Apostle Linda A Thomas Sr. Pastor
Linda A. Thomas is the third born child to the late Mr. and Mrs. Backus Allen. She attended and graduated from the McGregor Public School. Upon graduating from high school, she attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. There she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In December 1973, she began her career in Education in McGregor, Texas. She has taught for Houston, Spring and Waco Independent School Districts. After 33yrs. of service in May of 2007, she retired from the public education system where she taught fifth grade at Meadowbrook Elementary in Waco I.S.D. In May 2003, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Minnesota School of Theology. In November 2000, the Lord birthed the Victory in Praise Ministries. The congregation began holding services at the Clarion Inn and later changed the name to Victory in Praise Worship Center, which is currently located at, 1501 Maple Ave, Waco, TX. Pastor Thomas was married to the Late Richard E. Thomas and she has dynamic children: Robert (Susita) and Teresa (Kary) and six energetic grandchildren (Bianca, Karringtyn, Kary Jr., Kaiden, Linsie and Kassidy) One of her most favorite ways of summing this briefing is: “To God be the glory!" We shall continue in ministry where souls are saved, bodies are healed, lives are changed and God is glorified.
Minister Teresa Turner
Teresa Lynette Bradford was born on February 15, 1978 to the late Mr. Clyde Bradford and presently Apostle Linda Thomas in Houston, TX. At the age of 2, God birthed a gift of singing upon her life. She has sung at varies church engagement, school functions and assisted background for recording artist. In 1989, she moved from Houston to Waco, TX where she graduated high school in 1996. In 2000, she began assisting her mother in ministry. She was ordained and licensed as a minister in 2006 under Apostle Linda Thomas. She also serves as Church administrator and armor bearer to the pastor at Victory in Praise Worship Center. 2001, she married Kary S. Turner. Together they have 3 wonderful children; Kary Jr., Kaiden, and Kassidy . She understands that God has called her to teach, preach and sing the gospel where ever she goes, that she may witness to a lost world.
Minister Linda Akers
Linda has been an member of Victory in Praise Worship Center since 2000. It was here she felt a calling on her life to reach out to others by way of sharing God’s word and love for all men. She was ordained and delivered her first sermon in January 2002. Linda received her license in October 2002 She is a proud mother of three children and currently has 7 wonderful grandchildren. Her hearts desire is to walk in the will of God, see souls saved, and to advance in the kingdom of God. Linda is active in the church as she sings in the choir, Chairperson of the planning committee and provides the church announcements. Her favorite biblical scripture is “ The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom I shall I fear” PO 27:1
Minister Rosalyn Rodgers
Rosalyn is a native Waconia. Her husband Joe of 29 years have been blessed with three sons ( Everett Jameal, and Jermaine and Joseph and a wonderful daughter in law Candice). She also has two beautiful god children. Rosalyn has been in the ministry for nine years at Victory in Praise Worship Center. She is very active in the church as well; she is currently the Youth Leader, on the planning committee, Sings in the Choir, church secretary and servers as Apostle Thomas’ armor bearer.‘Her favorite biblical scripture is , “ I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Minister Bonita Mickeals
Bonita is married to Wayne Mickeals and they currently reside in Lacy Lake View Texas. Together they are proud parents of five children. Bonita has been a member of Victory in Praise Worship Center for nearly three years. She is active in the church as she serves on the hospitality team, on the usher board, youth leader and serves on the planning committee. Her love for winning souls for God is apparent in her eagerness to share the word of god with every life she comes in contact with. She has a passion for working with children, She believes her calling is to work with woman who have been hurt and abused, She feels these are the areas God has called her to serve. She was licensed as a minister in November 2010 and will be ordained in January 2012.
Minister John Wise
John is a Texas native, he was born in Dallas, Texas in 1965 to Euel and Mazella Wise. He relishes his small close family as he has one older brother, Steve. In 1999, he married his wife Samantha and together they have 4 children, Sara, Eva, Wendy and Wesley. They also have one grandson Jesse Talon. They currently resides in Waco, Texas. Throughout his childhood through his early adult years he learned of Gods mercy and love from the teaching of his aunt, Reverend Melba Maudlin. As a young man John has felt the calling of the Lord to preach the gospel John is current under the leadership and guidance of Apostle Linda Thomas. John’s ministerial statement is simple, “ Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart”. John’s favorite quote is “God has a plan”. John desire is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in a fashion that is pleasing to our Lord and Savior.