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 GoalThe establishment of an incarnational

church-planting movement in the UPG community.

The Community Internet Cafe21 computers – one for firewall, 20

for clientsComputers are donated from USA,

Hong Kong, AustraliaLocated in UPG communitiesAlso have a range of other servicesNo games, no noise, 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)

ConfigurationWindows 2003 Server on serverLinux Thin Server Protocol Donated recycled computers act as thin

clientsUsers see Windows, programs reside on

server onlyThin clients can run on floppy or CD and

be wiped clean easily, no HDD requiredFast server ensures quality user

experienceMaximize memory on server – 2 GB +Cuts costs as only P2 or better are neededOnly one Windows 2003 Server licenseUse OpenOffice or Google Docs for docs,

spreadsheeets

SoftwareUse Open Source whenever

feasibleMust be culturally appropriate

(e.g. no Solitaire or card games in some M. nations)

Use filtering/blocking software to prevent access to pornography

Use Yahoo Mail / Gmail for email esp. now Gmail can be used for your domain

Replace Photoshop w. GIMP or other free alternative

GamesMust be Christian compatibleNo violent, criminal or demonic gamesChess, checkers, golf, soccer, educational

games, Christian games, Tetris, puzzles, skill development games

Games may just attract 9-14 yr olds and the noise may drive away more mature customers who you want to win to Christ

Games can earn revenue when the Internet is down

Learn4Good http://www.learn4good.com/games/index.htm

Business ServicesHigh-end HP all-in-one e.g.

7410 or better – photocopying, scanning, photo-printing etc

Excel / Quickbooks / Data EntryBurn CDs / DVDs – separate PC

or CD BurnerCoffee, Internet access cards,

phone cards, computer accessories

Communication Services

VOIP / Skype / Yahoo Messenger

HeadsetsWebcams / Video Text to email / free textWebmailCommunicate with relatives

overseasSend cash payments (working

on a system for this)

Educational ServicesComputer classes – basic

Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Web Design etc

English ClassesHomework HelpHealth & Community

InformationQuickbooks classesComputer Maintenance

Training Materialshttp://www.cybermissions.org/icafe/

http://www.cybermissions.org/icafe/cd/

These training materials are updated now and then to keep up with the latest ideas

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.

LocationsIn 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 CommitteeThis 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 training course and the visit by a supervising 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 Supervising 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?Supervising staff supply

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.

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 month

Internet = $100 a monthPhone etc= $100 a monthDeprecation = $150 a month

Total 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 UsCybermissions.Org

514 E.Desford St.Carson CA 90745

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