founder and Chief Executive of Gangsline. An inspirational and pioneering individual, Sheldon has an unprecedented insight into gangs through his own experience as a leading gang member in the 1970s. He now dedicates his life to engaging directly with gang leaders and members and using a ‘no holds barred’, yet spiritual, approach to changing young people’s lives.
BACK
Sheldon is hailed as a leading expert in gang culture and is both an advisor to the Home Office and New Scotland Yard on gang culture and violence, and to Trident which is a specialist unit dealing with black-on-black gun related crime. Sheldon regularly sits in on the Home Office round table discussions and has contributed to the Home Office ‘Ending Gang Violence’ Strategy (2011). He also currently provides strategic and tactical advice to the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Newham on gang-related activity, and informs on cross-border issues for the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest and Redbridge.
His journey began in 1988 when he met the late Bernie Grant, former Labour MP for Tottenham. Grant saw potential in Sheldon and offered to mentor him. In the subsequent years Sheldon used his new found focus as he travelled to areas of the United States where he met civil rights acticist Jesse Jackson, and Jamaica to learn all he could about gang and drug related crime and violence and how they tackle it. Inspired by Bernie Grant, his own family and everything that he had learnt he dedicated his life to helping the disillusioned and disinfranchised young people in society reach their potential.
A regular and outspoken contributor to television, radio and newspaper, Sheldon is a motivational speaker and visionary. He is contacted weekly from across the globe by individuals, businesses and government representatives who seek expert advice and support on an issue which is blighting communities and is failing to be successfully addressed by politicians and criminologists alike. In addition to his pioneering work with gangs, Sheldon also obtained a Certificate and Diploma in Management and holds a BA (Hons) in Marketing and Statistics. Sheldon is married to his wife Michelle and has 4 children.
LEONDRE DOUGLAS
Founder of DIOKO
Leondre wears many hats. He is a husband teacher, preacher and mentor. Since becoming a Christian in 2005 at the New Testament Church of God National Youth Concention (aged 16), Leondre has been involved in Christian ministry both locally and nationally, preaching and teaching in a wide variety of Churches and settings. Leondre has been praised for his ability to make the Bible clear and relevant to everyday life, without compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel. Those who hear Leondre preach find themselves challenged, empowered, liberated and encouraged.
Leondre is also an academic, graduating from the University of Kent in 2010 where he received a BA Hons in Philosophy and Religious Studies. Following Undergraduate study, Leondre obtained a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education in Religious Education from St Mary's University College, Twickenham.
Leondre is currently an Assistant Headteacher at Twyford Church of England High School, an outstanding School Church of England High School in the London Borough of Ealing.
On December 1st 2018, Leondre launched his latest venture DIOKO, alongside his wife Sarah. DIOKO is a Christian initiative which specialises in the discipleship and spiritual development of millennial Christians. DIOKO, a Greek word which means “to press on - one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal” is dedicated to supporting the progressive sanctification of millennial Christians of all denominations and backgrounds through Preaching, Teaching, Prayer and Fellowship.
Leondre is currently one of the Ministers at Trinity Baptist Church, where he actively contributes to Young Adults and Strategic Planning ministries.
Leondre is married to Sarah a professional Coach and they have been married since 2014 and live in Sutton, Surrey.
DONALD BOLT
Administrative Bishop for NTCG England & Wales
The role of Administrative Bishop carries responsibility for, among other things, the consecration of Bishops, the ordination of Ministers, the appointment of Pastors to serve local congregations, the pastoral care of ministers, the safeguarding of the Doctrines and discipline of the Church, the maintenance of its governance, the mission and witness of the Church, its evangelism and church planting strategies, and presiding at its national business sessions.
Bishop Donald Bolt was installed as Administrative Bishop of the New Testament Church of God in England & Wales on the 30th August 2014.
Background
He was born in Saint Ann, Jamaica and became a Christian in 1970 before answering the call for to spread the Gospel through preaching in 1974 as an Evangelist.
Training and Credentials
A graduate of Overstone Theological College, Donald Bolt entered the ministry in 1976 as an Exhorter and progressed to the rank of Ordained Minister in 1980. After starting his pastoral ministry in 1981, he was consecrated to the rank of Ordained Bishop in 1991.
Ministerial Appointments
Bishop Bolt has served as Senior Pastor for four churches (Trowbridge, Oxford, Oldbury and Aldershot) over a period of 28 years. In his pastoral role he supported a range of community initiatives and agendas, for example, as Trustee of Wiltshire Council for Racial Equality and Trustee for Rushmoor Citizens Advice Bureau.
Prior to his appointment as National Secretary/Treasurer in 2009, he served as the Overseer for the Aldershot District for 6½ years and was a member of the National Executive Council from 2003-2009.
Beliefs and Passion
He is a leader of leaders, and is actively engaged in the formative and continual development of Ministers, as a mentor and facilitator of ministerial training programmes at our Leadership Training and Development Centre. He is an anointed and gifted preacher and has had the privilege to preach in many countries across the world.
Bishop Bolt believes fundamentally that the Church should reflect the make-up of the society in which it is ministering. He also has a deep conviction that God’s Word has the ability to change lives. He believes in justice and righteousness and that the Church should reflect this in all of its operations.
Family Life
Donald has been married to Joycelyne for over 38 years and they have three adult children and four grandchildren. His wife Joycelyne has given him consistent support in his ministry over the years.
