Prophet Nancy has been part of The Gathering’s journey almost since its beginning, bringing a prophetic voice, deep intercession, and a passion for introducing God’s presence through movement, worship, and the spoken Word. Her story is one of transformation, obedience, and a clear call to help raise up a church that reflects the love of the Father and launches believers into their Kingdom purpose.
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.”
From the early days of The Gathering to her new season of ministry, Celina has carried a passion for discipleship, worship, and the presence of God. Her story is woven into the very fabric of the church’s growth—and continues to bear fruit far beyond Puerto Rico.
When Angel and Jessica first walked into The Gathering, they knew they had found more than just a place to worship—they had found a home. From a chance meeting with Pastor Hector in Econo to stepping into leadership and ministry, their journey is a story of answered prayer, servant hearts, and God’s perfect timing.
When Rosa and Michael were sent as missionaries to The Gathering, they didn’t know they were stepping into a divine assignment that would transform not only their lives but the culture of the church. From their first dance to prophetic ministry, chaplaincy, and spiritual warfare, their journey is one of redemption, purpose, and God’s supernatural love.
Ada’s journey to The Gathering was anything but ordinary. What began as a Facebook post led to a divine encounter, a deeper relationship with God, and a passion to serve. From surrendering her love of dancing to praying boldly for her family, Ada’s story is a beautiful reminder of God’s perfect timing and transformative grace.
Gloriah, the teenage daughter of Pastors Hector and Miriama, has grown up in the heart of The Gathering—serving in nearly every ministry role imaginable. In this candid interview, she reflects on the joys and challenges of being a pastor’s kid, her favorite Bible verse, and her hopes for the future of the church she calls family.
From caring for a sick family member to becoming the youth leader at The Gathering, Jessica’s journey is one of deep faith, cultural connection, and God’s surprising redirection. What began as a temporary move to Puerto Rico became a divine calling to build community, serve, and lead the next generation.
When Barbara first walked into The Gathering, she wasn’t sure it was for her. Quiet by nature, raised in a culturally Catholic but spiritually uncertain home, Barbara wasn’t used to the loud, loving, hug-everyone atmosphere of this small English-speaking church in Puerto Rico. “We’re not huggers in my family,” she said with a smile. “At first, it was really overwhelming.” But something kept drawing her back. Born in New York and raised in Florida from age 11, Barbara moved to Puerto Rico at 21 when her mom remarried. Her family’s faith was shaped more by superstition than Scripture—deeply tied to Santería, a spiritual system that worships saints and emphasizes rituals for protection and provision. Over time, Barbara began to feel that these practices offered more illusion than hope. Then came a turning point. She started attending church casually with family, but something stirred in her—a curiosity, a hunger. She bought her first Bible and began reading from the Old Testament. “It was scary,” she laughed, “especially when I got to Leviticus.” But right around that time, she attended a revival service. “They gave an altar call and said, ‘If you want to give Jesus a chance, come up.’ I raised my hand. I didn’t know that everyone else had already done that before—I thought, why isn’t everyone running forward?” What followed was unexpected and powerful. She was baptized in the Holy Spirit that night, went home speaking in tongues, and never looked back. “It felt like a dream. But it was real.” Barbara’s role at The Gathering has grown in ways she never anticipated. Today, she wears many hats: Despite all this, Barbara often downplays her contributions. Jessica, her close friend and constant cheerleader, sees it differently. “Barbara has a huge heart,” she said. “She’s the glue in her home, and now she’s becoming the same in our church.” For Barbara, The Gathering has become a place of transformation. “I asked God for a church family, and I found it here,” she said. “It’s like having a second family, especially with most of my relatives still in Florida.” Her favorite worship song? “Tú Eres Mi Respirar” (You Are the Air I Breathe). One of the first Christian songs she connected with, it opened her heart to a new kind of worship—and a new life. To anyone thinking about visiting The Gathering, Barbara has simple advice: “Keep going. At first it might feel overwhelming. But if you let yourself stay, one day you’ll realize you don’t want to leave.”