Who We Are..
SoapBox is a charitable trust registered in the United Kingdom that provides opportunities for people to go on short-term mission projects in some of the poorest communities throughout the world. Formed in the mid 80's by Steve Flashman, SoapBox became a charity in the early 90's and started a programme of short-term projects in 1993. We have a ChildCare programme that operates in the countries where we have practical aid projects. We assist UK churches in operating their own short-term programmes. We also have involvement with UK prisons and schools. See the 'What We Do..' section of this site.
John Russell - Executive Director
John was the lead guitarist with CBS band After The Fire in the early 80's who enjoyed a No.5 hit in the American Top 40 with 'Der Komissar'. Later, he worked with Guildford Baptist Church for 9 years, specialising in local town-wide youth work. He was involved in the establishing of The Warehouse Project, The Guildford Youth Network, YMCA youth project, Plantation and more recently, the Matrix Trust. A former congregational leader of Stoughton Congregation, part of Guildford Baptist Church, now a Baptist Church in it's own right (New Life Baptist Church, Stoughton), John has been involved with SoapBox since the mid 80's when he and former SoapBox director, Steve Flashman became friends. He led the very first official SoapBox Short-Term Project to Romania in 1993. He joined SoapBox full time in July 2002. John now lives in a village near Hindhead. He and his wife, Cathie are part of a local church fellowship, St. Francis Community Church, within walking distance of their home. After The Fire reformed in 2004 and occasionally tour in what John calls their "Weekend Warrior" tours.
Email: johnrussell@soapboxtrust.com
Kathy and Shaun Murphy - Project Officers
The backbone of the short term projects aspect of Soapbox's ministry, the Murphy's are from Manchester, where they are members of Altrincham Baptist Church. Kathy is a part of the church leadership team. Kathy and Shaun first came to SoapBox in the late 90’s as participants on a short term project to Bolivia. They were so affected by what they saw and the difference that the project made to the local people and the participants, that they signed up again the following year, eventually to become project officers for all the short term projects. They have been with SoapBox ever since.
Email: projects@soapboxtrust.com
Brenda Grant - ChildCare Coordinator
Former PA to Stephen Gaukroger and Jim Graham and administrator for Goldhill Baptist Church, Brenda is no stranger to SoapBox having been on many short term projects as well as going in the role of team leader. Brenda is also a trustee and comes with a wealth of experience, compassion and heart for the ChildCare operation.
Email: childcare@soapboxtrust.com
Kay Macpherson - CRB Checks and Food Safety and Health Courses
Married to Ray, SoapBox’s Chairman of Trustees. Kay runs and is the co-ordinator of the SoapBox CRB checks and the Food Hygiene and Safety in the Workplace courses. A teacher by profession. Along with Ray has a substantial history in beach missions for Scripture Union, particularly in Herne Bay, where they live. Kay is a member of Herne Bay Baptist Church.
Email: crbchecks@soapboxtrust.com or kay.macpherson@soapboxtrust.com
Rob Russell - Prison Ministry
Rob has been involved in prison ministry for many years and is the ideal person to develop SoapBox's involvement in this area. A highly experienced musician, Rob has worked extensively in the club circuit for years. He and his wife, Ali, are members of Guildford Elim Church. For more info: Email: prisons@soapboxtrust.com
Rob's band website can be found here: www.batcavestudio.com
Stuart Barbour - Worship Leader
Stuart has been a part of the SoapBox family for a long time, stretching back to the mid 1980's. He has several albums on Kingsway Records and can often be heard on many of the top worship albums as a backing vocalist or guitarist. He is also involved in a scottish review, holds incredible Burn's nights at his home has more guitars than anyone I know! Stuart is married to Andi and together they have a son called Kyle and a daughter called Holly. SoapBox is proud to be associated with Stuart's worship ministry. For more info: www.stuartbarbour.com
Helen Boyd - Finance Officer
Helen has been holding the finances of SoapBox together since 1997 and is a member of Cranleigh Baptist Church. Married to Julian with three daughters, Adele, Hazel and Esther.
Email: helen@soapboxtrust.com admin@soapboxtrust.com
SoapBox Board:
Ray Macpherson - Chairman of Trustees
John Collins - Treasurer and Trustee
Kay Macpherson - Trustee
Trevor Allford - Trustee
Cliff Arnold - Trustee
Fred Batchelor - Trustee
Brenda Grant - Trustee
Roger Kendall - Trustee
Giles Gillingham - Company Secretary
SoapBox Communications Trust
PO Box 169, CRANLEIGH, Surrey GU6 7WX
Tel: +44 (0)1483 268467 Email: admin@soapboxtrust.com
www.soapboxtrust.com
SoapBox is a member of the UK Evangelical Alliance and Global Connections.
SoapBox is recognised by Global Connections as operating under the Code of Best Practice in Short-Term Mission 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010
SoapBox Communications Trust (A Charity) is registered in England as a company limited by guarantee. Registered number 4233277
Registered Office: Horsley, 109 Reculver Road, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 6PB. Registered Charity No: 1088937