Cross Africa – Cycle for Bibles
Born and raised Plett locals, Lynsey and Suzann Knoetzen are set to cycle from Africa’s Southern-most Tip, Agulhas, to her highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Cross Africa – Cycle for Bibles.
The sisters will embark on this trip of a life time in order to raise funds for Bibles, which will be distributed to those in need in the African countries they cycle through and in their local community and church family in South Africa.
Cycle for Bibles will arrive in Plettenberg bay at the end of the first stage, hopefully in time to attend the morning service at the Community Church on Sunday, 21 July 2019.
On Monday, 22 July 2019 they depart Plett for Storms River Mouth Rest Camp in the Garden Route National Park. Those who would like to join them for a way can meet at the Market Square parking at 9am.
‘…man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4)
The journey
Cycle for Bibles will depart from Agulhas on 13 July 2019 and will be pedaling a distance of approximately 9000km over the next 5 months.
The route will lead them along the coast of South Africa before turning inland towards the Botswana border. Traveling up along the eastern boundary of the famed Delta, they will cross into Zambia via the Kazungula ferry. Then head for the Zambian capital, Lusaka, before setting out along the Great East Road to Chipata, and the Malawi border. Once through Lilongwe, they’ll coast down to the Southern tip of Lake Malawi at Cape McClear. From there the route will run north along the lake shore until they reach Tanzania.
Leaving the city of Mbeya, they will head for the coast in the direction of Dar Es Salaam, then head north from Bagamoyo towards their destination, Arusha, the capital of the northern safari circuit and basecamp for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Cycle for Bibles will then attempt to reach the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, as the project finale.
They will set off from the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro on 3 December 2019. Their guides from Kili Top & Safaris will be leading them out on the 7 day Machame route and they hope to reach Uhuru Peak on Sunday, 8 December 2019.
A need for free bible distribution
Christianity is growing rapidly in Africa. It’s estimated that by 2060, more than one in four of the world’s Christians will live in sub-Saharan Africa.
61% of Tanzania’s population are Christians, with 45% being between the ages of 0 and 14 years. The Bible Society of Tanzania have indicated that they would very much appreciate assistance in a project where they have to provide 50 000 Children’s Bibles to their country’s needy children. Another project they identified is to provide 20 000 Bibles to prisoners.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet the Bible Society of Malawi has already expressed their wish to host Cross Africa – Cycle for Bibles as they pass through their country. The society is in the process of identifying projects that they can specifically contribute to. Similarly, the Bible Society of Zambia has expressed their eagerness to partner in this venture, and are, like Malawi, busy identifying projects that would benefit from the funds raised.
The South Africa Bible Society helps the Bible Societies of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland to make Bibles available so that more people can obtain them. According to Stats SA, 30.4 million South Africans live in poverty. The Bible brings hope, but many people cannot afford a Bible of their own. Thus the Bible Society of South Africa has an objective to make Bibles available free of charge in a responsible manner to those who are unable to afford it.
The Bible Society of South Africa have been very eager to come on board with the Cross Africa project and have expressed a wish for assistance in funding their ‘2 million Bibles’ project, distribution of 2 million Bibles to needy South Africans.
Raising funds for Bible distribution will assist in bringing God’s Word to Africa, touching and influencing communities and leading people into a relationship with Jesus.
Bottom line is, African Christians are calling out for Bibles and the need is great.
Bible Beneficiaries
All the funds raised will be donated to the various Bible Societies of the countries they cycle through (RSA, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania), according to the project needs identified by the churches. A portion of the funds will be held locally for assistance to the Bitou community, as identified by projects of the churches.
Public involvement
Join the cycle route: The route has been structured in such a way as to have clearly identified stages. This will make participation in the project possible for people who cannot dedicate the full 5 month time the project is projected to take.
Those wanting to join the cycle route will be able to choose stages of between a weekend and about two week’s duration. People are welcome to cycle along or simply join the convoy. Route info.
Climb Kili with us: There are 20 places available on the climbing team. Climb info.
Sponsor: People may choose to donate towards the cause, however, some may feel led to contribute to the project itself. This latter contribution would be requested to be in the form of equipment and other tangibles rather than a monetary contribution. Sponsorship info.
Thank you to The Bike Shop for our Scott mountain bikes.
Donate: Donations can be made into the following account:
Cross Africa
ABSA Plettenberg Bay
Acc. No.: 9094344403
All money raised by donations into the bank account will be solely for the cause, Bibles for Africa. None of the money raised will be used to fund the project (cycle and climb) itself.
For more information:
Facebook: @cyclecrossafrica
Instagram: @cyclecrossafrica