Rob Cruver
Last year I had a blast riding in England for the first Freedom Ride, where our goal was to raise funds and awareness for Pillar Missions and the issue of modern-day slavery. This year, I am so pumped about getting back on my bike for Freedom Ride II. We’ll be helping Pillar Missions raise funds for its schools in Liberia, providing the children there with hope, knowledge and a future filled with potential.

I am putting air in my tires and plan on doing some training so I don’t slow everyone else down too much. I’m pretty good at "bringing up the rear" though. I’m especially excited because I’ll get to meet new friends and raise money for an amazing cause.

I have many loves in my life including the Lord Jesus, my wife Debra and children Hannah and Luke. All of them will be joining us on the Freedom Ride. To a lesser degree I also love pizza, ice cream and chocolate. I imagine they will be joining me on the road also.

Look forward to seeing you on the road. Until then may we breathe deeply for the glory of God!

Deb Cruver
Last year, I was privileged to serve as S.A.G. (Supplies and Gear) for the first Freedom Ride across England, following the life of abolitionist William Wilberforce. This year, I’ll actually trade the A/C and engine for a bicycle and attempt to keep up with the team along the Underground Railroad while traveling through my home state of Kentucky. At 43, I’ve spent several years as a relatively out-of-shape Mom so this will, I hope, be an inspiration to myself (hey, I CAN do this!) to other women my age (if she can do it, so can I!) and to my children (hmmm, maybe Mom isn’t so goofy after all!)

What a great opportunity this is for me to not only feel as though I’m doing something proactive myself by coming alongside children in Liberia who so desperately need us, but to help others become aware of this issue and empower them to also make a difference.

Jeff Olszyk
Hi, my name is Jeff Olszyk, and I have worked for Pillar of Fire for 24 years, currently serving as the Missions Coordinator. I am so excited about this year’s Freedom Ride as we look to raise support for Pillar Missions’ Liberian schools, sharing hope and the love of Christ with the children there.

I love to cycle, and have participated in many cycling events, including last year’s Pedal-to-Paris pedaling from London to Paris raising money for a London-based homeless charity called CRISIS. I’m always looking for new routes and new challenges cycling for causes that I believe in, so I can’t wait to ride along the historic route of the Underground Railroad!

I live in Somerset with my beautiful wife, Jen and three children, Josclyn, Jeremiah and Katie.

Kelly St. James
I love to mix exercise with helping others. I recently ran 1/2 of the Flying Pig Marathon to help raise funds for a church program that reaches out to students in public schools to develop relationships with the kids and invite them to church. I’m excited about the opportunity children in Liberia will have to gain an education through the Pillar of Fire and your support. I am the mother of a 15 year old daughter who is learning to drive! (pray for us!) And, I am also mother to two foster children I am in the process of adopting. I have been employed at STAR 93.3 in Cincinnati for 12 years as Promotions Director and love to do mission work and serve others with the love of Christ.

Gene Huntington
Not that long ago I would not have been able to experience such an adventure as Freedom Ride. Now, blessed with a beautiful family (wife and 6 kids!), I can live life like I mean it. I enjoy serving in marriage ministry with my wife at Zarephath Christian Church in North Central NJ, hanging out with my kids, sports, coaching and my work in land planning and management. It’s selfish of me to take my freedom for granted, yet I do it every day. I can only imagine the anguish of not having the liberties I currently enjoy, like seeing my kids get a good education, spending time together as a family, making life discoveries with each other, and just having opportunities that abound. Last year a friend gave me my first road bike, and I have been hooked ever since, and though the body may be getting older, the heart is still young! I’m glad that I have the opportunity and challenge to do something I love to do, like cycling, and at the same time help support education and give freedom where people need it most. As I ride this route I will not only be thankful for my own blessings, yet also be praying that Freedom Ride is effective for those in need. Thanks so much for your support!

Fred Cole
I was born and raised in El Cajon, California. I have been a Christian for 25 years, and have been cycling for over 29 years. I have an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, and am currently working as a Business Consultant for Subway. I have four children, and am so excited to be a part of this year’s Freedom Ride!

Steve Butwill
I have been cycling since March 2008. My rookie season has been a great experience of fellowship with friends and time spent outdoors on the road. I have a love for serving others and enjoy being a part of the Pillar of Fire Missions ministry. My wife Jen and I are looking forward to participating in the Freedom Ride this year…and can’t wait to indulge in some Cincinnati skyline chili and Graeters Ice Cream at the finish!

Dave Stefan
I would love to say that I love to bike, but I don't. I do love the adventure of it all and the mission of raising awareness and funds for Pillar Missions schools in Liberia, but I have a love/hate relationship with biking long distances. I think perhaps this all began when we biked across the United States back in 2001. After 3700 miles (80 mile days), 7 weeks, and 3 days on the bike, I guess I had about all I could take. However, last summer and our trip across England and Scotland did help restore some of my attitude towards biking – enough for me to take another trip from Owensboro, KY to Cincinnati. Nonetheless, this trip is definitely a labor of love. We are grateful for any contribution you can make to help the children of Liberia.

Robert Saydee
Hi, my name is Robert Saydee and I am a graduate of the Pillar of Mission School in Liberia. I graduated in 1988, and a year later in December 1989, Liberia was plunged into a bloody civil war that claimed the lives of more than 250,000 Liberians. I was forced to live in rebel-held territory for 2 1/2 years until 1992. The Lord spared my life, I got out, and I now reside in the United States.

I hold a B.S. degree in Information Technology and I am the IT Manager for the Pillar of Fire Headquarters in New Jersey. I am married to my wonderful wife Sarah Saydee. We have two children: Robert Saydee, Jr. and Lakiah Saydee.

I am not a biker at all, in fact, the furthest that I have ridden is 6 miles. However, I do believe in the cause of the Freedom Ride! The Pillar of Fire Mission School is the reason I am who I am today. The school in many ways has helped to change the lives of countless Liberians, some of whom are in various Christian ministries today. I strongly believe that Christian education will help to create great Christian leaders, and will help change the nation of Liberia for the better. We all have the opportunity to be a part of this life-changing experience. Let us give it all we’ve got, even if it means trekking a 420 mile trail on a bike. Count me in!

Chad Schwartzkopf
Chad Schwartzkopf is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and currently lives in South Bound Brook with his wife, daughter and two nieces. He has worked for over sixteen years as a scientist at a large pharmaceutical company. On the weekends, he runs the sound board for the worship team of Zarephath Christian Church. He has been riding the roads of Central Jersey since the early 1990’s. He met his good friend Jeff Olszyk while racing and has ridden many miles over the years with Jeff and Rob Cruver. While he is really looking forward to riding 400 miles and camping out for a whole week, he hopes to make a lasting impact by raising awareness of modern day slavery and raising funds for schools in Liberia.