FEATURE 25
BISHOP DEREK WEBLEY An ordained minister within the New Testament Church of God, Bishop Webley made history when he became the first Black person to serve as Chairman at the West Midlands Police Authority, when he was appointed in 2009. He stepped down in an attempt to become the region’s first elected Police and Crime Commissioner and, although he never won the elections, the respect in which he is held increased 10-fold. He leads the NTCG Handsworth, and is District Overseer of the Birmingham and Solihull district. Visit www.derekwebley.co.uk for more details.
SETH PINNOCK Aged just 23, Architecture graduate, Seth Pinnock, is creating a movement. His annual July conference, Midnight Oil, is one of most well-known non-denominational youth gatherings here in the UK. It brings together over 2,000 young people from across the country, so that they can be spiritually encouraged, empowered and equipped to make a practical difference in their communities. Seth was recently appointed as Regional Director for the Eden Trust, alongside a new role as Regional Ambassador for international charity, Compassion UK. This year’s Midnight Oil will feature a live album recording at Birmingham’s world famous Symphony Hall; flash mobs in the street; a young leaders’ breakfast, and much more. Visit www.godsbride.org.uk for more details.
MUYIWA This is a man who wears a number of hats: he is Station Director of Premier Gospel, and presents a radio show on sister station, Premier Radio; and also hosts popular Christian TV show, Turning Point. He has also blazed a trail for UK gospel artists by demonstrating that it’s possible to experience success and build a fully-fledged music ministry. He has experienced a number of firsts. These include being the first UK gospel artist to appear on BET’s Celebration of Gospel, being the first UK gospel artist to sell out the Apollo Hammersmith, and becoming the first UK gospel artist to be signed by the Food for the Hungry charity. He is now in talks to embark on a UK/US tour with a major US gospel artist to promote the Charity. Visit www.riversongz.com for more details.
BISHOP TD JAKES He is a world famous church leader, who has touched the world via media. He leads world famous mega church, The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, which broadcasts its services to the world, and runs numerous community projects that help the vulnerable, disadvantaged and emotionally broken. TD Jakes also hosts conferences attended by Christians across the world, including Megafest, which brings together over 50,000 believers. This year, it will take place in Dallas in August. Bishop Jakes is also one of the few church leaders to experience success, not just as a preacher, but also as an author, motivational speaker, film producer and adviser to athletes, business executives and US Presidents. He is also due to start a show on BET this autumn, entitled Body and Soul. Visit www.tdjakes.com for more details.
DENZEL WASHINGTON What can I say about this award-winning actor, producer and director, Denzel Washington, that has not been said? Not only is he handsome and an award-winning actor, he is also a Christian who has openly spoken about his faith and the role it plays in his life. He is the recipient of not one but two Oscar Awards, and has appeared in critically-acclaimed films that reflect leading Black historical figures, as well as movies that have served up great entertainment. Real-life characters Denzil has depicted on the silver screen include Steve Biko, Frank Lucas and Malcolm X, and has scored box office success in numerous films, including Training Day, American Gangster, Mo Better Blues, Philadelphia and The Preacher’s Wife. Visit www.facebook.com/pages/ Denzel-Washington/ for more details.
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