the source

People come in wanting to surf the net, scan a photo, use instant messenger, or send an e-mail . . .

We hope they find Jesus!

When many people walk into the Source Resource Center in Mbarara, they find just about what they expect to find: computers, a library and a TV playing CNN.

But some people discover something more than they expected, something far more important than the information that most computers and books normally offer...

These are the people who ask, "You mean this is a CHURCH, too?"

And quite a few have found their way back to our location on a Sunday morning after asking that question! Others come to one of our Bible studies or weekend fellowship activities. Some are active members of other churches, but they still express their appreciation of being able to meet their computer needs at a Christian business. Still, there are others that shrug their shoulders and never show up for anything but the internet.

The Source Internet Cafe and Resource Center was opened in 2000 because of a dream of former teammate Brett Lindsey. Brett, Diane and their 3 girls came to Mbarara with the idea to set up a resource center for not only the town church, but also to benefit the Mbarara community as a whole. Brett, a computer programmer, felt God calling him to use his skills to set up an Internet Café and Computer Training Center right here in Mbarara town. When the Lindsey’s left after their 2 year commitment, Brett left a wonderful place for people to gather, surf the net and learn more about our church.

Since the Lindseys left, the Source is now being managed by Scott Glisson. Prior to moving here, Scott worked for The Home Depot’s corporate office in the International Supply Chain Group as a Systems Senior Analyst. His background was perfect for taking over the management of the Source.

GOALS...

Although providing the community with internet access and computer training is great, it’s not our main goal. What we'd like to do is cause more people to find Jesus and nurture a relationship with Him, and build a bridge between the modernizing Ugandans and the Ancient Truth that they need much more than computer skills.

It also takes money to keep the Source running. Our biggest expenses are rent, personnel and our internet service provider (ISP). Currently we are able to cover all those expenses with our revenues, and that is another goal of ours – that the Source remains self-sustaining.

STAFF...

Currently the Source employs five men: Arthur, Solomon, Steven, Stone and Bob.

Arthur Byaruhanga -- Arthur has been with the Source the longest. He is an active member of the MCC, leads the children's ministry, and is also a fine carpenter.

Steven Kakooza -- Steven is also an active member of MCC and does a lot of the worship leading and translating for our church. Steven is married to Anna and has two children, Timothy and Kaila.

Bob Moses -- Bob is an active member of the MCC and is becoming a leader within the Youth Program at church. Bob filled in at the Source while Solomon was in New Zealand and has now become part of our full-time staff as a library and surf assistant.

Solomon Carter -- While not technically a Source employee, Solomon runs his own computer training center that is housed within our town facility. He is also an active member of the MCC and loves to lead worship. In 2005 Solomon was blessed to participate in a 3 month internship with a church in New Zealand.

OUR FUTURE...

Before our current lease is up next year we plan on having our church relocated to our new, permanent building. Our desire is to also move the Source to that new location so that we can keep this service available to our customers. However, times (and technology) change, so in the future it may not be monetarily advantageous to keep this project running, though we wish to. Our dream is that even after there is no missionary presence in Mbarara that the Source Resource Center will continue to be an outreach for the Mbarara church of Christ.