A Thriving African Christian Community in Southern California
Now worshipping in San Bernardino — and rising into our permanent home
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Wednesday | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Temporary Worship Location: First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino, 1900 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92405. Permanent facility approximately 4 miles away — under restoration.
Fifteen years ago, a small group of Kenyans gathered in someone's living room in San Bernardino. They prayed. They sang. They believed. That seed is still growing.
On February 28, 2026, CAGI concluded its partnership with the Presbytery of Los Ranchos — with gratitude for years of shared ministry. On March 1, 2026, CAGI began a new chapter as a member congregation of the Riverside Presbytery.
We are worshipping temporarily at First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino while our permanent home — approximately four miles away — is being restored. While the building is being renewed, so are we.
CAGI was established in December 2009 as Kanitha wa Utugi wa Magegania wa Gikuyu (KUMG) — the only fellowship of its kind in Southern California. A small group of Kenyans from San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties gathered monthly to worship in their native Gikuyu language.
As the community grew, so did its vision. The church relocated from a pastor's residence to the Downtown Community Center in Anaheim, then to First Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana. By 2015, the name changed to Church of Amazing Grace International — to reflect the growing diversity of African immigrants joining the congregation.
In March 2026, CAGI joined the Riverside Presbytery, beginning its most significant chapter yet: moving toward a permanent facility in San Bernardino and deepening its roots as a diaspora congregation anchored in Reformed faith.
CAGI's theology blends Reformed convictions with the African philosophy of Ubuntu — "I am because we are." Shared life. Mutual care. A church built not just for Sundays but for real immigrant life in Southern California.
Build a strong and vibrant African Christian community serving African students and immigrant families living in Southern California.
Reach African immigrants living in Southern California for Christ.
We are approximately four miles from the building God has prepared for us at 829 N Mount Vernon Ave, San Bernardino. It is being restored. So are we. This is not a detour. This is the story.
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Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Johnson Kiriaku wa Kinyua is the Senior Pastor of CAGI. Born in Kenya, he holds a PhD in Religion from the University of Birmingham and teaches ethics at Saint Leo University. He and his wife Mary have three children — Milkah, Ayub, and Eunice.
Pastor Kinyua has served congregations in Africa and the United States, building deep intercultural pastoral experience. His Reformed convictions are shaped by Africa's "I am because we are" — a theology of community, healing, and mutual accountability.
He preaches, teaches, and leads with the conviction that the church exists for the world, not only for itself.
Our elders partner with the minister to provide pastoral leadership and care through every life stage.
Pastor
Chair
Clerk
Elder
Elder
Elder
Assistant Clerk
Elder
Elder
Elder
Finance Officer
Director, Youth & Children
Chair Development & Men
Media
Chair Women
Pastoral care, shepherding, Bible study leadership across Districts
Amazing Women
Fellowship, generosity, spiritual and social growth
Bible study, camping, sports, outreach, and community building
Retreats, fellowship, mutual accountability, and gospel outreach
Sunday School for preschool and elementary ages, rooted in Scripture
Home and online fellowship circles for discipleship and community prayer
We believe in the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scripture, justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and in the priesthood of all believers. As a community of believers, we are called by God, shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a community of praise, love, and service. Our Christian theological beliefs follow reformed tradition and informed by the African philosophy of sharing and mutuality guided by the motto 'I am because we are.'
We believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His death and resurrection. We believe in Jesus as the Son of God. He is the Savior of the world. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is the means by which we are forgiven our sins. We also believe in One God, who exists eternally in three personalities: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe the Church is the family of God that comprises those 'called out.' They are 'called out' from sinful lives into the pursuit of God's righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. Hence, they are 'a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.' The church refers to a community 'called to be saints' — a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a spiritual house.
We believe in Salvation through Grace. God has offered us salvation because He loves us. We know that we do not deserve such a great salvation. However, we also know that through Jesus, who was without sin, God redeemed us. The Bible declares, 'There is no salvation by anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved' (Acts 4:12).
We believe that the church is called to serve God and his people. Ministry and service at CAGI is derived from the ministry of Jesus Christ, given by Him who came to minister and to give His life a ransom for many. We believe it is the duty and privilege of every member to realize one's adoption into the family of God and to rejoice in salvation through Jesus Christ.
We believe that evangelism means taking the Word of God to where the people are. God sent His only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit and now He sends us. We seek to reach the whole person with the whole gospel. Evangelism fulfills the great commission and announces redemption to every area of life — body and soul, mind and spirit, family and community.
Preaching & Teaching by Rev. Zipporah Wairimu Maina, Sales Qualified Field Director from Kent, Washington. Part of our Rooted and Rising: Rebuilding Ruins Together series.
Historic Service: "Relocate, Yet Stop Over" by Rt. Rev. Patrick Thegu, PCEA Moderator of the 24th General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Simon Githiora, PCEA Githunguri Presbytery. Message: "ASK BIG, YOUR KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE!"
Bishop Stephen Gachengo. Message: "Roots that anchor and propel."
Co-hosted with Soil Merchants. Speakers: Rev. Dr. Johnson Kiriaku, Rev. Lucy Gacheru, Chairman George Mungai. Topics: diaspora investment, real estate, faith-driven entrepreneurship.
Dr. George Wachiuri, CEO & Founder of Optiven Ltd. Message: "Power to Create Wealth" - inspiring possibilities through faith-driven entrepreneurship.
Powerful messages to inspire, challenge, and transform your faith journey
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Faith-building conversations and teachings to strengthen your walk with God
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Faith and life for the Kenyan diaspora and African Christian community in Southern California.
Real stories from members of our church family
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CAGI streams worship worldwide, connecting Nairobi, New York, and Fullerton in real-time praise and teaching. Our media team manages live video, digital mixing, camera switching, and lyric display from every service.
Whether you're joining us in person or from across the globe, you're part of our community. Follow us on social media to stay connected throughout the week.
"Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance and the ends of the earth your possession"— Psalms 2:8
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."— Romans 12:12
