Puerto Rico in January 2023 to begin a new job, he was looking for something more than just a paycheck. He was looking for connection. A sense of purpose. A church home. Like many who have found their way to The Gathering, Curtis began his search online, specifically looking for an English-speaking church on the west side of the island. What he found was much more than he expected. After a bit of confusion with addresses and locations, Curtis ended up at a small building—one that turned out to be less than 100 yards from his new apartment. That Sunday morning, he walked into The Gathering and was welcomed with a handshake from the pastor and a room of about fifteen people. It was a quiet start, but it didn’t take long for Curtis to recognize something special: love. “Sometimes I didn’t feel like going,” he shared, “especially on Tuesday nights after a long day. But I’d go anyway—because I could feel the love there. And it was always worth it.” Curtis is no stranger to church life. He was saved in 1985 at the age of 19 and has spent decades serving in a wide variety of roles, from church boards to treasurer, teacher, youth mentor, and more. With that experience, he’s seen the good, the bad, and the in-between—but what drew him to The Gathering was the authenticity. “This church is built on love,” he said. “Not hype, not show—just love.” He quickly became a key member of the leadership team, especially on the financial side. When he first arrived, The Gathering’s finances were still connected to a larger ministry account. Curtis helped guide the transition toward greater autonomy and transparency. Today, the church has its own account and over $20,000 in reserves, after significant investments like the trailer for children’s ministry. “We’ve come a long way,” he said, “and Pastor Rusi was very helpful and supportive in that process.” Even now, living in Florida, Curtis remains active with The Gathering. He watches the services online, joins leadership meetings, and stays in close contact with the financial team. “I still see this as my church,” he says. “My heart is still there.” But beyond his administrative role, Curtis is most known and loved for the way he connects with people—especially the youth and young adults. Though he never held an official title in youth ministry, his impact has been profound. “I didn’t do anything strategic,” he said. “I just showed up. I loved them where they were.” From going to basketball games and youth hangouts to one-on-one conversations filled with honesty and compassion, Curtis has become a spiritual father to many. He’s especially protective of the younger generation, understanding the wounds and struggles many of them carry. “Every kid has collateral damage,” he said. “Some more than others. But what they need is someone who will just walk with them, not judge them.” He continues to encourage, text, and check in with the youth from afar. “They’re always on my heart,” he said. “If someone tried to hurt them—physically, spiritually, emotionally—they’d have to go through me first.” Curtis’s passion for mentorship comes from his own story. While he had many influential mentors along the way, he’s careful not to idolize people or position. Instead, he focuses on the principles they helped him see: staying faithful, being generous, encouraging others, and never giving up. His favorite verse—Matthew 7:21—reminds him that it’s not about appearances or performance, but about doing the will of the Father. As he nears retirement and prepares to leave his job in December, Curtis is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and traveling together. But one thing is certain: his connection to The Gathering isn’t ending. “God brought me there,” he said. “I didn’t know a single person on that island. I went for work—but the real reason was The Gathering. It’s changed my life.” He believes deeply in the church’s future. “We’re just getting started,” he said. “This church is going to grow. If we stay in unity, if we keep loving people, if we don’t quit—nothing can stop what God wants to do.” And for anyone wondering what makes The Gathering so different, Curtis puts it simply: “Love. Real love. That’s why people come, and that’s why they stay.”