1st Lady Crystal Swanigan,
MWA - President
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies: Crystal Jeanine McCoy Swanigan, affectionately known as Lady Crystal, is truly an exemplary, modern-day Proverbs 31 Woman and an ordained minister of the Gospel through the Pentecostal Assembles of the World Inc. Lady Crystal is the daughter of Suffragan Bishop A. John McCoy and Lady Norma J. McCoy, who pastored Grace Apostolic Church for 47 years and was faithful to the Midwestern District Council for over 59 years. Lady Crystal is an anointed, uncompromising preacher and teacher of the Word of God, Minister of Music, psalmist, organist, choir director, and the list goes on and on.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil: Since April 27, 2014, Lady Crystal has been assisting her husband, Pastor Harmon L. Swanigan, in his God-given mandate by devoting their time to the vision of Grace Apostolic Church by serving with faithfulness and vision and leading them into the new millennium. Since 1986 her teachings and preaching throughout out the metropolitan area inspires and challenges women to develop a strong relationship with God, their husband with their natural and church families.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy: The passion to serve led Lady Crystal to begin God of a Second Chance Ministry in 1998. With the theme of "Mending Broken Hearts and Mending Broken Homes”, the purpose of this ministry is to change lives and enhance homes by ministering to married couples, single individuals and to those that have been sexually molested. Holding the position of Vice President the last three years, Lady Crystal is continuing her pursuit to serve and impart in the lives of women in her new leadership role as President for the Ministers’ Wives and Widows with the Midwestern District Council.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all: Added to her list of achievements, in 2013 Lady Crystal obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Leadership and Ministry with an emphasis on Counseling at Missouri Baptist University. Completing this momentous accomplishment in light of her demanding schedule is a testament of Lady Crystal’s commitment to excellence in all she does.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her: Undoubtedly, Lady Crystal's greatest achievement is her family. She is the mother of two lovely children: Dr. Eric (LaShawnda) Lamar Swanigan (Pastor-sitting for a pastor out on medical leave and 3 book author) and Krista (Marcus) Alexis Swanigan-Blackmon (U.S. Military wife, praise dancer , spoken word specialist) and grandmother to Jaylen Xavier, Jeremiah Christopher, Joshua Alexander (who is with Jesus) and Skylar Sophia, the most adorable grandchildren in the world! As a professional, Crystal Swanigan is a licensed Insurance Agent in all lines - Life, Health, Property & Casualty. She has worked in the insurance industry as an agent and/or adjuster for over 30 years. She also is a successful licensed Re/Max Results Realtor.
Lady Crystal attributes her success and all she has accomplished to God, her parents and the continuous support of her devoted and loving husband of 35 years.
Lady Barbara Cooper,
MWA - 1st Vice President
Lady Barbara Cooper was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the ninth of ten children. As a young girl, her parents moved to Albany, Georgia where she grew up and lived through her teenaged years. In high school, Barbara was very active with the civil rights movement and eargerly marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1961. Standing up for her constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate for the right to vote, she was jailed along with her mother and brother. At a young age, she learned the importance of support and finding strength in God to overcome life's adversities.
After graduating from high school in 1962, Barbara married Airman James E. Cooper and two chldren were born in Albany before moving to St. Louis in 1965, where two additional children were born. In 1974, the couple gave their lives to Christ and both were baptized in the name of Jesus at Christ Temple Church in St. Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Elder Floyd Nelson. Soon after, they both received the gift of the Holy Ghost.
It was at Christ Temple that Brother Cooper received the call to the ministry. To be a blessing to others, together the couple worked faithfully with the assembly in the youth department, choir, Sunday School, and also in the street ministry passing out tracts to lost souls.
In 1979, the Cooper family moved their membership to Bethesda Temple Church, under the leadership of Bishop James A. Johnson, and became active members in the church. Since then, Sister Cooper has participated in several auxiliaries, including the choir, sisterhood, hospitality ministry, and the BTC Ministers' Wives Auxiliary. She worked faithfully alongside President Doretta Stephens for 14 years holding various offices. Sister Cooper has now served as President of The Bethesda Temple Church Ministers' Wives Auxiliary for over 15 years.
