The churches in East Africa, and especially in Nairobi, Kenya, have recently experienced a historic passing of the torch of leadership of the congregations in this region as nationals have been appointed to steer the work following the return to the US of Herve and Janet Fleurant. Communities and congregations of God's people have, throughout the ages, also experienced similar transition, with its accompanying simultaneous emotions of sadness and loss on one hand and of excitement and expectation on the other.

As the apostle Paul departed from Ephesus, the elders wept, undoubtedly overjoyed and grateful for all that Paul had done for them but certainly sad and heavy-hearted because they would miss a man who meant so much to them. And it was with that same mix of feelings that the disciples in Nairobi bid farewell to Herve and Janet Fleurant as they left Kenya with their children, having left an indelible impact on the East African churches in their four-and-a-half years overseeing the congregations in this part of Africa.

The impact of Herve and Janet goes far beyond the numeric proliferation of disciples that occurred under their stewardship, and is found in areas that cannot be measured but only experienced, heralded and treasured - selfless, sacrificial love, lifting those around them higher by believing in them even at their lowest. Herve and Janet will be missed dearly in East Africa.

But just as he did with Joshua, who took over the mantle of leadership of the Israelites at the death of Moses, God has raised up godly and capable leaders for the task of steering the disciples in this region towards even greater things. Two couples will jointly lead the church, Steve and Carol Mukenya and George and Anne Irungu. Kenyans, they were all baptized in the Nairobi church, and for the first time the church in Kenya will be led on a permanent basis by nationals, who have been converted and raised up within the congregation.

Married on the 23rd of December, 1995, Steve and Carol (above right) have previously lead the Eldoret (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) churches. At this time they oversee those two churches as well as the Kampala (Uganda) and Kigali (Rwanda) congregations, and lead Nairobi's Metro region. Steve and Carol were appointed evangelist and women's ministry leader in August 1998 and are parents to a wonderful daughter, Chelsea.

George and Anne (above left) have been married since the 1st of November 1997 and are parents to a lovely daughter, Joy. They lead the East ministries in Nairobi and oversee the Arusha and Bujumbura congregations. George and Anne were appointed evangelist and women's ministry leader in September 2000.

"It wasn't easy for us when Herve and Janet informed us that they would be leaving Kenya," shares George. "I felt that the growth of the church depended on Herve's presence, but we talked about it and he helped me with my thinking." "It was a sad moment," say Steve and Carol, "because the Fleurants were not only our disciplers and leaders, but they were - and still are - our best friends, our mentors and our heroes.

Steve and Carol, George and Anne have resolved to face the challenge of their new level of responsibility by trusting God. "The idea of leading the EA churches was initially quite overwhelming," says George. Fitting into the Fleurants' shoes is not easy. It's been challenging, but we have resolved to remain focussed in face of greater responsibility. It's been fun because it calls me to spend good time with God."

Steve and Carol share that they "drew confidence from knowing that the Fleurants never made any such decisions without first praying intensely," and so were confident that this decision was from God. "Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 says that 'two are better than one.' Leading with the Irungus is a great thing because we are able to help each other, have more and better ideas about how to best lead God's church, and it keeps us humble."

The two couples are unanimous about God's role in the shepherding of the East African disciples. "We know that as long as we walk closely with God and rely on him, he is the one who will lead this church."

And just as it was with Joshua as the torch of leadership was handed to him, the people are getting solidly behind these two couples and many in the Nairobi church have verbalized their support. John Kilaha says, "The two couples compliment each other." Gitau Ng'ang'a adds, "The two couples are a powerful combination and I have no doubt that they will do a great job in leading the church."

Richard and Florence Ahenda agree. "God has raised up Steve and Carol in a powerful way," they say. "It's been great learning from their walk with God. They've been an example to us. They have pointed us to God through their lives and not just with words. As they have helped us with different things, it's been encouraging to see their faith and simplicity. I have no doubt that God will use them incredibly to lead the church."

"Without each of the staff members, it would be hard to do what we are doing now," says Steve. "People seem to feel that for this to work out they need to give us their support," concludes George.

Sammy Mbuva is emphatic. "In both couples I see a great transformation and I believe they are the right people, supporting and helping each other, to lead the church at this time. George and Anne have been a great help. They've always been there for me. They have helped me to change many things, like my leadership, for example. Without them, I don't know where I would be today."

"Our vision for the future of the East African churches is to see a family of disciples who love God with all their hearts and are committed to God and to growing," the Mukenyas and Irungus share, "so that every African on our side of the continent can have a chance to hear the good news about our Lord.

It is refreshing and encouraging to see the deep respect that the two couples have for the Fleurants, to note the overwhelming supportiveness of the Nairobi disciples to their "new" leaders, and to observe the great faith that the two couples have in God to equip them for the task at hand.

We thank God for having used Herve and Janet to inspire the East African disciples in these last four-and-a-half years, and we are also very grateful at this time for the leaders that he has raised up in Steve and Carol and George and Anne. Let us pray for them and for leaders everywhere. Let us make their work a joy and not a burden as we strive individually as disciples and collectively as a church to be our very best for God.