We are grateful to the Lord for this new year and very excited about the achievements that await us in the 2024 academic calendar. On January 6th, 28 new students arrived on campus. After their arrival, we held an orientation from January 8-9, followed by a Bible conference from the 10th to 12th. The purpose of the Bible conference is to uplift and inspire our students through the Word of God, as well as dedicate our plans for the new year to Him. The theme for this year's conference is "The Mission of an Ambassador." The conference was a great time of fellowship, singing, prayers, and teaching, in which both our staff and students participated. We are honored to have local students, staff, and a delegation from the USA as speakers. Their encouraging words have a profound impact on our students as they seek God’s direction in how to best serve Him in life and ministry. It is evident how greatly God uses these speakers for His glory.

God helped us overcome a challenging application process this year, as we received many applications from various African countries. Our admissions team worked diligently to carefully select the students. Of the 34 applicants interviewed, 28 met all the requirements to enroll at AIU. The student body is gradually reflecting more of the African continent. This year, we are proud to announce our first-ever student from the West African nation of Togo! It brings us great joy to witness this milestone in the life of our institution. The rest of the 2024 class hails from Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. We kindly request your prayers for these students as they continue their journey of spiritual growth. Additionally, please join us in praying for the logistical challenges faced by some international students who have not yet been able to join us on campus due to various constraints.

In addition to the medical and spiritual assistance it offers to patients from surrounding areas, the Chifundo Clinic has also expanded its efforts to provide nutritional aid to the community. This year, the clinic has planted corn on two hectares of land, providing food to malnourished children, as well as patients with Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. In combination with other outreach programs conducted through the Chigundo Clinic, the farming initiative has already benefitted many children and elderly individuals in nearby villages. In this way, we hope to improve the nutrition of the growing population of children and lactating mothers in the surrounding areas at no cost to them.

Despite challenges faced during this year's farming season, such as delayed rains, the clinic remains hopeful and relies on God's guidance and wisdom for a successful harvest. Please pray for sufficient rainfall and a bountiful harvest!

Paul, a 2023 graduate of AIU, has been serving as a Vehicle Maintenance Assistant since November 2023. His responsibilities include conducting routine maintenance on the campus fleet vehicles, diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical issues, and keeping accurate records of all maintenance and repairs. Paul also ensures that the vehicles are clean and ready for use and that all necessary tools and supplies are available. In addition to his technical duties, Paul serves as a role model for the students and plays a crucial role in supporting the day-to-day operations of various departments on campus. He is grateful for the opportunity to study God's Word and serve at AIU, and he looks forward to further developing his skills in motor vehicles and their maintenance. Paul has learned to be proactive and work as part of a team to achieve common goals, greatly valuing the fellowship and support of other believers at AIU. Paul eagerly anticipates witnessing God's continued work through him and discovering the depths of what God has in store for his future. He humbly requests your prayers, asking that you join him in seeking God's guidance and empowerment as he fulfills his role.

Bernard Chilwa, a 2024 Junior at AIU, hails from Lusaka, Zambia. He is the third child in a family of six, with two sisters and three brothers. Growing up in a Christian household, Bernard regularly attended church but did not fully grasp the concept of salvation by grace through faith. However, in 2015, when his uncle conducted Bible studies at his family’s home, Bernard encountered the message of salvation and understood that it was only through faith in Jesus Christ. This led him to trust in Jesus, sparking a desire to learn more about God's Word. After completing high school in 2020, Bernard's uncle, an AIU alumni, introduced him to the university. Being the first in his immediate family to finish high school and attend college, Bernard considers it a tremendous blessing for which he is grateful to God. At AIU, Bernard's understanding of God's Word has significantly improved through various theological courses, particularly Homiletics and Hermeneutics, interpreting Scripture in context and the art of preaching.

Bernard looks forward to further expanding his knowledge. Upon graduating from AIU, he would like to pursue a farming business and also establish a photo studio. Utilizing the knowledge gained from AIU, he plans to share the gospel with customers and through social media platforms. Bernard expresses his gratitude for AIU, describing it as a beautiful and conducive place to deeply learn about God's word. He appreciates the ongoing spiritual transformation he has experienced while being here and considers the people on campus as a loving and friendly family. Bernard is thankful to everyone who has invested in him and acknowledges God's blessings for his family and the opportunity to study the Bible extensively. He requests prayers for a successful completion of his studies and that God would continue to ignite a passion to know Him more. He also seeks prayer for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance over the plans he has now to eventually establish a photo studio and pursue farming after graduation.

Thank you for your prayers and participation with us as we seek daily our Lord’s direction in preparing Africa’s next generation of Christian leaders at Ambassador International University!