[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING PASTOR LINDA SWEEZER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
driven and ambitious woman, Pastor Linda Sweezer. Pastor Sweezer has 
shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to 
make a positive difference in doing God's will and spreading his Word.
  Linda Sweezer was born the youngest child in a family of ten to 
Bessie Dillard and the late Alfred Dillard, Jr. in Vicksburg, 
Mississippi. She was saved at the tender age of ten.
  She is a 1978 graduate of Vicksburg High School and attended and 
graduated from Milsaps College, Jackson, MS in 1982. She worked at 
Vicksburg Family Development Service for 19 years--fourteen of those 
years as the Co-Director.
  She was called into the Gospel Ministry on February 5, 1995, ordained 
in 1997 and again in 2006 by Bishop T.D. Jakes of Dallas, Texas at The 
Potter's House International. She was called to pastor and founded The 
House of Peace Worship Church in December 2001. It is known as: ``The 
Church Where the Holy Spirit is in Charge.'' In May 2006, the Holy 
Spirit led Pastor Sweezer to begin another church in the Rolling Fork 
area; it is known as The House of Peace Worship Church International/
Delta.
  Apostle Linda Sweezer is also a playwright and has written, produced 
and directed fifteen major productions, which were performed in the 
theater in the surrounding areas of Vicksburg, Rolling Fork and 
Fayette, Mississippi and Texarkana, TX.
  She is the author of a book entitled, ``Eating Along the Way!--A 
Survivor's Guide for People Who Are Serious About Hearing God's Call.'' 
In addition, she was the co-owner of a Christian bookstore.
  She was affirmed into the Apostolic calling on July 29th 2011. The 
Affirmation Ceremony was conducted by Apostle Michael O. Exum, 
Executive Director of The Potter's House International Pastoral 
Alliance and Apostle Eyvone Smith of His Harvest Ministries, Oxford, 
Mississippi.
  Some other achievements include: appointed Board Member of the United 
Way of West Central Mississippi (2011-2014); Director of The House of 
Peace Substance Abuse Prevention Program; appointed for a second term 
to the Election Commission (2009-2012); appointed to the Election 
Commission (2005-2009); appointed twice to the City of Vicksburg Civil 
Service Commission. Pastor Sweezer was honored as a Local Recipient of 
100 Black Women; recognized as a Distinguished African American by St. 
Mark Freewill Baptist Church; nominated as one of the 50 Leading 
Business Women of America.
  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. named a scholarship in Pastor Linda 
Sweezer's name at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast and she was 
appointed to the Vicksburg-Warren School District Advisory Council to 
develop plans for building Mega Schools. She also has received several 
awards and recognitions. She was selected by the Ivyettes of Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as one of the Religious Role Models; 
Outstanding Young Women of America; Woman of Excellence Award in Art 
and Literature; Sower of the Lord Award and Peacemaker Award given by 
the Flying High for Jesus Outreach.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor 
Linda Sweezer for her passion and dedication to spread the word of God 
and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

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