Joel "Pasteur" Sejour, Sr.

More than a church — a movement of faith and compassion.

As the founding pastor of Miami Deliverance Church of the Nazarene, Reverend Sejour built more than a church — he built a movement of faith and compassion that reached into the heart of the community. Under his inspired leadership, the church became a sanctuary for those seeking healing, restoration, and purpose.

His ministry was known for meeting people where they were, offering not only spiritual guidance but also practical help and unwavering love.

He devoted his life to serving those in need.

Through countless food drives, clothing distributions, and community support initiatives, he worked tirelessly to ensure that every person felt seen, valued, and loved. His hands and heart were always open, reflecting the compassion and humility of Christ in every act of service.

A stable home is part of a stable faith.

Reverend Sejour and Odine were more than pastors — they were also licensed realtors, and they used that profession as an extension of their calling. They walked countless families through the maze of becoming first-time homeowners: translating contracts into Kreyòl when needed, sitting with parishioners at closing tables, patiently explaining mortgages and property taxes, and connecting new immigrants to lenders who would give them a fair chance.

For the Haitian-American families they served, this was not just a transaction. It was generational change. For many, it was the first time anyone in their family had owned a piece of American land. Joel and Odine understood that a stable home was part of a stable faith — that families rooted in the community could grow deeper roots in the Kingdom.

They helped build a movement of Haitian homeowners in Miami-Dade County, one closing at a time. Long after the paperwork was signed, they remained connected — checking in, praying for the children who would grow up in those homes, blessing every mortgage they helped make possible.

“One closing at a time, they helped build a movement of Haitian homeowners in Miami-Dade County.”

A pastor to pastors. A mentor to many. A friend to all.

Among his peers, Reverend Sejour was regarded as a man of rare humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith. His joy was infectious, his counsel full of grace, and his leadership grounded in love and integrity.

He stood as a true servant of God who led by example — serving others before himself and living every day as a reflection of divine love.

“For his lifelong devotion to God, his tireless service to those in need, and his extraordinary impact on the people of Miami, Reverend Joel ‘Pasteur’ Sejour, Sr. leaves an indelible mark on Miami-Dade County. His legacy of faith, humility, and compassion continues to bless this community and will forever inspire all who follow in his footsteps.”

What Joel and Odine sowed in tears, this generation is reaping in joy.

Psalm 126:5

Today the ministry Reverend Sejour birthed is faithfully led by his daughter, Pastor Jadinah Sejour Gustave, and her husband, his son-in-love, Pastor Fritz Gustave.

The prayers Odine prayed over her daughter as a little girl are being answered every Sunday morning as Jadinah stands in the pulpit her father built. The lessons Joel taught by example — humility, compassion, tireless service — are the same lessons Fritz and Jadinah carry into every conversation, every hospital room, every home.

Faithful ministry is always a generational trust: hands passing torches to hands, until Christ returns. To Rev. Joel Sr. and Odine: thank you. To every family they prayed over, married, buried, fed, and loved into the Kingdom: you are the fruit. To the generations yet to come: the foundation is deep enough for all of you.

Nan 1985, Rev. Joel «Pasteur» Sejour, Sr. ak madanm li Odine te plante ministè sa a nan Miami. Pandan plis pase karant lane, li te bay tout sa li te genyen pou li sèvi Bondye ak pèp la — li te bay manje pou moun ki grangou, rad pou moun ki nan bezwen, kay pou moun ki san kay, ak konsolasyon pou moun ki nan dezespwa. Jodi a, pitit fi li Jadinah Sejour Gustave ak mari li Pastè Fritz Gustave kontinye eritaj sa a ak menm fidelite a. N'ap di li mèsi.