Will Leaston

Born to James and Katherine Leaston, Will grew up with very family oriented values. One of four children, Will has two sisters (Teresa and Kimberly) and one brother (James). His parents worked hard to provide for their children. Will was able to learn early in his life to have a good work ethic. At a young age, Will’s parents were both disabled at work and forced to find ways to provide for the family.

Will excelled in school and was recognized by being admitted into the advanced work class for forth and fifth grades at the Taylor elementary school. He occasionally was able to get honor roll and other academic awards.

Will attended Charles Street AME church with his mother and family for a few years, then attended Morning Star Baptist Church when he was about 10 years old. At Morning Star, Will gave his life to Christ, got baptized, and joined the ministry. Once he got to high school, he slowed down on going to church and developed his love for basketball. High School did a lot of things for Will, first; people started calling him by his first name (family members still know him as Anthony) second; he met his beautiful wife (Felicia) and third; he played Basketball and Football.

Will attended University of Massachusetts Amherst to get his college degree. While at UMass, Will started to understand the need for self-control and discipline. This was his first time away from home and was exposed to all the negative things college has to offer.
It was during this time that Will’s life would change. In what Will thought was a decision he made to help friends in desperate need, ended up being the trouble that snatched his plans and dreams of playing college sports away.

He was able to complete his education at UMass Cum Laude and participate in graduation. One month later, Will plead guilty to two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to two 2 and 1/2 years sentences, one to serve and the other suspended for five years’ probation.
This is where Will started to lean on God for understanding. He could see the toll it took on his parents and loved ones when they came to visit him. Some of the other inmates didn’t like Will because the newspaper printed the story and everyone knew what he was charged with. Will took this time of solitude to pray, read, and study the bible. There were no programs that Will could participate in while incarcerated so he spent a lot of time playing basketball and reading the Bible. After eight months, Will was transferred to a minimum security facility where he was able to get out and work on the streets and at a city building. The city staff enjoyed Will so much they decided to bring the news in and do a story on the good work that was being done. This helped Will get a hearing with the parole board which got Will an early release.
Once Will was released (January 2003) he had a lot of decisions to make. He had to find a job and figure out the next chapter of his life. His father was able to help him find a job at Stop & Shop Distribution facility filling orders and loading trucks. Will was able to do that for three years, but the job demanded most of Will’s time.
He decided to go to his ex-girlfriend Felicia’s church and meet her family. Little did he know, his transformation was starting to take place. One of the young men prayed for Will and he formally re-dedicated his life to Christ.

Will started to work the night shift at Stop & Shop and help out with HOOP DREAMS at Bibleway Christian Center during the day. Will enjoyed helping the young people play basketball and learn more about God. Will used the same enthusiasm he had for sports to teach the young people about God.

Will got serious in his relationship with Felicia and they decided to take a vow and get married on July 9th, 2005.

With an increase of God’s work and a wife to take care of, the doors started to open. Will contacted State Street, which he had done an internship with and wanted him to stay full time and they welcomed him back to a job in his field of study (Accounting). They offered him a job close to home although the salary was less than Stop & Shop.

Will continued to go to Bible Class, and help out in any way the church needed. His role increased in the youth ministry to a youth leader. The leaders started to see his growth and passion and increase Will’s responsibilities with the youth. A few years later, he was trained and installed as a deacon in the ministry. With growth and God’s will, leaders started to be elevated and Will was chosen to take over the youth ministry. The ministry moved to a few different places and in every neighborhood, Will found young people and worked to bring them closer to God through basketball and football. Will also started to work with adults and assist in evangelism and Intercessory prayer. He also was selected to the official board and works on the finance team.

With increased studying of God’s word and the Holy Spirit, Will’s faith and boldness show in full force.

Will and Felicia have now been married over 15 years and have 3 children (Na’Daijah Skyy, Kaniyah Reign, & Laylah Sunny) and 1 cat (Sylas). Their love and outward fun they show are an encouragement to other couples.

Will’s life and things he has been through are a testament of God’s love and to God be the glory for all he continues to do in Will’s walk as a Pastor at Bibleway Christian Center since May 2016.