Meet the Board
Jon Curtiss
Co-Owner, Word of Life Christian Bookstore
(Los Angeles, California)
CRA Board Member
​Jon Curtiss grew up surrounded by the ministry of Christian retail. From his early days working in his family’s bookstore—becoming a buyer at just sixteen—to helping launch a new store during college, Jon’s journey has always been rooted in faith, family, and a passion for serving others through life-changing Christian products. Today, he and his wife continue that legacy as co-owners of Word of Life Christian Bookstore in Los Angeles.
For Jon, Christian retail is more than a business—it’s a calling. He approaches each day with a heart to help others grow in Christ and to empower his team both personally and professionally. Over the decades, Jon has been deeply involved in the Christian products industry, from participating in CBA youth tours in the 1970s to helping establish CAABA, an initiative focused on reaching African American communities through Christian retail. His lifelong commitment and relationships in the industry ultimately led him to serve on the CRA Board beginning in 2022.
Jon is especially proud of organizing outreach campaigns, including a 2025 effort that brought thousands of Bibles and faith-based books to California wildfire victims. Beyond his store, he continues to invest in ministry work—supporting prison outreach and serving on a missions board dedicated to educating children in Uganda.
When he’s not serving his customers or community, Jon enjoys bowling, biking along Southern California’s beaches, and sharing favorite resources like The Purpose Driven Life, which has deeply influenced his walk with God and his approach to helping others discover their purpose.
Rachel Savage
Director of Retail Operations, Watermark Christian Store (Calvary Chapel Melbourne)
CRA Board Member
Rachel Savage’s journey into Christian retail began with a love for Christian music and storytelling. In 1994, she joined Family Christian Stores, where her deep music knowledge and familiarity with Christian fiction quickly made her a valuable team member. Over the years, she honed her skills in inventory control, purchasing, and training store teams across the country. Then in 2001, her pastor presented an unexpected opportunity: “Put in your six-week notice — we’re opening a store, and you’re going to run it.” Looking back, Rachel sees how God had perfectly prepared her for that calling.
Today, as Director of Retail Operations at Watermark Christian Store in Melbourne, Florida, Rachel leads with faith and excellence, striving always to “work as unto the Lord.” Her leadership reflects a blend of professionalism, creativity, and ministry-minded passion. She’s especially passionate about helping other Christian retailers—both new and experienced—learn to “think outside the box” and discover fresh ways to serve their customers and communities.
As a member of the CRA Board, Rachel represents church-based stores and the unique challenges and opportunities they face. She’s deeply committed to ensuring these voices are heard and supported within the broader Christian retail community.
When she’s not at the store, Rachel and her husband can often be found riding roller coasters at theme parks, exploring new destinations, or behind the camera capturing senior portraits and author headshots—some of which have even appeared on the backs of books she proudly carries in her store.
Kevin Van Dyne
Owner/Operator, Joy Christian Bookstore
(Wabash, Indiana)
CRA Board Member
For Kevin Van Dyne, Christian retail is more than a business—it’s a calling rooted in service and community. His journey began with a simple vision: to make Bibles accessible and to help families in his hometown grow in faith. That vision became Joy Christian Bookstore in Wabash, Indiana, where Kevin and his team have built a welcoming place for both believers and seekers to discover hope through Christian resources.
Kevin’s professional path has been anything but ordinary. Educated as a farm boy and carpenter, his career has taken him from the automotive and steel industries to ministry and, ultimately, to Christian retail. Through it all, his faith has remained his compass—shaping how he leads, serves, and connects with people every day. “Guiding people toward Christ is a privilege,” he says.
As a member of the CRA Board, Kevin brings a practical, servant-hearted perspective to the table. He’s passionate about helping Christian retailers navigate modern challenges—especially the rise of online sales—and believes the CRA can play a vital role in strengthening the network of independent stores and vendors across the country.
When he’s not at the bookstore, Kevin enjoys spending time with his eight grandchildren, playing guitar, leading worship, camping, and traveling. A favorite resource that’s impacted his walk with God is When Christ Appears by Dr. David Jeremiah—a book that continues to inspire his faith and ministry.
Les Jones
CRA Board Member
With more than 34 years in Christian retail, Les Jones has dedicated his life and career to helping ministries and retailers thrive. What began in 1989 as “just a job” selling Christian toys to stores quickly grew into a lifelong calling—connecting people, products, and purpose to advance the message of Christ through retail.
Over the decades, Les has served in a variety of leadership roles across multiple companies within the Christian products industry. His experience gives him a unique, big-picture view of both the opportunities and challenges facing today’s retailers. As a member of the CRA Board, Les brings a forward-thinking perspective and a heart for helping stores strengthen their ministry impact and sustainability. He is especially passionate about mentoring new store owners and supporting efforts that ensure established stores continue to flourish for generations to come.
For Les, faith is at the center of everything. “We get to work and get paid to do ministry,” he says. “How great is that? We touch lives all day, every day.” That spirit of purpose and gratitude fuels his commitment to helping others see retail not just as commerce, but as Kingdom work.
Outside of his professional life, Les treasures time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoys singing and teaching the Bible, and finds daily inspiration in Scripture—his favorite “book” of all.
