City preacher Lucy Natasha meets Salva Kiir days after opening new South Sudan church

Newsbeat
By Joan Oyiela | Feb 04, 2026
City preacher Lucy Natasha meets Salva Kiir days after opening new South Sudan church

Days after announcing the grand opening of Empowerment Christian Church (ECC) in Juba, South Sudan, Rev Lucy Natasha has met President Salva Kiir Mayardit in a move seen as a major milestone in the ministry’s regional expansion.

The Senior Overseer of ECC shared the development shortly after launching the new church, even as the ministry recently shut down all its physical services in Kenya and transitioned fully to online worship.

In Nairobi, ECC had been operating from the 7th floor of Biashara Plaza at the junction of Moi Avenue and Biashara Street, a prime location that attracted a youthful, urban congregation from the capital and its environs.

Following the closure of the Nairobi venue, Rev Natasha was quick to assure congregants that ECC remains active.

In a statement shared on Instagram, she said the move does not mark the end of the ministry in Kenya but is a temporary shift as the church addresses logistical and operational matters.

“With deep gratitude, I thank the great nation of South Sudan for the honour, love, and warm hospitality during our Kingdom assignment,” she said.

She also praised the country’s leadership, adding, “I thank the government of South Sudan and H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit for the atmosphere of peace and leadership that allows the Gospel to advance.”

Rev Natasha further commended the local ECC team in South Sudan for their commitment, noting that the visit went beyond a routine engagement.

“Thank you to Empowerment Christian Church South Sudan pastors, leaders, and volunteers for serving with excellence and faith. This was more than a visit; it was a divine movement,” she said.

ECC continues to maintain a strong digital presence, with thousands of followers across its social media platforms.

Members have been encouraged to stay connected online as they await updates on the ministry’s next steps, including any future physical relocation.

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