After Brother Cooper's death, Bishop Johnson gave approval for the membership to organize Bethesda's first official group designed to provide support and compassion to widows. Sister Cooper felt compelled to be an active member to assist other grieving widows in Christ. In the Midwestern District Council (MDC), Sister Cooper has served the Ministers' Wives and Widows Auxiliary in the capacity of secretary and treasurer. She was recently elected vice president of the same auxiliary.
Lady Cooper strongly believes that serving others and the body of Christ is the Lord's will and, therfore, she serves with pleasure.
First Lady Iris D. Rudd is married to Pastor Allen E. Rudd, Sr. who is the Pastor of Lively Stone Apostolic Church in Mt. Vernon, IL. They have four children - Travarr (Sophie), Allendria (Nick), AJ, and DaRisu, and five grandchildren - Quanicia, Quani, NJ, Autumn, and Summer. She has been the First Lady of Lively Stone since April 2002 but has been serving alongside her husband in the ministry for over 30 years. First Lady Iris Rudd retired from Ameren in Mt. Vernon, IL.
1st Lady Iris D. Rudd,
MWA - 2nd Vice President
Assistant Executive Secretarial Team
Lady Juana J. Johnson was born in Stuttgart, Germany, the 3rd of 4 children and only daughter of H.L. & Bernice Lewis. Her early childhood was greatly influenced by a God-fearing, praying grandmother who regularly took her to prayer meetings where testimonies, scripture readings, healing and deliverance were a large part of the services. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues in January of 1986 and was baptized in Jesus’ name at Lively Stone Church of God in St. Louis, Missouri after which began attending Bethesda Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith. She is the President of the Bethesda Temple Church Women’s Council. She is an Advisor to the Sisterhood Auxiliary and Fellowship Committee. Lady Johnson serves as Chaplain and Board member of the Bethesda Temple Bible Institute, where she teaches a number of courses. She is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board of the church. She is the mother of three children, Dameena, Jandi, & Kaelan and has one grandson, Boston. She holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology and Administration from St. Louis University and is a former Director of Nursing at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Lady Johnson married Bishop James A. Johnson on May 16, 2004. They shared a wonderful and unique, God-inspired and God-ordained marriage. During those years much was imparted to her from Bishop Johnson and from the Lord. Lady Johnson plans to continue working in the vineyard in whatever capacity The Lord directs.
Lady Juana Johnson,
MWA - Secretary
1st Lady Wanda Cummings,
Assistant Secretary
First Lady Wanda Cummings is the wife of District Elder Charles Cummings, Pastor of Christ Family Refuge Ministries. They have been married for 22 years and have 7 children and 25 grandchildren. She is the Leading Lady Liaison for the 1st Jurisdiction of the Midwestern District Council Ministers’ Wives & Widows.
Over the years, Lady Wanda has become a powerful worship leader and recently received her Ministers’ license with the PAW. She loves teaching the Word of God and has a vision for the women of the church ‘That they become more knowledgeable about what it takes to answer the question – who can find a virtuous woman? (Proverbs 31:10 – 31).”
Under her direction, the women of Christ Family Refuge recently launched “Soul Food” with an exciting yet thoughtful presentation "Girl, What You Wearing???" a fashion show that spoke to the attitudes, character and overall appearance of the Godly woman. Lady Wanda has been working in the BJC Health system for over 7 years, currently working as a Faculty Administrative Coordinator for the Barnes-Jewish College at Goldfarb School of Nursing.
She is an administratively-inclined professional with an MFA in Studio Art from Fontbonne University. Lady Wanda is a metalsmith and a potter and dabbles in graphic design. She enjoys creating jewelry from the natural elements (precious metals, natural stones, glass and jewels) and artwork from all mediums. On the administrative side, she is proficient in the Microsoft Office suite and familiar with several of the Adobe Creative suite products. She also believes you can laugh, have fun, and still live a holy lifestye.
