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As I type these words this morning, my Heart and Soul are going out to our friends in Cuba. According to Mileydis, the pastor of our sister church in Carlos Rojas, and our friend, Stan Dotson, who both send regular reports, the situation is dire.

COVID hit the island hard, and Cuba never fully recovered. Recently, there have been outbreaks of two viruses that have left many Cubans ailing. Without access even to over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, these viruses have taken a toll. And, while the last few years have seen extended power outages, the US government is now tightening the grip on the economic embargo even more that Cubans have seen in recent decades, making fuel oil and gasoline almost impossible to find. In a recent post, Mileydis told Linda Hefner they had been out of power for 48 hours and without water for 6 days.

Without power, Carlos Rojas also has no water, due to the pumps that are used to bring water into the town. Last year, with financial support from some of you, we purchased a small generator and shipped it to Cuba. Using that generator, Mileydis has been able to maintain a supply of water, that she judiciously provides to her church and community.

We recently discussed the situation and how Park Road might help. Here is our plan for 2026.

Linda Hefner gave a report on Cuba late last year, and many of you responded. We collected $3,100. Thank you! In the coming weeks we will send some of that money to Cuba, allowing Mileydis to purchase food and items she can buy in Cuba. We will use the remaining funds to purchase a large supply of the over-the-counter medications that are unavailable there.

Thank you for your generosity. You have already responded so well, but we wanted you to know that funds and medications will be distributed soon. If you want to do more, please contact Dan McClintock or Linda Hefner.

In addition, we are planning to return to Cuba. Our friends continue to tell us: Please do not stop coming to Cuba! Given the current, dire economic and health situation, however, we have postponed our usual winter trip to the fall, possibly October. Please consider making this trip sometime. Cuba is fascinating to visit, and our presence there is a saving grace, in ways we cannot fully understand or explain. In the late spring and summer you will begin hearing about plans for a fall trip.

And we can all join together to pray for Cuba – the political and economic situation, our friends in Carlos Rojas, and the wonderful ministry Mileydis continues to provide there. Our prayers heighten our own awareness, and while I do not believe prayer is magic, I believe this universe is stranger than we can imagine. Who knows what the energy of your prayers may change in the energy of the world. As Tennyson said, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."

Pray with us. And join with us to work for our friends in Cuba. – Russ

Please join us for our First Wednesday meal and time together around the tables. In our increasingly isolated world, it’s great to have time together, sharing a meal and fellowship face to face. That’s what families do! Please email to make your dinner reservation by Tuesday, February 3, at noon at info@parkroadbaptist.org, or sign up in Helt Hall on Sunday.

On Sunday, February 8, we will install returning deacons, and ordain our new deacons. The service of “Laying on of Hands” is one of the most poignant and important services of our year. Please don’t miss it.

At the conclusion of that service, we will have a brief Church Conference to entertain two motions: Election of a Slate of Nominees for the 2026 year; Approval of our Missions Budget. The slate of nominees and a detail of the missions budget will appear in next week’s newsletter.

This Sunday, February 1, we will continue our study of the book God After Deconstruction by Thomas Oord and Tripp Fuller. This week, our topic is suffering and evil. We will discuss why historical answers to the question “Why is there evil and suffering in the world?” don’t fit our images of a loving God.



Each week, topics are independent from earlier weeks, and you do not have to read the chapters. Please feel free to attend any sessions as you are able. We will meet in room 206 at about 9:45 a.m.

Saturday before last, we prepared and served meals to more than 150 men at the Men’s Shelter. A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing volunteers who

made this possible!

Our February missions giving will help support 12thstepservices.org – 12th Step Services (The Twelve Step Club House), a nonprofit recovery center in Charlotte that provides a safe, welcoming, alcohol- and drug-free environment for the local recovery community. Drawing from the final step of 12-step programs to “carry the message of hope,” this organization hosts 19–20 meetings each week—including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other support groups—offering fellowship, encouragement, and connection to anyone seeking freedom from addiction.

Our giving this month will help keep the Club House open and thriving by supporting basic operating costs and facility upkeep, ensuring this vital space remains available for all who need it. Your generosity sustains a place where tens of thousands have found community, hope, and the start of a new life in recovery.

Our new friend, Dr Thomas Jay Oord, hosts an annual online conference to present books and ideas from ORT-related pastors, teachers, and friends. This year's conference will be held February 12-14, and one of the sessions will feature Russ Dean's latest book, The Story as We Have Received It. The conference is rather daunting — it runs 8-hours a day for three days! But, it's online, and you can choose which session(s) to enjoy. All sessions follow the same schedule: The author spends a few minutes summarizing her/his book; 3 panelists take a few minutes each, offering reflection and critique, and posing questions for the author's response; online participants are invited to share their comments/questions. Russ's session is Friday morning, February 13 at 11:00am.

You can see the full lineup, and register by using this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2026-tickets-1971280952394 .

*Youth - are students who will complete grades 6th– 12th during the 2025-2026 school year.

Winter Retreat

If you are going on the winter retreat, I need an RSVP by January 25th. I need to know whether you want to ski, snowboard or tube. Lift Tickets must be purchased, and gear must be rented by February! We will be going to Winter Place in Ghent West Virginia. Dates are February 20-22. We have 9 spots remaining so sign up ASAP! - Caleb

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview
• Sunday Evenings, 5:30-7p - SNT

*Children - are students who will complete grades K– 5th during the 2025-2026 school year.

Camp Prism: Exploring God’s Big World

Camp Prism is for all kids who have completed 3rd–5th grade. This year, we will be exploring creation and how we’re all bound together in God’s great big world. To sign up and to learn more, email caleb@parkroadbaptist.org

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings 9:45-10:45am Children's Sunday School (K-5th)
• Sunday Mornings 10am-12pm Nursery
• First Wednesdays 5:30pm Dinner/6pm Children's Midweek - The first Wednesday of each month.

Coming Up at Park Road

• Sunday Worship

Facebook Live and In-Person - 11am

(Sancutary)

• Sundays

Pickleball - 7:15pm

(Community Center - Gym)

• First Wednesdays

Dinner and Vespers

5:30pm Dinner / 6pm Vespers

(Community Center - Gym)

• First and Third Tuesdays

Bible Study and Fellowship - 10am

(Community Center - Room 503)

• Tuesday and Thursdays

Flexercise - 9am

(Community Center - Gym)