April 2026 - Exciting News from AIU!
APRIL 2026 AIU Newsletter
Equipping Africa’s next generation of spiritual leaders
Research Conference
AIU’s annual student-led research conference refines students and staff alike.
AIU hosted its 2026 Student-Led Research Conference in April, aiming to strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and student research development.
This year’s event featured presentations from five students, each sharing research on a unique topic. Those in attendance praised the clarity of the presentations and the relevance of the subject matter.
As part of its ongoing growth as a higher education institution, AIU continues to align with expectations set by Zambia’s Higher Education Authority (HEA), including the annual requirement to host a research conference. For us, this is not just a requirement, but a valuable opportunity to build critical thinking and strengthen academic engagement among students.
Beyond the presentations themselves, the conference provided students with practical experience in developing and communicating structured, evidence-based arguments. To encourage participation and recognize effort, all student presenters received awards.
The conference reflects AIU’s broader mission to equip spiritually grounded leaders who can use their academic training to serve with purpose and integrity. Looking ahead, we hope to grow the conference by increasing participation and expanding the range of research topics.
GLOBAL VOICES at AIU
Guest professors bring a unique depth to ministry training in AIU’s second term.
AIU officially began our second trimester on April 8 following a two-week academic break, welcoming students back to campus for an intensive new season of study that will continue through the middle of July.
The defining feature of this trimester is the strong presence of guest professors serving at AIU from both Zambia and abroad, including several visiting instructors from the United States. These lecturers bring a combination of ministry experience, theological training, and cross-cultural perspective that is adding unique depth to classroom instruction this term.
Rather than teaching traditional semester-long courses, many classes are being offered in concentrated eight-day modules. This intensive format allows students to immerse themselves deeply in individual subjects while learning directly from experienced ministry practitioners and educators.
Faculty members are teaching in areas connected to theology, ministry leadership, missions, and practical Christian service, helping students connect academic learning with real-world ministry application. Students have responded enthusiastically to the pace and structure of the trimester, engaging fully in lectures, discussions, assignments, and ministry-focused training.
We are especially grateful for the sacrifice and commitment of the visiting instructors, many of whom have traveled long distances and spent significant time away from their families in order to invest in students preparing for ministry across Africa.
These partnerships are an important part of our mission to provide academically strong, spiritually grounded, and practically focused Christian education.
As the trimester moves forward, please pray for the guest faculty, students, and staff as they work together through this demanding and uniquely fruitful season of training.
Midwest roots, Global Reach
Minnesota pastor brings wisdom—and family—into the mission of AIU.
Each year at AIU, students have the opportunity to learn from visiting professors who bring decades of ministry experience into the classroom. Among the most beloved of these long-serving instructors is Pastor Richard Lauger, whose faithful investment in AIU has now spanned more than a decade.
The Minnesota pastor first began teaching at AIU in 2012 following 38 years of pastoral ministry in the United States. Over the course of his ministry, he served churches across the Midwest, faithfully preaching, discipling, and shepherding congregations for nearly four decades.
Today, even in retirement, he continues to equip future ministry leaders through teaching courses in Old Testament Poetry and Old Testament History to AIU’s residential students.
With academic training from Geneva College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Bethel Seminary, Pastor Lauger brings both theological depth and pastoral wisdom into the classroom. But students and staff alike are most impacted by his humility, warmth, and enduring passion for Scripture.
“It has been a treat to come to AIU. It has been a double treat to come with my daughter.”
Over time, that experience has become even more meaningful as members of his family—including his daughter, Cathi, who teaches Introduction to Psychology—have joined him in serving at the university.
Pastor Lauger and his wife, Marjorie, have been married since 1971 and are blessed with four children, eleven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
We are deeply grateful for Pastor Lauger’s continued faithfulness, sacrifice, and love for students. His ongoing service reflects the kind of global partnership that characterizes theological education at AIU.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
ANDREW PHIRI
Poultry Department Supervisor
After graduating from AIU in 2022, Andrew began serving as the Poultry Department Supervisor, overseeing the daily operations of the poultry unit on campus. His responsibilities include coordinating operations for the chicken houses and managing essential supplies such as feed, medication, drinkers, and feeders.
For Andrew, being at AIU has been a constant blessing, beginning from his earliest days as a student. He credits the campus community with contributing significantly to his personal and spiritual development, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to study God’s Word freely.
“Beyond my operational duties, I see my role as a platform for ministry. Whenever members of the public come to purchase poultry products, I take the opportunity to engage with them and share the Gospel. Through these interactions, I have built meaningful connections within the community while actively sharing the love of Christ.”
Andrew is currently pursuing further studies in the M.A. in Theology program at AIU, continuing to equip himself for future service and ministry.
Please pray with us that God would continue to use him to lead others to Christ. Also, pray for wisdom in his daily responsibilities and for guidance to always keep Jesus at the center of his decisions.
STudent SPOTLIGHT
GIFT CHIPETA
Sophomore
Gift is an AIU sophomore from Lusaka District in Zambia. The eighth of ten children, he grew up under the strong support and guidance of his parents, who were believers. The Holy Spirit was at work through their witness and influence, leading Gift to believe the gospel in 2021. Choosing to follow Christ was a turning point for Gift. His life was never the same.
Before Christ, Gift describes struggling with anger and a lack of self-control. But, through faith in Jesus, he has grown in both patience and understanding. His story highlights the power of the gospel to change hearts and transform lives.
As a young believer, Gift heard about AIU through his church and was drawn to its unique learning environment.
“I felt confident that AIU would provide not only academic excellence but also a space for my personal and spiritual development. Through my coursework, I have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills that are preparing me for future ministry and service.”
After graduation, Gift plans to fully engage in ministry, continue his academic pursuits, and dedicate his life to serving God. His vision extends beyond personal success; he aims to positively impact his community and contribute to meaningful change across the nation of Zambia.
Please join us in praying for Gift—for guidance in his academic path, strength to remain steadfast in his faith, and wisdom to serve others effectively.
