08/04/2026
Dear Church of Amazing Grace International Family,
My heart is full.
This past Sunday will forever be remembered as one of the defining days in the history of our church. By the grace of God, we held our inaugural worship service at our new home, and together we witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Church of Amazing Grace International.
Our hearts overflow with gratitude to God, who has been faithful every step of the way.
The turnout from our church family and the wider community was truly encouraging. Seeing so many people gather to worship, celebrate, and witness what God is doing among us reminded us that this ministry belongs to Him.
We were deeply honored by the presence of representatives from the Presbytery of Riverside, whose goodwill message and formal handing over of the property to CAGI marked a historic milestone. This was more than the transfer of a campus; it was the beginning of what we believe will be a strong and enduring partnership in the Gospel. We thank the Presbytery for believing in our mission and for entrusting us with this sacred responsibility.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to Rev. Dr. Brian Symonds, members of the Session, and the congregation of First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino. Since March 1, they welcomed us with extraordinary generosity, and it meant so much to have them present as we began worship in our new home.
We were richly blessed by the ministry of Bishop Rev. Dr. George G. Gitahi and his dear wife. Through the preaching of God’s Word, many weary hearts were renewed and reminded that our strength comes from remaining connected to one another and, above all, to our true source of life—God Himself. We thank them for making the journey to be with us during this historic occasion.
To our CAGI Women, thank you for preparing such a beautiful and abundant meal. The food was delicious, plentiful, and served with genuine love. Your decorations and floral arrangements transformed our worship space into a place of warmth, celebration, and beauty.
To our CAGI Men, thank you for generously providing the meat, drinks, and so much of the practical support behind the scenes. Your quiet service reflected the heart of Christ.
To our children, you reminded us why we build. Seeing your joy, laughter, and excitement filled our hearts with hope for the future. Thank you to our Children’s Ministry Director, Purity Gichuru, her team, and every parent who continues to invest faithfully in the next generation.
The transformation of our campus in such a short time has been nothing short of remarkable. While additional improvements are still underway, what has already been accomplished speaks volumes about what can happen when people work together with a shared purpose.
A special word of appreciation goes to our Development Team, led by Edward Kamotho. Edward, you have guided this entire process with intentionality, integrity, wisdom, and purpose. Your leadership has been a tremendous blessing to this congregation.
To our Media Team, under the leadership of Walker Bundi, thank you for going far beyond the call of duty. Despite limited time and resources, you served with excellence and helped ensure that this historic day was experienced both in person and beyond our walls.
I also want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of so many of our men during those final critical days of preparation. Ricky Ngugi, Samuel Kanai, David Wambugu, Jack Kihara, and many others gave sacrificially of their time, energy, and skills. Your willingness to serve wherever needed did not go unnoticed.
To our elders, ministry leaders, the members of Session, and every ministry team, thank you for standing together through one of the most demanding seasons in our church’s history. The last two years have tested us in ways we could never have imagined, and the last five months since relocating our ministry to San Bernardino have required extraordinary resilience. Yet through it all, you remained faithful.
Finally, to every member of Church of Amazing Grace International:
Thank you.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for your generosity.
Thank you for your sacrifices.
Thank you for believing in this vision when the road was uncertain.
Thank you for serving quietly, giving faithfully, encouraging one another, and loving this church.
As your pastor, I want you to know that you have renewed my own faith and spirit. Watching this congregation persevere through uncertainty and then come together with such joy, unity, and love has been one of the greatest privileges of my ministry.
I am deeply honored to serve as your pastor.
I am humbled by your trust.
And I am more convinced than ever that God has great things in store for Church of Amazing Grace International.
As we continue to live into our theme for this year,
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” (Isaiah 61:4)
let us remember that the work before us is greater than renovating buildings. God is rebuilding lives, restoring hope, strengthening families, and establishing a Gospel witness that will bless generations to come.
The inaugural service was not the finish line.
It was the beginning.
May God continue to guide us as we faithfully Rebuild the Ruins Together.
With profound gratitude and much love,
Rev. Dr. Johnson Kĩriakũ Kĩnyua
Senior Pastor
Church of Amazing Grace International
