Humble Beginnings & Family Apostle Linda Sweezer-Rowster is the Founder and Senior Pastor of the House of Peace Worship Church International. She is married to First Man Timothy Rowster and has two children: Prophet Anthony Sweezer and Prophetess Ann Sweezer. She is the Proud Grandmother of Harmonie Sweezer. Born the tenth child to the late Bessie Dillard and the late Alfred Dillard, Jr. in Vicksburg, Mississippi, she was saved at the tender age of ten. She was called into the Gospel Ministry on February 5, 1995; ordained in 1997; and ordained 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. In 2006, she planted a second location of the Church in Rolling Fork, MS. The third location Church was planted in Atlanta, GA, in 2015. HOPis known as "the Church Where the Holy Spirit is in Charge." On July 23, 2011, she was affirmed and consecrated as an Apostle. Education & Accomplishments Apostle received her Bachelors degree in English with a minor in Political Science from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. She holds a Doctorate Degree in Theology. A playwright for over forty years, she has written, produced and directed sixteen major productions. 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. Since 2015, Apostle Sweezer-Rowster has been operating Grace Through Faith School of Ministry. It is a school of Theology where her Teaching Gift of the Five-Fold Ministry Gifts flows freely. The school operates year-round, is open to the public via virtual registration and offers various levels of degrees, from Certificates to Bachelor to Doctorate degrees. She is the CEO of The Peace Place Counseling Services, the Director of the House of Peace Feeding and Tutoring Program in Vicksburg and Rolling Fork, and the former owner of the Peaceful Place Daycare and After School program. Awards, Recognitions, Certifications & Civic Achievements In November 2018, she received the "Women Empowering Communities Ministry Leader Award by Mountain of Faith Ministries. In 2017, she was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Pioneer of the Dream Award" and is a one of the Founding Members (33 years) of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Day Committee. Other achievements include recognition by the Honorable Benny G. Thompson, US Representative, and listed in the Congressional Record and proceedings of the 114th United States Congress. In 2022, she received The Voice Award and the Celebrate Her Award. Appointed Board Member of the United Way of West Central Mississippi (2011-2014), Former Director of The House of Peace Substance Abuse Prevention Program, and Appointed to the Election Commission from 2005 to 2020. In 2021, she was elected as Case Manager for the Municipal Domestic Violence Court and elected to the Board of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Apostle Sweezer-Rowster is a member of Mu Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a former member of the Mission Mississippi Pastoral Alliance; two times appointed to the City of Vicksburg Civil Service Commission; A licensed Social Worker for sixteen years; Chosen 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; 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; A scholarship was given in her name by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast; Appointed to the Vicksburg Warren School District Advisory Council. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for WWISCAA (Warren Washington Issaquena Sharkey Community Action Agency). Apostle's Favorite Scripture: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." Philippians 4:13
