Back in 2010, when Drew and Cindy Metcalf began their ministry to children in orphanages in Guatemala, they held a fundraiser called "Walk to Guatemala." Fast forward to 2021, and the Metcalfs' ministry moved to The Haft, a 105-acre converted sheep farm in Bradford County where Drew and Cindy help families find restoration and healing from trauma. "When we were in Guatemala, we realized one of the best ways to help children is to help their parents heal," shared Cindy.

"We provide counseling and ministry services for free as part of our Christian ministry," added Drew.

To help support the Metcalfs' work at The Haft, a 100-mile bicycle ride around Lancaster County is being planned for Saturday, Aug. 16, beginning at Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland. Slower riders may choose to start at 6 a.m., and faster riders may start at 7 a.m. A family and friends ride to Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community in East Earl and back to Petra will begin at 1 p.m. A color ride for children will be held on the Petra campus at 2 p.m. There is a cost to take part in the ride. Riders who intend to do the 100-mile route and register by Friday, Aug. 1, will receive a free T-shirt. T-shirts will be available for purchase on the day of the ride. A discount will be offered to riders signing up in groups of five or more. To register for the ride, readers may visit http://www.bike4charity.com.

According to Drew and Cindy, this new fundraiser is loosely based on a ride that was once held from Lancaster to The Haft. "That was over 100 miles," noted Cindy.

"It was out of reach for most people," stated Drew. "There were mountains." To make the fundraiser accessible to more people, the ride was moved to the greater New Holland area. "We want it to be for all Lancaster County to want to ride the loop around Lancaster," stated Drew, who added that the variety of rides being offered is meant to open the event to more people. Organizers hope to have all the riders back at Petra for the color ride. "So everyone can ride through the color stations," explained Drew. Those taking part in the color ride are encouraged to wear white T-shirts to the event. "It's like a color (5K), but for bikers," said Drew.

According to Drew, The Haft is busy. "It's full," he stated. "We have individuals and families coming, and people come for rest, retreat, and restoration." In addition to counseling, The Haft offers an opportunity to take part in equine therapy, as well as spending time with a number of other therapy animals, including goats, chickens, and guinea hens. The grounds feature a 10-acre pond for kayaks, canoes, and fishing, as well as trails for hiking. "We have a prayer trail," said Cindy, who noted that Daniel Kolb, a member of the wood shop at Garden Spot Village, has created signs with Bible verses on them to station along the trail.

Over the years, Cindy has been known for her music ministry, and she said that music is still part of many evenings at The Haft. "Our son Isaiah has gotten into that, and now I join in with him," she said. Cindy shared that Isaiah was about 3 years old when the family headed to Guatemala. "I used to do the leading (in the music ministry), but now he is leading," said Cindy. "We love to worship and play guitars around the fire."

A new addition this year are two cabins on the lake for rent, which will offer a new income source to help support the work of The Haft. "We are hoping to have people come and stay," said Cindy, who added that the spot by the lake is great for getting away.

"There isn't even much cell service here, so put your cellphone away and focus on whatever God is bringing up inside you," pointed out Drew.

The mission of The Haft is close to both Drew and Cindy's hearts. "We want to help the whole family be stable and able to raise kids in an environment where they can really flourish," said Cindy. "So many are in traumatic situations so if we can help the whole family to heal from their own traumas and be a strong family together that is the support system that God designed," she stated.

Drew noted that those who take part in the fundraiser are helping to make that mission a reality. "We are incredibly thankful for everyone who can come out that day and bring their friends and family," he said.

To learn more about the Metcalfs' ministry at The Haft, readers may visit http://www.family-refresh.com or call 570-363-2189.