Introduction by Gayla Bagwell
What a blessing it was to have Rosemond Anaba come to Colorado all the way from her country of Ghana, Africa! Rosemond is a very lovely pastor’s wife who serves as a strong leader alongside her husband Pastor Eastwood Anaba at their church, Fountain Gate Chapel. It was such an honor to have her come to the United States to be a part of ministry at Word of Life Christian Center.
The production team of SHINE Magazine and I invited Rosemond to an afternoon tea while she was here. We were all so excited to walk into the Fireside Room and see a beautiful tea setting arranged and prepared by SHINE Food/Entertainment columnist Robyn Geypens. It was as pretty and inviting as a hotel lobby in an elegant hotel. The wonderful aromas of tea brewing and bouquets of flowers wafted through the air as we entered. It was such an inspiring atmosphere, and love filled the room. The Holy Spirit was truly in the midst of us, and His sweet presence could be felt as we fellowshipped with one another.
Rosemond has a smile that radiates sunshine. Her mere presence is uplifting! There is a true and pure glory of the Lordthat encompasses her, and when she walks into a room, the atmosphere changes. God has surrounded her with undeniable joy and an amazing peace. When you are near her, this glory is almost tangible! Rosemond has suffered the greatest of sorrows with the loss of her two beautiful daughters, yet her faith in God is astounding. She has worked steadfastly in the Kingdom for many years, and she has not wavered in her belief in Christ even as she has encountered this heartbreaking sorrow. She is a woman of God to admire and to emulate.
We fondly call this section of SHINE, “Pastors’ Pearls.” Pastor Eastwood lovingly calls his wife of 22 years, “Perl.” How perfect is that? Please read this inspiring interview with a true “pearl” of God!
SHINE: Rosemond, we feel so honored to have tea and chat with you today. Your life is such a huge testimony, and you bring so much peace and glory with your presence. Can you start off by telling us a little bit about your home country of Ghana?
RA: Ghana is a smaller country as compared to the United States, with a population of about 25 million. I live in Bolgatanga, which is the regional capital of the Upper East region, one of the 10 regions of the country. Ghana is a developing country, and we have a lot of investors coming in with their expertise and resources, which has shot up development within the last 10 years or so. Anywhere you go, you have ATM machines, fast-food joints, and internet services. Anything that makes life quite comfortable and connects you to the rest of the world can be found in Ghana also.
I grew up further south in Accra, Ghana’s capital city. It is one of the richest and most modern cities on the African continent. It has a high quality of living by African standards.
Spiritually, Ghana seems to be a beacon of light – especially in West Africa. Great revival meetings are held there, and they can go on for days.
When it comes to the political climate, Ghana is a peaceful country, even though it has had its fair share of military upheavals. Now we enjoy a stable political atmosphere with a democratically-elected government. We are a peace-loving people and are extremely hospitable.
Gayla: Yes, that was Pastor Bagwell’s first impression when he visited Ghana. You had a band playing for him and a red carpet rolled out for him. He felt like he was a political president or something!
RA: Yes! That’s Ghana for you! We were truly honored to have Dr. Bagwell visit our country. Any time a prophet sets foot in a place, he leaves a spiritual deposit in his wake. With that revelation at the back of our minds, we did not want to take anything for granted.
SHINE: Can you tell us a little bit more about Accra and your childhood there?
RA: Accra is the capital city of Ghana, and it is located in the southern part of the country. It has a population of about 4 million. The city is Ghana’s largest city. It is also the administrative, communications, and economic center of the country. It is a cosmopolitan society with different ethnic groups and languages, but English is the main language of communication in schools and offices.
My father worked as a seaman for the greater part of his working life. Being a caterer by profession, he later opened a restaurant. My mom, now deceased, was a dispensing technician in a teaching hospital. I lost my sister – the only sibling I had – just before I went to college. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, which is about 165 miles from Accra. I graduated at the age of 24. My mother was a disciplinarian. The rigorous training she gave to me has helped me to survive anywhere I find myself. Being the only child, I played the role of a boy and a girl in the house. I did the cooking and cleaning, but since my father wanted me to take over his business, he also gave me managerial training. I helped him in his restaurant business until I left for Bolgatanga in the northern part of Ghana when I married Eastwood.
Be sure to read part two of this four-part series of Pastor Rosemond’s incredible story next week on SHINE blog.
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