Curtis is a legend in Louisville. Affectionately known as the "chicken man" he might be the only person we know to have fed five thousand people. Taking his inspiration from Jesus and the Bible, his operation is called "Loaves and Fishes." However, catastrophically last year, the building next to his facility burned down and fell on the very place God used to feed so many of Louisville’s underprivileged population. Curtis' roof was destroyed, and his service to the community was put out for many months. We can only thank God nobody was hurt in the fire.
Doing the least we could, last year disciples helped Curtis clean after new construction to get ready to open the doors of Loaves and Fishes again to those in need. And excitingly this year, the doors were reopened and disciples helped Curtis serve his famous chicken again! Almost a hundred meals were served in one hour. Pretty amazing for a man who started serving meals out of the back of his vehicle years ago. What a privilege it was learn from an activist like him with over twenty five years of experience!
If only we could find a way to get everyone doing what he's is! I can't help but think of Curtis when I hear Jesus saying: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Curtis is the real deal! People know he loves them but he's not putting up with anybody's shenanigans that could threaten to stop what he sees as a calling from God.
We'll be praying earnestly God makes a way for us to support him more often. But everyone in the derby city should get a chance to learn compassion from a true humanitarian like Curtis.
And I know he would agree, to God be all the glory!
- Markus
Louisville International Christian Church
Volunteer Spotlight​
Kate Marquardt
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Initially, I got involved with Loaves and Fishes because I am a parishioner at St. Francis in the Fields. I have grown up watching Curtis put out his cookies for people in exchange for a dollar which would be donated to his ministry. As much as I love going to church every Sunday, I really looked forward to giving my dollar, and enjoying a cookie after services.
It has been very special for me to have a role model like Curtis to look up to and learn from. He has taught me by example how to give back to the community and to look out for those in need. He does it with a big heart and in a Christ-like way. This is how I would like to live my life-by giving back to the community with a big heart and in a Christ-like way.
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Loaves and Fishes participated with the ERC Youth Program during their first year of operation. Through this program, youth between the ages of 13-17 who have been in and out of the juvenile justice system volunteer with their families at local organizations. To read the full letter of appreciation from the ERC Program Coordinator, please click on the title above.
