Hello friends and neighbors of Southwest Florida,

We are Pastor Charles and Gina Parker, and it is our honor to serve this community we love so deeply.

In 2004, God placed a calling on our hearts that became Route 7 Community Outreach — a ministry created to provide a safe, welcoming place where families and teens could experience friendship, encouragement, and faith. From the very beginning, our mission has been simple: serve people well and point them to Jesus.

Over the years, we have been blessed to help care for foster children, support families in crisis, walk alongside the less fortunate, and love those who felt forgotten. We have had the incredible privilege of watching Jesus transform lives — restoring hope, rebuilding families, and strengthening our community.

We believe serving others is one of the greatest mandates Jesus Christ has given us. Because of that, our life’s work has been devoted to supporting both the physical and spiritual well-being of the people of SWFL.

After more than 20 years of serving in this community, many of you know us by name. Many of you walked with us through the unimaginable loss of our son, Malachi Esztin Free Parker (MEFP). Out of that profound loss, God began something new.

Fireside Community Church was born from that season — a permanent body of believers committed to carrying hope into our community. Route 7 Community Outreach now serves as the outreach arm of Fireside Community Church, and together we are committed to continuing the good work Christ began — all for the glory of God.

We hold tightly to God’s promise that even in life’s greatest tragedies, His light will shine. And we are already seeing that light at work.

In the months ahead, you will see more about what God is building — including plans for the MEFP Memorial Skate Park right here in San Carlos Park and the Three Oaks community. It will be a place of life, encouragement, safety, and connection for young people and families throughout our area.

God is doing great things in SWFL, and we are grateful to partner with you in serving this community.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our page and get to know our family. We look forward to walking this journey of faith and service together.

In His Service,
Pastor Charles and Gina Parker