About a year ago, Alliance Network organized its first Concert Fundraiser. Dave Smucker, director of Alliance Network, said that the success of the 2024 event was the impetus for holding a second concert, but with a few changes. The initial concert attracted about 700 attendees and raised $24,000 for a mission to Kenya. "The Lord always gives the provision for the vision, so we just want to host a great gathering for this convergence," said Smucker, who went on to detail a change in venue and the addition of food offerings at this year's event.

The 2025 Concert Fundraiser, hosted by Alliance Network and benefiting Preparing the Way Ministries, will be held in the Good Shepherd Chapel at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, on Saturday, March 15. The concert will feature three live gospel acts. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the concert will begin at 6 p.m.

The Matt & Nimmie Band, which took part in the first event, will return for the follow-up. The band has been playing music together for more than five years. The goal of the family and friends who are band members is to share the Gospel and the hope of Jesus through their songs. The band's greatest desire is to bring honor and glory to God through music.

New this year will be Paradise Road, a five-member Lancaster band that seeks to share the Gospel through music.

Harmony of Hope features seven members, a group of friends who love the Lord. According to a summary they shared with Smucker, they all have a "desire to share the hope of Jesus Christ with others and make a difference in the community through music."

Another addition to this year's event will be three food trucks, which will be open to serve food outside the Good Shepherd Chapel beginning at 5 p.m. Skip's Food Truck will sell chicken sandwiches and loaded fries, and Divine Grind, a mobile coffee cafe, will sell caffeinated creations. A third truck, Walk-o Taco Lanc., will feature locally sourced food items and a seasonally rotating menu.

Preparing the Way, founded by Randy and Bonnie Martin of New Holland, includes a number of efforts concentrated in Thika, Kenya, Africa. In the 1990s, Randy began leading outreaches to Kenya, and in 2015, the Martins began working toward full-time ministry in Africa. Among the Preparing the Way ministries is the Africa Association of Bible Schools (AABS), of which Randy is the national director for Kenya. The Martins also work through local churches to help farmers to improve milk and crop production and to teach efficient construction methods to help increase worker pay. The ministry also organizes conferences to train leaders and pastors. The Martins travel with a portable stage and loudspeakers to do open air crusades. More information about Preparing the Way may be found at http://www.ptwministries.org.

"This is a convergence of stories," noted Smucker, who pointed out that Alliance Network, Preparing the Way, the three musical acts, the food trucks, the venue, and the concert attendees will all be "connected in the broad network of relationships that are represented."

Smucker is looking forward to presenting this year's event with the changes. "We are building on the foundation from last year, and I think it will be an even better experience," he said. "I'm really looking forward to being with the community again." Smucker added that the Good Shepherd Chapel can seat about 1,200. "We are hoping for a better turnout and more support from the community," he said. "Whatever is able to be funded out of that is beautiful."

Alliance Network works to bring together entrepreneurs, missions leaders, and organizations with the goal of collaborating for God's greater purpose. Readers who would like to purchase tickets for the event may visit http://www.allianceus.org/community-concert-fundraiser. Children age 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, and Smucker is also seeking volunteers for the event. Those who wish to sponsor the event or volunteer may email dave@allianceus.org.