...Our History
History of Grace to the Nations
Grace to the Nations is a vibrant growing church that strives to reach every man, woman and child with the love of Jesus Christ. Celebrating diversity and gathering together because of the grace given through Christ Jesus, we stand in faith that with God nothing is impossible. We have seen Jesus Christ move above and beyond our expectations in the present time and in times past.
With a rich history of faith, evangelism, worship and the word, Grace to the Nations, (formerly known as Grace Chapel), was birthed in the home of founding pastors John and Margaret Casteel in August of 1968. Weekly their home was packed with people longing to hear the word of the Lord. The church soon outgrew the Casteel home’s capacity and the family of Grace Chapel moved to moved to 6180 E. Pima Street. At the time of purchase the property was a dude ranch able to house all the young new believers. Initial construction consisted of what we know today as the small chapel. In a matter of weeks, this church building was also filled with newly saved hippies who were the fruit of the Jesus movement.
These young people came to Grace leaving their old life behind and radically embracing their new life in Christ. People from all walks of life continued to be saved weekly, discipled and set free from addictions by the power of the Holy Spirit. Out of this growth, Maranatha House was birthed as a recovery house for newly saved hippies. Church growth continued to be exponential, so the large auditorium and support facilities were constructed to accommodate the growing congregation.
Under the pastoral leadership of Obed Orozco, Spanish language ministry was developed and Latino attendance grew significantly. Throughout the years lives were saved and healed, pastors and leaders were trained and sent out and the people’s needs were met through the power of the Gospel. Grace became a mighty beacon of light to the city of Tucson that continues today. The rich history of yesterday has acted as a springboard to our future.
In November of 2002, Grace Chapel gladly received Obed Orozco and Rae Casteel as Co-Senior Pastors, called to build on the foundation of revival and truth. One month later, Pastors Obed and Rae were married, and joined their lives, families and their anointing in service.
In 2005 Giovanna Allegra Orozco was born and the family of five became complete. The Lord immediately began to expand the vision of Grace Chapel in response to the expanding vision given to pastors Obed and Rae, for not just for our own chapel, but a place for all peoples. The church name, Grace Chapel, was changed to Grace to the Nations!
