Nathan Owens, 22 and a senior at Millersville University, is looking forward to graduating on May 10, 2008 as a business management and marketing major - just in time for the bike tour. The third son of team leader, Ralph Owens, Nathan also enjoys snowboarding, golf, and playing bass guitar in a Christian contemporary band he helped found - The Institute of Praise (T.I.P).
Daniel Lenko, 19 and almost finished his first year at Eastern University, is pursuing a degree in mathematics. This is Dan’s fourth year of riding bike and he still loves it just as much as when he started. Dan also loves kayaking, working with his hands, playing guitar, and leading a contemporary worship band - the Institute Of Praise (T.I.P.).
David Rude, 23 years of age, has been an active swimmer since 5 years old. He’s been running for 2 years and did a half marathon this past September. Dave is now in the first season of training for a half iron-man triathlon that is in July. He started to get into cycling this past fall when he bought his ride (a Lemond-Versalles) and has been on more training rides than he can count - loving every minute of it. Dave is currently employed at Earth Engineering Inc. as a geologist. Knowing that God doesn’t need our help because He is self-sufficient, but honored by a God who allows us to do some of the work in the Kingdom, Dave embraces the vision of God to help our brothers and sisters in Liberia.
Tom Brey, 51, is Director of Ministries at Bethel EC Church, Dixon, IL. Tom has always been active in athletics, but did not actively start riding a bicycle until two years ago when his brother and brother-in-law challenged him to participate in a sprint triathlon. One of Tom’s goals for 2008 was to go on a longer bike ride. When the Launch Liberia 850 mile ride came up Tom realized that God’s plans are always bigger than man’s ideas. Besides Tom’s work in the local church, he serves as the IL District Facilitator and on the EC Leadership Commission. Tom also officiates high school football and basketball. He is married to Pam (28 years) and has two children, Laurin and Joshua.
