Using Community Internet Cafes To Reach UPGs for Jesus

For security reasons no names or places are mentioned and all photographs are stock photos that are not directly related to the ministry.

The Vision

To establish a network of Internet cafes among UPG communities - as viable Christian businesses run by missionaries who have an entrepreneurial outlook.The icafes can offer Internet access, computer courses, distance education, coffee, purified water, business services etc.

The Goal

The establishment of an incarnational church-planting movement in the UPG community.

Digital OpportunitiesIs a group of missionary societies and foundations that have committed to use computers and the Internet to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the unreached peoples of the world.Digital Opportunities acts as an international coordinating body for the various national projects and supplies computers, training and funds.

The CIC21 computers – one for firewall, 20 for clientsComputers are donated from USA, Hong Kong, Australia – Pentium 1 & 2Located in UPG communitiesAlso have a range of other servicesNo games, no noise, “upper class” Internet café to attract leaders, businessmen and students as clients.At 50c per hour, 50% occupancy, can earn $1,000+ a month net profit. (Third World missionaries are happy to live on $200 a month)

The TeamAt least an entrepreneur, a computer technician and a ministry expert. May also include a community development person.All team members must be mature Christian believers with a positive “get it done” attitude.Team elects leader.Being vulnerable to each other’s strengths.

Share revenues of icafe as income to support their

ministry.

The CriteriaEntrepreneurship / Leadership / ResourcefulnessMature faith in Christ and personal formation.Commitment to the project.Heart for UPGsUnity in the teamFinancial integrityAdequate technical skillsAdequate start-up capital and good location.

Locations

In or near a UPG community.Near school, college or business district.Preferably on the second-floor of a building with a security guard outside.Clean, cool, professional environment that will appeal to premier high-paying customers.Malls are an excellent location if the rent is reasonable.

The ProcessSelect locationSelect team – entrepreneur, computer tech, ministry expertTake team to 6 week training courseDevelop business plan and ministry planTest and check teamSign franchise agreement & reporting arrangementsSet-up location – phone, DSL, etcReceive computersCoaching period (6 months) – solve problems, establish ministryStart a house church from icafe contacts.Attend annual icafe conference for upgrading and refreshing.

The Importation & Selection Committee (ISC)This committee consists of high

level national leaders who can assist with:1. The process of importing the container load of computers. 2. Selecting the locations of the icafes and 3. Finding the most appropriate organizations to partner with.

ISC OperationSupervises the entire process in that nation – (see slide 9)Meets at least monthly for 6 months to a year then disbands if no further importations are planned.Makes the tough decisions about who gets what in the way of resources.Manages the setting up of the Internet cafes and resolves problems with partner organizations.Arranges for 6 week D.O. training course and the visit by a Digital Opportunities staff member.Is accountable to international partners and funders and must produce a final report..

ISC MembersNational level Christian leaders with a heart for missions to unreached peoples and a positive “can-do-it” attitude. Members should include: someone with high level government contacts to help with importation, a expert on the state of the work in the UPGs, a ‘logistics and shipping’ person and an expert in computer technology.

Partner OrganizationsChristian missions and NGOs that apply to the ISC to receive an icafe. ISC selects from applicants.Should be organizations of integrity that have a known track record working among the targeted UPGs.Must supply icafe start up costs, location, phone, Internet connection etc. Need about $1500 per icafe in capital.Partners supply the staff for the icafes – an entrepreneur, a technical person and a ministry expert.It is compulsory for partners to send all icafe staff to the 6 week training course.

Selecting Partner OrganizationsBest to use invitation – that is quietly look around for good partner organizations then choose the most suitable. This avoids the rejection and loss of face of a “open” application process. Inviting people takes more time and needs to be done diligently and carefully but is more secure, low profile and generally less prone to error.

Qualities To Look ForWhen selecting partner organizations you are seeking people with a heart for ministry who can also manage details well and run a small business in a sustainable fashion.Need experienced “get up and go” entrepreneurial types with a vision for the use of computers in ministry.Need to be focused on reaching the unreached, not on just extending local churches.Need to be highly incarnational and able to understand church-planting movements.

Common Mistakes To Watch ForInsufficient start-up capital.Poor selection of icafe staff.Icafe staff not sent for training.Not businesslike/poor problem-solving skills.Over-concerned with status. Expect new computers. Not focused on UPGs – just a church program.Lack of computer maintenance.Forget to form bible study groups and house churches.

What Do The International D.O. Staff Do?

Supplies the computers.Helps find the funds for all importation and training costs. Does NOT supply rent or phone lines etc.Make initial shipping arrangements.Trains the ISC in managing the project.Trains the UPG missionaries in icafe operation.Reports back to funding agencies.Is there as a reference body to the ISC.Makes a field visit to check on the project.Makes online in-service training available for free to icafe staff to keep them technically updated and spiritually refreshed.

What Is The Icafe Training Course About?

Icafe operation and computer maintenanceBusiness principles & entrepreneurshipIslamics / ministry to UPGsDeveloping a business plan.Developing a ministry planHow to establish a church-planting movement.Team-building

What Are The Expenses?D.O. supplies computers, training and funding.Partners supply location, phone lines, Internet connection, utilities, furniture, staff.Icafe missionaries pay for their own food and lodging during training at a minimal cost-recovery level which will be negotiated.ISC pays for the cost of their board meetings etc.

What Is The Revenue From An Average Icafe?

With 20 client machines, given at least 50% occupancy and 1 hour per customer at 60c per hour.

 12 hrs x 10 clients per hour = 120 clients per day

 Income = 120 x 60c per hour x 25 days per month = $1800 per month

 

Profit & LossRent = $300 a monthInternet = $100 a monthPhone etc= $100 a monthDeprecation = $150 a monthTotal fixed costs = $650 a month  Missionary wages (4 indigenous missionaries) = $250 per month each = $1000 

This leaves $150 a month for “extras” and ministry expenses. If the icafe is run

well it can achieve much more than 50% occupancy.

Extra RevenueCan be obtained from computer classes, VOIP, business services, purified water, coffee, books, stationery, computer disks, printing & binding etc.Extra services can be easily added and tailored to the cultural interests of the UPG.Can increase revenue by 50% plus.

Price PointsShould be about the same as the well-known commercial rates for a high quality service.Do not compete on price - compete on quality and on atmosphere.Do not give away the services, people value what they pay for.Value the sustainability of your ministry.

Is It Christian To Charge Normal Rates?

Paul, Priscilla and Aquila sold their tents! The icafe must appear to be a normal commercial operation.The gospel is offered free of charge through friendship evangelism.The icafe can offer free extras in literature etc.It is Christian to be wise!

Contact UsDigital Opportunities514 E.Desford St.Carson CA 90745

Email: johned@aibi.phPhone: 1-310-549-6791