OUR STORY

Coming from Oklahoma to the Rio Grande Valley in 1978, the Vinita family purpose was to follow God’s lead to serve as missionaries to Mexico. Studying and learning Spanish at Kingsway Missionary Institute in McAllen, Texas prepared Pastor Jim Vinita to work in  Mexico with the Victoria Bible Institute where he served for over six years. After that time, the Holy Spirit directed Pastors Jim and  Joyce Vinita to open their home, on the U.S. side of the border, for Sunday worship and Bible study. Fellow missionary families, who were hungry for fellowship, worship and family love, began to come and to be saved. Pastor Jim preached the Word in the kitchen to the people seated in the adjacent living room, while Joyce taught the children in the bedroom.

All the family, James, Joanna, Jacquie and Jennifer participated in preparation and service to those who came. Soon their home was overflowing with people, which was the beginning of Abundant Grace Community Church. Growth occurred so that the services were moved through succession from the Vinita home to a borrowed recreation hall in a local mobile home park, to a Banquet room of a nearby hotel. In 1983, after continued growth, four and a half acres of land was purchased on McColl Road in Edinburg, Texas. There, the first chapel building was built. Smaller classrooms were added as the years went by until the early 90′s when a large sanctuary was built. By 1993 with the purchase of adjacent land, the growth of Abundant Grace Community Church was such that the current sanctuary was completed. Abundant Grace Community Church has grown from the Vinita’s home to the congregation you see now. The name of Abundant Grace Community Church tells the whole story. For, we believe there is more than enough grace for Him to touch and forever change your life for Jesus Christ.

Expanding the vision...

On September 13, 2015, the Torch was passed on to the next generation. Joanna the eldest daughter of Jim & Joyce came in as senior pastor.

Before becoming the senior pastor, Dr. Joanna L Walker served on the worship team from 1987 to 2004 where she sang and lead worship. In 2004, she served as the Director of Prayer & Intercession for 11 years, holding prayer meetings throughout the week where she would lead prayer and worship with her guitar! While serving as Prayer Director, Joanna Walker has earned her Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from New Life Bible College & Seminary.
Our vision is to be a people of Worship, Prayer, the Word, loving on Jesus, and bringing Him glory in all we do. Our mission is to be a filling station to those that are hungry and thirsty for more of God; an outpost of faith, hope, and love
Our desire is to be a beacon and lighthouse to our community and to reach out to those who are in need with love, support, food, clothing, and prayer. Our mission is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry by training them up and send them out!

Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 9:00am(Spanish) and at 10:45am(English)