Ordination Celebration in Nairobi, Kenya

And that was not the only cause for excitement on July 5. The presence of Hervé Fleurant, who once led the Nairobi church and is currently based in San Antonio, USA, was another reason for celebration. Hervé and his family were a great inspiration to the disciples when they were in Nairobi and many were excited to see him after a long time.

All seven of Elias and Margaret’s children are Christians as is Elias’ 95-year-old mother. Elias, 53, thanked his mother and the men and women who have been in his life over the years to ensure that he stayed faithful and rose up to his present position.

Samson said he was truly humbled by his ordination, terming it a huge responsibility. Judy said of her recognition, “I am greatly honored and feel undeserving of this great appointment.”

Samson was called into the ministry in 1999 when he was asked to lead the church in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. In 2001 he was transferred to Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and led there for three years. In 2002 Samson was involved in a serious accident that nearly killed him as it left him partially paralyzed. Three years later, fully recovered and at his best, he went steady with Judy.

Baptised in 1995 as a single mother, Judy joined the full time ministry three years later. She led the women’s ministry in Kigali from 2004. Samson and Judy married in December 2007 (picture right).

Elias and Margaret were both baptised in 1991. At the time Elias was married and Margaret was a single mother of two. Shortly after his baptism, Elias’ wife opted to leave the church and compelled him to choose between discipleship and her. Elias recalls it as one of the most painful periods in his life when his wife walked out of their marriage, leaving behind five children.

After the marriage was officially dissolved, Elias humbly went back to dating, now in God’s kingdom, and met Margaret. They married in 1996. The new family constituted a blend of seven children from both of them. Elias and Margaret helped their three older daughters become Christians and shortly after Elias’ father and mother were also baptised into the Lord.

Soon after that, however, the three daughters went back to the world, and shortly thereafter Elias’ father passed away. A lot of flaws, especially in their parenting, were exposed during this period and both believe that the heartache and incessant worries evoked by their daughters’ decisions to quit discipleship in search of marriage nonetheless enabled them to realize a certain level of spiritual maturity that they would otherwise not have done in the absence of this ordeal.

Through persistent prayers and advice, Elias and Margaret have not only managed to inspire the three daughters to restoration to God, but they have also managed to help their four other children become disciples of Jesus (picture left). They are proud—and humbled—to be blessed by this, by Elias’ mother at 95 years still being faithful to God, a son-in-law serving powerfully in God’s kingdom and all five grandchildren currently growing up in the church.

At the age of 53, Elias is still asking for a “hill country” where he and his wife can continue serving God with more vigor and renewed passion for the lost. As he and Margaret would testify, the trials in life have molded their characters and deepened their dependence and trust in God, leaving them more spiritually mature.

Deacon Anthony Mwanza is full of praise for Samson, pointing out that God has really worked in Samson’s life through the years. “He is a talented and courageous Christian who does not fear taking challenges.” David Kamau describes Samson as a radical, ready-to-go-anywhere-for-God kind of disciple. Evangelist William Auki has this to say: “Samson does not easily give up. There is great growth in his ministries and he has great conviction in serving God.”

Women's Ministry Leader Victoria Auki shares: “Judy is a determined simple woman with deep convictions. She is a great mum, loves the mission and draws her strength from God through perseverance. Her marriage is a testimony of her trust in God.”

Hervé capped off a great time with a great message entitled ‘May you be covered by the dust of the Rabbi.’ Preaching from Mark 1:16-20 and Mathew 11:28-30, he pointed out how Jesus called ordinary, unschooled men to be his followers. He reminded the church that it was a great honor in the time of Jesus to be called by a Rabbi and that is why James and John, even though they were with their father, did not hesitate to follow Jesus.

In his first point, Hervé, with reference to Mathew 14:22-31, asked disciples not to be afraid because when we are afraid we doubt ourselves. He reminded the church that God believes in them and they must be willing to learn from him. Hervé’s second point reminded the church to take rest and have peace in God. We are also called to be gentle and humble at heart. We ought to strive to live an exemplary lifestyle in every aspect of our lives.

As a case in point, Elias, Margaret, Samson and Judy exemplify this, and just as their lives have impacted many, their ordination occasioned much celebration and inspiration for the Nairobi congregation.