Team C4C Testimoniesنموونە

God’s plans were greater all along

In the summer of 2018, I was able to live out a lifelong dream by opening my own poolroom. I called it Kaizen Billiards Club, with “kaizen” meaning continuous improvement. For two years, it was more than just a business—it was a place where pool came alive again in our community. People of all ages reconnected with the game, and we built a safe, positive space where friendships and faith could grow.

The most special part of Kaizen was the junior program we started called Learn Pool in a Day. Over six months, kids spent 24 hours learning the game in fun, focused sessions. But it was never just about pool—we taught them biblical principles too. Our cornerstone verse was Proverbs 27:17 (NIV): “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Along the way, we ate meals together, served at a local homeless shelter called The Gathering House, and saw lives being touched. Parents were fully engaged, kids were being introduced to Jesus, and we could feel God’s hand in the work.

Then 2020 came. COVID shut us down for 317 days, and though we tried to bounce back in 2021, the momentum was gone. The landlord refused to renew our lease, and we had to close the doors for good. At the same time, my 17-year marriage ended and my other small businesses collapsed. I found myself heartbroken, asking God, Why? I gave everything to this—why take it away? What about the kids who had no other place to go?

But God had bigger plans. In 2022, through His provision, I founded Cues4Christ, a nonprofit with one mission: to share the love of Jesus through the game of pool. A year later, through the generosity of a donor, we launched the Level Up app and started Level Up Junior Billiards. What began as a local dream is now reaching across the U.S. and Canada, with 97 juniors already in the program.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) has carried me through: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Chris Curtis