Ready to explore a church with a powerful story of growth and transformation? This is Abundance Life Church. Founded in 1976 as Abundant Life Church. It started humbly in Denver Heights on the east side of San Antonio. Pastor Neftalí Ozuna laid the foundation.
From those small beginnings, the Church of God established itself here. Soon after, Pastor Manuel De La Garza and his wife Paula took the lead. For 20 years they led the church with dedication. The church thrived under their guidance. When the De La Garzas moved on to a new role within the Church of God overseeing the South Central Region of the United States the church sought new leadership.
In 1998, Eliezer and Dorcas Bonilla arrived with their three children. They took over a congregation ready for something extraordinary. In 2000, Abundance Life Church moved to its current location in Southeast San Antonio. This move marked a turning point. The church began to multiply its impact.
Through cell groups and a focus on discipleship, Abundance Life transformed. It grew from an average attendance of 200 to a church of 1800. It now has multiple services at two locations. These are Abundant Life South and Abundant Life North. The church even started a ministry in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila. That ministry now has about 150 participants and its own church building.
Abundance Life’s growth stems from its mission. The mission is to win souls and make disciples. Throughout San Antonio, the church has about 300 cell groups. These groups preach the Gospel. New believers experience God through weekend encounters. The church invests in forming leaders. Ministries within the church continue to grow stronger.
Abundance Life celebrates services in English, Spanish and both languages. The church addresses community needs through Compassion San Antonio. This outreach feeds and clothes 300 families weekly. Radiance Academy opened in August 2008 to serve elementary school students. The church emphasizes worship and service. Every believer is encouraged to use their talents for the Lord.
Signs and wonders mark Abundance Life. People have experienced God’s saving, restoring and healing power. Many testify to receiving miracles. The church is committed to missions. It has supported efforts in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Morocco, Honduras, Chile, Russia, Nepal and Mexico. It also sends monthly offerings to Church of God missions. These efforts have helped construct sanctuaries, support orphanages, assist missionaries, provide ministry scholarships, construct executive offices and sponsor evangelistic outreach trips.
Abundance Life envisions saturating San Antonio with God’s presence and the power of the Gospel. The church plans to operate in different locations around the city. The first phase has begun in the northern part of the city. It already enjoys an attendance of up to 300 in its services there. Plans are underway to plant ministries in the eastern and western sectors of San Antonio.
Abundance Life actively participates in interdenominational efforts. Through City Reachers and Transformation SA the church supports unity and service with other churches. Abundance Life leads a concerted effort. It aims to raise a city of God in San Antonio. Pastors Eliezer and Dorcas Bonilla travel extensively sharing their experiences. They lead leadership teams to outreach events and training sessions.
Abundant Life believes in sharing the grace they have received. The church trusts God for great things. It continues to discover its calling and responsibility to God and the world. The story of Abundance Life Church is one of transformation, growth, and a deep commitment to serving both its congregation and the wider San Antonio community. A story that continues to be written.