Jesus often met people's physical needs and then shared truth with them. Basic Utility Vehicles (BUVs) represent a tool for missionaries to meet needs, both their own and those of the community. BUVs can help establish relationships through service. Whether delivering food, construction materials, or transporting the sick, BUVs allow missionaries to help people.
Basic Utility Vehicles - The Great Commission often involves “going”. Basic Utility Vehicles are simple, rugged vehicles that excel in rough driving conditions. They carry 1200 lbs, cost 80% less than an economy car, and travel at less than 20 mph. With attachments, parked BUVs can also pump water, grind grains, generate electricity, or power other items that can driven by a V-belt.
Reduced Ministry Costs - Transportation represents a significant ministry expense. In Africa, missionaries spend significant resources traveling to town or nearby villages and gas can cost up to $9 per gallon. New 4WD "bush" vehicles can easily cost $40,000 (the BUV price is over 90% less). In off-road conditions, the BUV’s fuel consumption is about 75% less than a 4x4 pick-up.
Funding the Local Church - BUV factories are kingdom businesses and IAT encourages a ”business as missions” approach. The BUV Ministry aims to help diminish the dependency on western dollars and handouts. The local factory ministers to its employees, the community, and the end consumers. Each micro-factory is independently owned and run according to biblical principles. The factory provides jobs, a needed product, and tithes profits to the church or designated ministry. Investor/donors in your congregation can provide funds to launch a BUV business that provides funding to your partner churches abroad.
Project for Mens Minstry / Youth Group - Guys love tools, vehicles, and building things! Turn them (and their sons) loose on a BUV and then send the vehicle to a missionary supported by your church. Help get guys interested in missions!
Publicity that Glorifies God -News will spread among the common folk that the BUV was developed for them. In small villages, we hope that people will learn that this creation was motivated by the love of Jesus.
Increased Ministry Focus - Since 4x4 bush vehicles are expensive and critical to the day-to-day functioning of ministry, they are driven with great care and entrusted to few people. The missionary is often distracted by being the village courier. BUVs allow the missionary to off-load the transport tasks to others. BUVs allow the local staff to expand the “reach” and “good works” of the mission.
Micro-credit Organizations - BUVs are even more “affordable” where micro-credit programs exist. Micro-credit organizations make small loans to people that want to start or expand a business. This greatly reduces the cash required for a BUV. The buyer uses the BUV to generate funds to pay back the interest-free loan.
Short-term Mission Trips - Teams can take parts or a BUV Kit (large teams) on their mission trip and leave a gift (an assembled BUV) that keeps on giving long after the team returns home. Prior to the trip, the team can assemble a cargo bed as a team-building exercise. The front kit is attached it to a pick-up truck rear-end obtained in country.
The IAT Board of Directors believes God will be glorified when people share why the BUV Ministry was formed, why Christians fund it, and the bible verses that the ministry is based upon. We hope to raise awareness of the responsibilities that Christians have towards the poor, and how BUV work can help missionaries, the lost, and the oppressed.
