Sports, the latest updates on Facebook, Twitter followers, final examinations and summer activities might be what most 12 to 14 year olds have on their plates. For Mt. Laurel resident Matt Buchan and his friends Zach Spuler (Marlton), Jonmarc Rayesky (Medford) and Connor Hunt (Haddon Heights), raising $10,000 to drill a water well in Nepal changed their views of the outside world.
Joe Rayesky, Kevin Hunt and Bob Buchan own Granite Transformations in West Berlin.
“The boys know each other from birth,” Bob said, adding they also attend the same church as Paul Spuler and his son, Zach. The boys and their dads read “Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations,” by Alex and Brett Harris.
The book’s story about teenagers rebelling against low expectations adults have for them inspired the group of fathers to challenge their sons.
“As a culture, we don’t place a whole lot of expectations on what kids can do . . . If they just stay out of trouble we are happy,” Bob said. “This book is great for exploiting those myths.”
The group, Strength in Numbers, has raised more than $2,000 toward drilling a well. The boys have until June 11 to raise $8,000.
“If they don’t get it, they will still take whatever we raise,” Bob said, adding they are working with Charity: Water – a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries.
So proud of my brother and his friends!! It’s so exciting to see them take responsibility and do something hard for the good of others. Praise God!