Toybox Council of Reference

Toybox is comprised of an international team of UK-based staff in partnership with local Latin American street children's organisation, Viva, working on the frontline in Guatemala, Peru and Bolivia.

Rev Steve Chalke MBE

Steve was ordained as a Baptist Minister in 1981, having studied at Spurgeon's Theological College in London. He is married to Cornelia and they have four children.In 1985 Steve Chalke set up the Oasis Trust in order to open a hostel for homeless people. He launched Parentalk, an organisation dedicated to inspiring and equipping parents; he has laid the foundation for the Faithworks Movement, has presented his own TV series for ITV and BBC and was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List 2004 for his services to social inclusion.

Rev Joel Edwards

Rev Joel is the General Director of the Evangelical Alliance UK. He was born in Jamaica and came to Britain at the age of eight. He is married to Carol and has two grown up children. He is also an ordained minister of the New Testament Church of God where he served as a local pastor for 10 years. Joel's vision is to see the Church become a movement for change, working together to bring biblical transformation to society.

Jill Garrett

Jill is Director of Leadership Development at Caret where she heads up Executive Development and Strategic Planning. She is married with a daughter and has a passion to see people achieve their potential. Jill is a trustee of The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and is a committed Christian.

Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick

Michael Hastings is the International Director for Corporate Citizenship with KPMG - essentially the Global Head of CSR for the firm worldwide.Michael is a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He has a degree in Theology from the London School of Theology and is a member of St Andrew's Church, Chorleywood. He previously headed up the BBC's Public Affairs department in Westminster. In 2005 Michael was awarded the honour of an independent cross bench peerage to the House of Lords. He assumed his seat on 6th Dec 2005. Michael received the UNICEF award from the UK Chancellor Gordon Brown MP and Lord David Puttnam, Chairman of UNICEF for his 'outstanding contribution to understanding and effecting solutions for Africa's children. Michael is married to Jane and has three children.

Bishop Mike Hill

Bishop Mike and his wife, Anthea, haver four daughters and a son, ranging in age from 29 to 20. His first curacy in the Church of England was in the Diocese of Canterbury. He was appointed Bishop of Buckingham in 1998 Among many other commitments, he is also involved with the Breakfast Run, a local project which works with the homeless. As a teacher and lecturer he is particularly valued for his contribution to an understanding of the Church as a missionary organisation.

Ishmael

Ishmael (Rev Ian Smale) has been travelling around internationally in a 'full time' capacity since 1970 and has been privileged to see many men, women and children become Christians through the work God has called him to. He has written and recorded nearly 400 songs. Although he loves spending time with children his heart is to see all ages praising God together. Ishmael and his wife Irene enjoy worshipping at Chichester Cathedral. They have three grown up children, Joseph, Daniel and Suzy.

J John

J John is regarded as one of the most creative speakers in the UK. He has an appeal that transcends gender, age, culture and occupation. J.John has authored 30 titles printed in 13 languages. He has a Lambeth MA and is an Honorary Canon of Coventry Cathedral. The Philo Trust was launched as a registered charity in 1980. Since then it has enabled him to lead over 250 missions throughout the UK and overseas, developing many innovative approaches to communicating the message of Christianity. He is Killy's husband and father to Michael, Simeon and Benjamin.

Peter Meadows

Peter has been on the leading edge of communication in the UK church for over twenty five years as a speaker, writer and 'starter of things'. In particular he co-founded Spring Harvest, founded Premier Christian Radio, co-created the Y Course, an evangelism resource to reach the un-churched generation. Peter has been married to Rosemary for 35 years. They are active members of their local Anglican church in Surrey and have five adult children.

Rev Mark Melluish

Mark, who is married to Lindsay lives with their five children in Ealing, London where Mark is vicar of St Paul's, a renewed Anglican church. Over the last few years St Paul's has grown significantly and Mark has had the privilege of speaking both at home and abroad about his experience of church growth. Together they have written a book and pioneered a course on parenting children - 'Family Time' which has recently been launched on DVD. Mark has also co-authored a book on Evangelism.

Our Latin American partner

Toybox works in partnership with Viva Latin America, empowering local indigenous people on the ground through our work with street children. 'Juntos por la niñez' - together for children.