GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

The reverend Sonia Seivright holds a diploma and a bachelor's degree in theology, a masters in christian counselling and a doctorate in divinity; qualifications which many Jamaicans and other persons the world over would like to acquire.

Apart from her being pastor at the Bounty Hall New Testament Church of God in Trelawny, Seivright currently serves as a chaplain, justice of the peace, a marriage officer and as president of the Trelawny Ministers Fraternal.

Despite having all these qualifications and serving God in so many capacities, she has never got swell headed but has remained humble and focused as she executes her duties.

"I remain humble and I do not allow them to get on the top of my head. I just learn to handle things as they come. In fact, most people don't even know what I have accumulated over the years, if they are not told," noted the female pastor.

The woman of God bragged that she does not only believe she was called by God, but wholeheartedly that she was called by her maker to do a job. She stressed that she knows so because of some things that have taken place in her life.

"I see the need out there, people really need God, they need somebody to listen to them, they need somebody to minister to them; and I make myself available. I realise how much people gravitate to me and whenever I speak to them they listen, even when I would believe no one would want me around, but I am always with them," said Seivright.

The PhD holder said she does not allow her qualifications to get to her head because she considers herself to be most humble before God, as she carries out His work. She stressed that she loves when people excel. Seivright said she puts herself in their place and uses herself as an example as she encourages them to do well.

"Sometimes if I have to I use myself as an example, especially at my age; and the things I can accomplish now, others who are younger than I am should aspire to achieve the same things and greater," noted Reverend Dr Seivright.

Loves people

Reverend Seivright, who became a Christian at 10 years old and who is now 61, said she has faltered by the way but God has been with her.

"If we would just come on to Him he will in no wise cast out. He is a God that just loves people; and when Peter failed He sent for his disciples and Peter. I have learnt that if we fail Him we can come to Him and He will make things a new," stated the pastor.

Pastor Seivright, who had a word for persons who started their walk with God, but have faltered along the way, said that they should be mindful that the person in them would want to tell them that they cannot make it. Her suggestion is that they should avoid staying down, but get up and dust themselves off.

"The worse thing a Man can do when he falters is to stay down. Just get up and dust yourself off because you know what you want in God, you know what God promises you; and if you would just lean on His promise you cannot fail. And because you know that you can't fail, just stand on the promises of God because He promises to pilot His sheep," said Seivright.

Reverend Seivright's favourite Bible verse is Micah chapter 6 verse 8. Her favourite chorus is 'We serve a great big wonderful God'.

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