If you’ve spent any time at The Gathering, chances are you’ve seen Gloriah—on stage, behind the soundboard, helping with children, or quietly stepping in to solve last-minute tech issues. As the daughter of Pastors Hector and Miriama, she’s been part of the church’s story from the very beginning—and her journey is as inspiring as it is multifaceted.
Gloriah has quite literally grown up in the church. She recalls attending The Gathering from the second Sunday it existed, back when the congregation was just a small handful of people. Over the past ten years, she has witnessed transitions in leadership, seasons of growth, and times of rebuilding from the ground up. Through it all, she’s remained a steady and joyful presence.
“I’ve done almost everything,” she says with a laugh. And it’s true—Gloriah’s list of contributions is long: drummer, pianist, singer, PowerPoint operator, sound tech, worship leader, children’s teacher, dancer, and more. “Whenever there’s a problem, they say, ‘Where’s Gloria?’ Because I’ve learned how to do just about everything.”
Despite the weight of responsibility, she doesn’t see it as a burden. “It’s exciting,” she explains, “and it feels like family here. People who don’t have family in Puerto Rico come to The Gathering and feel loved. That’s who we are.”
When asked what the church means to her, Gloriah lights up. “It’s a place where people feel the love of the Holy Spirit. My hope is that The Gathering continues to grow—not just in numbers, but in hunger for the Word, for worship, for prayer.”
At just 16, Gloriah has already experienced leadership, public speaking, and even preaching. She shared how she prepares: always starting with prayer, asking the Lord what He wants her to say, then following the confirmations she receives as she studies Scripture. Her favorite verse reflects her heart through it all: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” It’s a promise that steadies her in the middle of pressure from school, church, and the expectations she often puts on herself.
Though she’s not yet sure what God’s calling looks like for her future, Gloriah knows she’s in a season of growing and discovering her gifts. “I realize now that I’m a versatile person,” she says. “I don’t know yet what exactly I’m supposed to do, but I’m letting God lead me.”
She’s proud of both her Puerto Rican and Samoan heritage, noting that her personality is shaped more by the culture she’s grown up around—though she’s hoping to visit Samoa again soon and connect more with that part of her identity.
Gloriah’s story is still unfolding, but what’s already clear is her deep love for the church, her willingness to serve, and her hunger for more of God. In her words, “Sometimes we forget that God is with us every single day. But when I come to The Gathering, I remember.”