O U R   C L I M B E R S

Michael Bollinger
 

When I was 9 years old, my father led me up my first 14,000ft. mountain.

That climb sparked a passion in me that has brought me
great joy for many years. I am so excited for the opportunity to use this passion of climbing mountains to benefit others!

My desire for adventure has been fed
by a short-term missions trip to Guaymas, Mexico
and more recently by a trekking trip to Machu Picchu in Peru
and a climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

I have found that the memories I hold closest
to my heart are those of the relationships forged on these trips
with the native peoples. Here in the prosperous cocoon of the
wealthy nation in which I live, it is easy to dismiss these
impoverished nations and people as irrelevant.

These people are not unwilling or unable to live a more comfortable
existence, they are just uneducated as to how.

What a privilege it is to be able to help equip them with knowledge
through education thus giving them the tools necessary
to create a brighter future.
 
I am anxious to share some laughs, some smiles and some
hope with the children of Buchanan, Liberia this July when
our team begins construction of the new school., and am so grateful
to those who are supporting this project and becoming
part of the blessing to the Liberian children.
 

Nate DiLorenzo
 

Why I want to be a part of this effort for Liberia?
The more I live, the more I realize how needy the majority
of the people in the world really are, and how much I own,
I know God has blessed me with so much and
I hope to be a good steward of it all.

When I heard about the trip to Liberia, and the possibility
of being able to go over and help build a school for children
who can't receive a good education, something inside of me jumped.
Having served in different countries over the years and realizing
how so many people have so little awakens a greater longing in my heart to bless them and give to them, because I am able to.

While i can't see these people often I know they are out there.
A big part of this journey I believe is not realizing
how little they have, but how much I have and what
I can do to make a difference.
The way I see it is I could have been born into poverty but I wasn't,
I was born with a lot, so i can serve myself with it, or I can help people
get on their feet and share my blessings.

I believe poverty is so great because the rich do little.
I am rich and I feel I do little, so I want to contribute more because
God has given me the desire to help these people.
 

Peter DiLorenzo
 

I have known Gordon and Paula Hodgson for almost ten years.
Gordon is a good friend and while he does not share my enthusiasm for climbing, we have taken many birding hikes in which we have been
delighted sharing the beauty of this created universe.

The vision shared with the Hodgsons goes beyond the simple completion
of the school building. This building project is, in essence,
a continuation and an advancement of the ongoing work
upheld by the couple through the civil war in 1990 and beyond.

As schoolteachers and administrators of the school there in the 80’s their practice of education has produced leaders in Liberia and here in the US. Former students are now teachers and leaders.
One is the head of an IT operation in New Jersey
and another is in a counseling position as chaplain to the
vice-president of Liberia.
More stories can be found on their Website for this project:
http://projectbuchananliberia.blogspot.com/

I have been mixing climbing with missions since
summiting Mt. Whitney as a team building exercise before the team
spent a week working in the slums of Tijuana, Mexico,
(also back in the early 80’s). Many mountains later, having worked
among the poor for short periods of time with other servant hearted leaders like Gordon and Paula in Cost Rica, Guatemala and Haiti,

I look forward to this climb; It is just another wonderful way
to draw attention and support to the needs of the Liberian children
who will grow and advance themselves through the
benefit of a qualty education.

In a poor nation like Liberia, this opportunity would be impossible
for them to obtain without all of us working together.
 
Thanks in advance for your gifts, your part of working for these Liberian schoolchildren and future citizens of our world.
 

Ryan Scollard
 

I have a few passions in life, climbing is one of them,
traveling is another. For me, to able to use both of my passions to raise awareness and money for such a great cause
is a dream come true.

I have always had a sense of adventure which spurs me on to travel,
climb and explore. Balancing these God-given desires with
a calling to serve, I found an almost perfect harmony in
our mission to Liberia.

The chance to do what I love while fulfilling a greater purpose,
and moreover, having the chance to go to Liberia in July
and have a hands-on effect is truly a goal I can feel good about.

I look forward to helping in any way that I can in Liberia,
and I’m very excited to see what Peaks for a Purpose will do in the future thanks to our supporters!
 

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