We are excited about the possibilities at hand, dream with us for a moment…
The bread from the oven wafts through the Café and draws in passerbys hungry for a quick slice of warm bread. Students from every nation pop in for a coffee on the way to morning class while others settle into the cozy couch for a long read of tedious school material. There’s discourse around the tables as a group of students help each other prepare for the exams to come. Each one is sipping a warm holiday drink and enjoying the quiet ambiance and well lit atmosphere. Our host team is checking in with the students who frequent the café and make sure stomachs are full to keep their brains going. Our baristas are laughing together with a few students at the coffee bar as they give hugs to each other on the way out. In another corner, one of our staff sits next to a young student who is feeling a little lost and unsure of her purpose. Grateful that she feels at home here with us and has found a safe place to unburden herself - they pray together and she finds encouragement in the smiles and atmosphere!
The University town of Urbino, Italy is host to 15,000 students and about 15,000 other residents, without one evangelical church. From what we have learned over the last three years, there was a couple doing ministry on campus 8 - 10 years ago. Sadly, the husband passed away and since then there has been no work on campus except one student who works with GBU, an Italian Campus Ministry. She has served faithfully, but tells the story that many students arrive believing in Jesus, but fall away without anyone around to help cultivate the seeds growing in their hearts. Under the pressures of college life, the lack of a believing community, and no one to encourage them in the faith, students often suffer and fall away before the year’s end.
We believe now is the time for us to go to Urbino and bring the Kingdom of God, his love, laborers who want to see the lost saved, and make disciples. The harvest in Urbino is truly ready, but lacking workers. After several recent trips doing outreach and scouting, we have seen such an openness to talk about Jesus. Many students are lonely, and many struggle to believe they have a purpose, but they are hungry and open! We long to bring the light of the Gospel to this city on a hill, and breathe life on smoldering ashes as we fan into flame the gifts and purposes God has created in the students at Urbino University and the community.
Would you consider joining our dream team of financial, prayerful, and encouraging partners who also see the vision to open a local coffee shop in Urbino, Italy. We envision a place that will allow students to come hang out, study, and attend events ranging from game nights to church meetings. By offering diverse products in our coffee shop we will allow one Kingdom work to bless another Kingdom work, fostering a vision for missions! Some ideas are: to sell bottled water to donate funds to other projects such as wells in Africa; purchase coffee and products that would help end slavery and trafficking in the coffee industry world-wide; and sell art that would help new artists that are emerging and doing their craft for Jesus.
The Dream continues…
It’s now 2027, fresh baked bread is filling the rooms of the coffee shop. We have started to impact the community, network with local businesses, and added many new ideas. The “Ameritivo” (afternoon pick me-up with American foods), is being prepared - today Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, popcorn, and chocolate chip cookies are available for purchase. As usual, during study hours from 4:00-6:00, sodas and coffees are free refills. We also offer during study hours a free first slice of bread/cake. Our intention is to make the Café an extension of our home. They know they can get a snack, a little wisdom on life and study, as well as fellowship - and it doesn’t break the bank! Evenings are packed with events such as, Game Night, Worship Night, Art Night, Dave Ramsey’s material (at least what can be modified for Italy), Dance Classes, the John Maxwell Leadership Course, etc. - all to cultivate an atmosphere of joy and belonging that opens the door to share the good news of Jesus. We see the restaurant filled on Sundays for our “HOME AWAY FROM HOME CHURCH” fellowship! We are making disciples and growing leaders!
More Details:
• Our projected move date to Urbino is: June 2026
• Our projected open date for the Cafe: September 2026
• We will have a soft opening through July and August as we prepare and train staff
You can be a part of this dream
Would you prayerfully consider joining this dream to reach college students in Italy and all over the world through Café Urbino? You can increase your giving or make a one time gift, and please share with friends!
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Thank you for your investment into this dream to reach a generation with the good news of Jesus!
Love,
The Daltons