African GLO Tour 2017 - josh c

In the autumn of 2013 I was offered an interesting opportunity in a place I knew very little about, Burundi, Africa. The plan was simple, raise funds for Great Lakes Outreach (GLO) which is a non profit organization working in the heart of Burundi, then pack our bicycles and spend 7 days riding around the country, visiting the places we were fundraising for. I had to go. Fast forward 8 months and there I am, riding along with 22 other cyclist from various places around the globe, in the 3rd poorest country in the world with an armed escort in the support van. What a paradigm shift, leaving one of the richest nations for one of the poorest, I have spent more on a morning espresso than some may expect to earn for a day's work. There are signs of the past war and genocide that engulfed this region less than two decades ago and the sense of stability and security that I am used to don't seem to be part of the norm here.  But as we learned from many that we met there, the effort of nurturing hope and peace as well as providing for basic necessities is profoundly impacting  individuals and families.

The Vision of GLO:

is the transformation of Burundi from the bottom up as well as the top down, through the inspired leadership and practical actions of Christians of integrity, modelling the love of God in their families, work places and communities.

The Purpose of GLO:

is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people of Burundi and the Great Lakes region in Africa, and share the experience of these people and God's blessings upon them to challenge and encourage our supporter communities.

As I prepare to return now three years later these are more relevant than they ever have been. The tour this year is in neighboring Rwanda due to the instability of Burundi. In addition to raising funds to help with tangible needs I hope to raise awareness and gather support for the great work going on there. 

Many thanks for your support. 

Josh Crenshaw