“There are places you go not by training; you go by honour” – Pastor Eastwood Anaba

In a profound statement made at Desert Pastures of Fountain Gate Chapel, Pastor Eastwood Anaba, Founder of Fountain Gate Chapel International, emphasised the importance of honour in gaining access to certain positions and opportunities, rather than relying solely on training. “There are places you go not by training; you go by honour,” Pastor Anaba declared, underscoring the role that respect and recognition play in leadership.

Pastor Anaba shared a personal experience to illustrate his point. After stepping down as the Chairman of Fountain Gate Chapel, he informed a group of senior pastors—many of whom were church founders—that he would withdraw from the group to allow the new chairman to take his place. However, the group refused his resignation. “They said no. Apart from me, they don’t want anybody else,” he recalled.

This situation initially troubled him, but after prayer, he came to understand that his continued inclusion was not about his title, but about the honour he had earned over the years. “The Lord said, the day your children, including the International Presbytery and the chairman, are prepared to pay the price you paid in life to get to where you are, they will include them in that group.”

Pastor Anaba further illustrated his point by referencing biblical figures like Elisha, who succeeded Elijah, and Joshua, who served Moses. He noted that these individuals were chosen not for their training, but for the honour they had shown their predecessors. “Whenever a senior pastor travels and the attendance drops, the associate should be worried,” he added, stressing that true leadership is often validated by the endorsement of one’s mentor or leader.

In conclusion, Pastor Anaba’s message was clear: while training is important, it is honour—earned through dedication and service—that opens the doors to significant opportunities.