The Personal Journey of Archbishop Dr. Seiveright

Patrick Connors – Toronto:  Archbishop Dr. Deloris Seiveright is the founder of the Shouters National Evangelical Spiritual Baptist Faith International Centre of Canada (NESBF).  The Archbishop has not limited her time and contributions to her church alone, but has also provided community service in Ontario and abroad.  She is a recipient of awards such as the African Canadian Achievement Award and the Racial Harmony Award, as well as leadership awards from Toronto Victims Service and Shouters NESBF.  Her latest honour was the Prime Minister Office of Jamaica Badge of Honour for Long Service in Religion {BH(L)}.

The Archbishop tells her story in a homespun, utterly charming style.  She describes herself as, “A country girl who grew up in a big country, a lady still growing in the big world.  Toronto is vastly different place from where I came from.  (In Jamaica), it was quiet, while here it is rush, rush, rush.”

The Archbishop was key to the formation and growth of the NESBF church in Canada.  “People get excited that knew about the Spiritual Baptists in the Caribbean.  Then, it attracted people who are not from the Caribbean, so it grew from there.  It is very enlightening, regardless of the culture you come from.  It started with around 4 churches averaging 30 people attending.  Now, there are 20 churches averaging around 200 people every week.”

One of her other causes is the government supported Shouters Youth Entrepeneurship Program, which she runs out of the same facility:  http://newz4u.net/archives/17592.  “This is run separately from the church, and young people of all backgrounds are welcome.  While more youths are calling, I don’t have enough space.  We do have an 80 % success rate at developing their businesses, using small things to build big things.”

Chelsea, one of the current young entrepeneurs, said, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority, and Archbishop plays this role very well in our community.”

A university student helps administer this program, such as current assistant program co-ordinator Alex Owusu-Ansah, in fourth year Public Administration and Governance at Ryerson University.  “The presence of a role model and a good leader encourages one to overcome life barriers in order to attain happiness. By reading Dr. Seiveright’s book, it has shown me that no matter what life throws at you, no matter the situation, no problem is permanent. Eventually every problem comes to an end. Life barriers are just challenges to build one strong. Surviving problems in life is the essence of one’s daily struggle.  As Dr. Martin Luther King quoted, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy”. Archbishop’s book brings the meaning of this quote into reality.”

Her influence and esteem extends throughout the community.  “Archbishop is a woman filled with passion and purpose,” inspirational speaker Michael Ballard said.  “She turns nickels of donations into five dollar bills in value to those she serves. Oh that this world had more just like her.”

Archbishop Dr. Seiveright credits her ability to manage many projects as well as her business skills to her previous career in the corporate world.  “Bell Canada made and formed me into a businesswoman.  I had to deal with business people, and do presentations, in my walk of life there.  I learned how to supervise, organize, and delegate.”

She is quick to recognize those who are behind her.  “My sons are giants.  The support from them is awesome.  Big son has followed in my footsteps as a preacher.  Second son helps people as a yoga teacher and nutritionist.  I am blessed with them.  And my husband also supports my accomplishments.”

She recently had a launch for A Quest That Ignites the Heart in a major bookstore.  “The event at Chapters Kennedy Commons was very good.  People that read the book really enjoyed it.  I am so grateful for the opportunity.  There are still books available for sale there, as well as in other stores such as A Different Booklist.  It was a nice day, and I would like to do more of that kind of event.”

This is not the only book Archbishop Dr. Seiveright is in right now.  She is also featured in the recently released Jamaicans in Canada, alongside other notables such as Lillian Allen, Donovan Bailey, and Alvin Curling.  “I’m humbled and honoured by (being in that book), she said.  “I’m one of only four people under the religion heading.  They had thousands to choose from.  I was very pleased.  This came out the same weekend as my book.

“There are more Jamaicans who excel than those who do not.  98 out of 100 portray Jamaica very well.  Because of the small demographic that don’t, we are all put in the same frame.”

I asked why she chose to release her biography at this time in her life.  “I had a passion to write.  It was the ideal time of life to share my milestone while I am alive.”

I wondered what more she wanted to do to contribute to her legacy.  “I want to get more funding to get younger people jobs, and generally help people being denied opportunity due to colour and lack of education. Also, to help women who are abused and need shelter.

“One of the things I see is the need for people to talk.  I am blessed with insight, which I use to guide in personal and group counselling.  It heals physically, mentally, spiritually.  People need leaders to speak to them.  People need to just talk about life in general, not necessarily on the Christian level.  I am trained for that purpose, also, on the community level, that way of life.”