I joined the Freedom Ride team two years ago. Sharing this experience with the rest of the group has impacted my life in many different ways. I’ve had the opportunity to
get to know some amazing people, including Steve, Jen and Sue who are now serving at the Medical Clinic in Po River, Liberia. I have nothing but respect and admiration for
them and what they are doing. They walked away from promising careers, a comfortable lifestyle, their friends and family to go to a country where the things we take for
granted are a precious commodity. I’m really going to miss them on the ride this year which is especially important to me as we continue to raise funds for the operation of
the Po River Clinic.
We ride in the service of the King…. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Jesus
Please consider what you can do to join us in this worthy cause. Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Lori Posnansky
Lori Posnansky comes to Zarephath Christian Church by way of Georgia, where she has 2 sons, Jesse and Noah. As a nine-year cancer survivor Lori was looking for an incentive
to get back into shape. She enjoyed cycling as a young adult and always dreamed about doing a ride through New England. Her brother-in-law, Brian Taggert inspired her when
he trained for and rode in last year’s Freedom Ride. So with a nudge from the Lord, Lori decided to take the plunge and sign up for this year’s ride.
It is not only the exercise that has compelled Lori to participate. She has always had a heart for missions and has served on short-term mission trips to Haiti and Mexico.
Knowing how difficult life is in third world countries, Lori wanted to contribute in a significant way to the work that Zarephath Christian Church is doing at the Po
River Medical Clinic in Liberia.
Lori believes she has a long road ahead to prepare for the 500 mile ride and covets your prayers.
Jon Simons
2013 will mark my third year on the Freedom Ride and my reason for riding can be summed up in three words. . . Because I Can. I am riding this year to honor family and
friends who fight life-threatening disease every day and for those who have passed. I am riding to bring hope, health and healing to the children of Liberia. I am
riding because I chose to not be defined by diabetes or depression. I am riding to honor Jesus Christ and celebrate the life He gave to me. I am riding Because I Can!
James Adkins
Over a year ago, I fell in love with the sport of Cycling. Way before that I fell in love with Jesus. As a
result of my love for my Lord and Savior, I have decided to participate in the 2013 Freedom Ride. I have
a deep desire to serve The Lord and the decision to ride for this great cause was an easy one to make.
The people of the Po River Beach area in Liberia need our support. We are called by The Lord to love
and serve those less fortunate than us. Please join the team and I in our mission to provide medical,
educational and spiritual resources to those living in and around the Village of Po River. Thank you to
my wife Janice and my son Connor for their continued support as I prepare for this extremely rigorous endeavor.
Beverly Blanco
William Cook Jr.
William Cook
Bob Ericksen
Shannon Farrier
This is my first time joining the freedom ride, I'm excited to take part in the ride.
Looking forward to see what God can do through me to help support the medical clinics in Liberia!
Abbey Huntington
I am 17 years old and heading into my senior year at Hunterdon Central. Before last year, the most riding I had ever done was 20 miles and it was dreadful. I never wanted
to ride again but apparently God had other plans for me! I gave it another try and fell in love with the bike and the road. When I found out about the cause, I was
thrilled that I could do something I enjoy while raising money for a cause very dear to my heart. Jen and Steve Butwill (my "aunt" and "uncle" as I like to call them),
were moving to Po River, Liberia, to set up a health clinic where one was desperately needed. This year, they are actually there and still in need of some support. I
want to do whatever I can to help make sure they get that support, and by following God's call to ride, I believe that I am. I didn't see myself doing this a few months
ago, but it's clear that God wants me here and so I believe that He will provide a way for me to raise this money! Feel free to give if you are being led but I will
especially appreciate your prayers for me, this team, and those who are in Liberia right now! It means so much.
Thank you!
Hannah Koontz
I am Hannah Koontz and I am going to be a Sophomore at Hunterdon Central High School. I'm 15 years old and this will be my 3rd time participating in the Freedom Ride,
but my first time cycling! I run Cross Country and Track. I plan to do the ride to strengthen my body and my relationship with Jesus through out the 500 miles!
Please support me!
Salvatore Mancino
Renee Kraft
Hello, my name is Renee. I heard about the Freedom Ride and I thought ~I love to ride my bike and I love to help others. This gives me both, just in a little extreme kind
of way. We will be riding from New Hampshire to NJ to raise money for a new medical clinic in Liberia and also a medical clinic right here in Central NJ. This adventure is
challenging me physically, mentally, and spiritually. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me!”
I’m very excited to be a part of this team and I know God will be with us in our training and our rides. Won’t you come with us on this journey and make a difference in the
lives of so many other people.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
Paulo Monroy
Collin Nugent
Jeff Olszyk
Chad Schwartzkopf
Hi,
I'm the ride leader and navigator for this year's event. It has been a privilege to design crazy routes and guide the team through them for the past six years.
This year, I'm excited to support the work at Po River Medical Clinic in Po River, Liberia and the Zarephath Health Center in Zarephath, NJ. With your help, we can make
a difference in the lives of the underserved both in Liberia and in Central New Jersey.
Chelseamae Schwartzkopf
I am a first time freedom rider and so excited! I have been going to Zarephath for about 17years and am looking forward to being able to give back to the clinic there as
well as the one in Po River. It will also be great to join my parents on the freedom ride and I fully expect to glow closer to God and all the people He will bring into my
life during this ride.
Woohoo!
Teressa Svendsen
Brian Taggert
Brian Thompson
Carlie Thompson
Tatyana Poletayeva
My name is Tatyana and this is my first time biking. When I first heard about the Freedom Ride I was thinking "no way" about riding over 500 miles in 7 days because of
my busy schedule and not being a seasoned bike rider.
But, I do believe that God wants me to do this ride. The Po River Medical Clinic is a great purpose to ride for and the personal challenge will be honoring to the Lord and
being thankful for all His blessings for me and my family!
It's a blessing to be able help the Po River Clinic and please join in by sponsoring me!
John Kukla
The challenge - Heal As Jesus Healed. We cannot heal all those that need it but we can heal a few. We need your help to do that; the poor in far away places like Liberia,
but also those among us right here in our area of Somerset, NJ. Please sponsor me as your rider to help those in Po River, Liberia and at our Zarephath Health Center. We
can not only offer health but life itself through Jesus Christ. He will not forget.
