JOURNEY

• March 1, 2023 – In a recent Leadership Development Workshop, we explored the question, “How can you make sure the pain of your past doesn’t determine your future?” What stood out and meant the most to you in this workshop? Anathole said: “I have learned that no matter how painful or bad my past has been, I’ve got to break the bond with that history because I can’t change my past. However, I have learned from my past experiences and apply what I’ve learned to the present in order to live the life I deserve and not ruin my present by worrying about the future. Moreover, I must not think of the past as defining my future, since I have known that my today’s actions, plans, goals, thoughts and attitudes will ultimately define my destiny. Furthermore, the Lord himself declared that he knows the plans he has for me, plans for me to prosper, and plans to give me a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11, CEB). Again, the Lord said unto me “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV). These promises also strengthen my bones.”
• September 8, 2022 – Anathole discusses the biggest changes in his life since the end of the COVID restrictions: “When COVID-19 was killing people in the beginning of 2020, I was so terrified that I might be the next one to die from it. With restrictions established all over the world and in my own country, I had lost hope in the future because I left school and I had no hope to resume, no free movement and no unmasked face, no hugging of your loved ones. I was immensely depressed. However, gone are the days. To conclude, since the end of all the COVID restrictions, I have seen the dawn and my hope returned with the greatest intensity like never before. I’m no longer depressed and don’t worry about the future. I’m happier than ever before and living a hopeful life, for the sun shall never set again.”
• September 13, 2021 – Anathole shared his favorite song and what it means to him: “When I am down, I love to listen to the song “My Tomorrow Must Be Greater Than Today” by David Ekene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPM_WK1EotE. I love to listen to this beautiful song when I’m depressed by problems. When confused, I take myself to many years back and see how the Lord has always been with me in my life struggles — from nine years basic education, to twelve years basic education, to boarding school and to the university. This song strengthens me. I hope that my problems will one day end and I will have a better life free of responsibilities greater than my capacity. Obviously, my tomorrow must be greater than today because I don’t feel alone. I’m loved and blessed to be an important man to my country and the entire world. For everybody, his /her tomorrow must be greater than today as well. Thank you!”
• July 16, 2021 – Anathole shared what resilience means to him: “To me resilience can be defined as a process of good adaptation developed by someone when facing difficulties like extreme poverty, family problems, failures, financial hardships and tragedies which impede them from progressing forward, and throughout the challenge you remain healthy and happy. Simply put, to be resilient is never to give up in difficult situations.”
• March 1, 2021 – Anathole said his biggest lessons from 2020 were: “Since we have entered the COVID-19 pandemic period this year, including lockdown, extreme hungry and poverty, even when the schools resumed, many students dropped out because they lacked school fees and materials. The biggest lessons I’ve gotten are to save and to be willing to support others in their difficulties. Those who saved, saved the lives of many people who weren’t able to get food and in addition, their children resumed studies. Therefore, I’ve got another reason to be ready for any change that may come unintentionally and have an effect on everything.”