Fundraiser takes aim at supporting mission to Haiti

In 2010, Jason and Amanda Stoltzfus journeyed to Haiti as part of a team offering relief following the devastating earthquake that had struck there. "They went there expecting to be serving short term," said Dave Smucker, executive director of Alliance Network, of the organization's trusted commission partners in Haiti. The newlyweds met a young Haitian boy whose parents had been killed in the earthquake. "They began caring for him and began the adoption process, which is not complete," explained Smucker. "They can't leave with him, and they won't leave without him," he added. The couple has remained in Haiti, living to serve that community. "They have learned how to live missionally," said Smucker. "They make a difference where they are."

Since 2022, the Lancaster for the Nations annual Benefit Tournament Weekend has supported the couple's mission to Haiti. The 2024 event will be held on Friday, June 7, from noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 8, beginning at 7 a.m. at Paradise Community Park, 6 London Vale Road, Gordonville. Past events have featured nearly 40 softball teams and up to 20 volleyball teams.

The tournament is the brainchild of former Lancaster County resident Ray Beiler, who still organizes the event from his new home in Sacramento, Calif. The first tournament was organized when Beiler learned that a friend of a friend had been paralyzed in a snowmobile accident. Following the initial successful event, attendees suggested that Beiler continue it. For a time, individuals in need in the community benefited, and then a YWAM base in Mexico received funds. "When Alliance got involved, we asked if it could go to one of our trusted mission partners," reported Smucker, who presented options to tournament organizers, who prayed about the decision and chose the couple serving in Haiti.

To satisfy hungry attendees at the tournament weekend, food will be available for purchase. Beiler listed cheesesteaks, burgers, hot dogs, fresh salads, watermelon, smoothies, and ice cream, along with fried shrimp and french fries. Both evenings from 5 to 7 p.m., a pork stack dinner will be served. "A pork stack includes smoked pulled pork, Southern coleslaw, smoked beans, mac and cheese, barbecue sauce, and crushed Doritos," said Beiler.

Gospel concerts will be held on both nights, with Broadway and Paradise Road playing on June 7 and Broadway and Dan and Amanda Esh playing on June 8.

According to Beiler, prizes and giveaways featured during the tournament will include a Louisiana Grills Pellet grill, a hunting blind, a guitar, a new hunting bow, a pickleball kit, and a $1,000 gift card package.

Last year's tournament raised nearly $60,000, and organizers would like to raise more this year. "(That amount) goes pretty far in Haiti," said Smucker, who is grateful to those who give. "I think the biggest thing is just that this event always highlights the generosity of the incredible community we are a part of," he said.

Smucker noted that the work of the Stoltzfuses in Haiti includes developing young leaders, building homes, helping out at a children's home, and Amanda serving as the local nurse. They also serve a village in the mountains, which can only be accessed by a 16-mile foot path. "They built more than 500 homes there since the hurricane of 2016," said Smucker.

Teams that would like to participate in the tournament may sign up at http://www.lancastertournaments.com/lancaster-for-the-nations. Teams are asked to register by Tuesday, June 4. Individuals who have questions or who would like to volunteer to help may call 717-984-0293.