TRIBUTE TO A SPECIAL FAMILY
In July 2003, after fourteen years in Africa, planting and building churches, Hervé and Janet Fleurant and their children, all of whom were born on this continent, left to return to the United States of America. They spent the last four-and-a-half years in Kenya, where they have left an indelible impression on the hearts of many, and in this article, which comprises the comments of different individuals from across the spectrum of disciples in East Africa, we frame the unique impact that Hervé and Janet have had on us here in East Africa.
"The Fleurants extend grace. This has always been outstanding. They've helped us see how gracious we need to be in how we handle and treat those whom we lead." (Fred Arogo, Metro Region, Nairobi)
"Hervé is humorous. Many people lose their liveliness as they get older, but not Hervé. He is a people's people. He can relate to all - teenagers, campus students, children, the marrieds, etc. He is all things to all men." (Fred Arogo)
"Their love for God stands out. They lived it out practically and showed it by their commitment to Africa and to Africans. Their love for people is great. Their interaction with others on staff was void of leader-follower superiority complex." (Gitau Ng'ang'a, Middle East Region, Nairobi)
"Hervé is approachable and is quick to see his error and apologize for it when we point it out to him. He makes it easy for us to relate to him as a friend and not just as leader of the congregation." (Gitau Ng'ang'a)
Janet at Women's Day 2001
"They have helped us to have warmth as a family - the way the kingdom is supposed to be. They communicate that as you make mistakes you have a second third, fourth chance. They extended to us unconditional love and are a great example in discipleship, leadership and in family life." (Steve Mukenya, Metro Region, Nairobi)
"They are giving to all and not just to those who are closer to them. You don't feel like you have to watch what you say or measure your words when you are around them." (Jeff Maloba, Eldoret)
"Janet taught me the meaning of walking with God -- that's it's not just Bible study and prayer, but the decisions you make and how you carry yourself throughout the day. She is very open about her life and thus made it easy for me to share things that are very embarassing. She made me feel safe to open up." (Anne Irungu, East Region)
"Their sacrifice for Africa has been outstanding. The different fears that people tend to have about Africa did not stop them from coming to Africa and, even after having children, to remain here." (Elias Aketch, East Region, Nairobi)
"They are excellent in their love for people. The way they display their love for people is so dynamic. It is unconditional and Christ-like. They love to see people doing great. They try as much as they can to put the Scriptures into practice - spending time, for example, with those who are grieving and those have given birth." (John Kilaha, West Region, Nairobi)
The Fleurants with the East Africa staff members in December 2002
"They lead in a way that you don't feel pressured but feel instead the need to rise up. They are patient, giving people time to work through what they need to. They've helped us learn to do things for God." (Jane Maleya, West Region, Nairobi)
"I always looked forward to listening to Hervé preach because he was so rich in insights. Each time he preached I learned something new." (Richard Ahenda, West Region, Nairobi)
"Janet has a wealth of wisdom and is so wise, but at the same time taught us to build our ministries based on the Scriptures and not on her wisdom. In our marriage they taught us to relax, joke and be great friends and great parents."
"The Fleurants level of caring was deep - beyond the normal level. There are things they have done for my family that our relatives cannot believe or understand how anyone other than a parent would do." (Florence Ahenda, West Region, Nairobi)
Herve sending off the Bujumbura mission team in April 2000
"They believed in people at times when others would give up. " (Florence Ahenda)
"Hervé and Janet stand out in how they raise their children and the great attention they pay to family and to building one's ministry around the family. I've never met such an inspiring couple in the area of marriage and child-raising. Many of their teachings and advice have rubbed off on us and continue to inspire and change my marriage and family. Indeed their light will continue to shine in our lives and the lives of many others whom they have inspired." (Jimmy Kinyanjui, Metro Region, Nairobi)
" There are many of us who feel really close to them. They have a great heart of sharing everything - giving their time, giving possessions. They gave a lot. There is much that cannot be expressed." (William Auki, Kibera Region, Nairobi)
"They are a memorable treasure." (Mike Wambwere, Metro Region, Nairobi)
Receiving a card from the Youth ministry
at their farewell Sunday service in June 2003
Thanks, again, Hervé and Janet, for the joy, direction and strength that you brought to our lives throughout East Africa. God bless you.
Thank you to every single individual who contributed input for this article. Unfortunately we have not been able to include everyone's comments here, but we pray that everyone's gratitude, appreciation and individual personal perspective have been clearly communicated.