Her favorite quote is “Have a Great Day…On Purpose” and she lives by that.
Sister Natasha Williams is a Quality Administrator for Vi-Jon, Inc, a private-label Health & Beauty Company. She received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology (with a minor in Chemistry) from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and she is a graduate of the Pierre Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Natasha has received a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University, graduating with Graduate Academic Honors. She is a member of the internationally-recognized American Society for Quality (ASQ) and has been certified through ASQ as a Six Sigma Black Belt, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Quality Process Analyst. Natasha is also a Member of Delta Mu Delta International Honors Society in Business. She is a member of Grace Gospel Temple (GGT) in St. Charles, MO, where Bishop Paul H. Evans, Sr. is the Pastor. She is the Vice-President of the Ministers’ Wives Auxiliary, and is a staff member of the Communications Ministry Team at GGT. She also is a part of the Sunday School Department, where she teaches Special Series classes, apart from the regular Christian Education Curriculum. She is a mother of a daughter, Constance, and a son, Andrew III, and the wife of Elder Andrew S. Williams, Jr. since March 2008.
Lady Natasha Williams,
Clerical/Graphics Assistant
Executive Financial Team
Elect Lady Carter is married to District Elder Ronnie Carter and has been a pastor's wife since 1986. Elect Lady Carter is the First Lady of Faith Holiness Church and is a beautiful example of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31). She works faithfully by her husband’s side in ministry and does whatever it takes to help in the kingdom of God. Elect Lady Carter is an intercessor and has a heart for souls. She is very seasoned in the word of God and can relate to anyone . First Lady Carter has a very sweet spirit, a kind heart and she truly loves the Lord. She thanks the Lord for the wonderful experience in serving Him and the body of Christ. She is a proud member of the mighty Midwestern District Council.
Sis. Carter is a wonderful mother to her children Petrina, Rosalyn followed by two sons, Ronnie Jr. And Isaiah and her grandchildren.
1st Lady Irma Carter,
MWA - Treasurer
Lady Rosetta Jackson is married to Elder Stanley Jackson and is the mother of three sons and two daughters. She is a faithful member of the Last Days Apostolic Church where her mother District Elder May E. Johnson is the pastor.
Lady Rosetta Jackson,
MWA - Asst. Treasurer
Lady Gertrude West Sanders was born to the union of Mr. Versia Lee West, Sr. and Mrs. Annie Blan West. She was baptized in Jesus’ name in August 1976 and received the Holy Ghost on February 25, 1977. She became a member of the El-Bethel Temple Church in Kinloch, MO under the leadership of the late Elder John Jones. Sister Sanders is a graduate of Beaumont High School and O’Fallon Technical School and she graduated as an Honors Student. She also earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from St. Louis Community College. She also attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Sister Sanders wedded her soul mate Elder Cornelius M. Sanders on December 5, 1987; and to this union was born their only child, Danielle Vashti Sanders. She is still a member of El-Bethel Temple Church under the leadership of her pastor, Suffragan Bishop Elliot B. Coleman. She has served as the church janitor, decorator, usher, Sunday school teacher for primary, juniors, teens and young adults, a Minister’s wife and the Assistant Pastor’s wife, and president of the Women’s Auxiliary. Recently she became the MDC 6th Jurisdiction Liaison. Her life’s theme is "To God be the glory for the things He has done" and "only because of His AMAZING GRACE am I who I am." Becoming His servant was the best decision she has ever made.
Lady Gertrude Sanders,
Executive Financial Coordinator
Lady Adriena McFerren is the daughter of District Elder LaRue & Lady Doris Sutherlin. She is also the wife of Elder David McFerren, Sr. She is a faithful member of the Apostles' Doctrine Apostolic Church.