AIU News — August 2026
August 2026 AIU Newsletter
Equipping Africa’s next generation of spiritual leaders
AIU’s Next Chapter
An update on a significant decision — and the road ahead.
Dear friends and partners,
For more than twenty years, your prayers, generosity, and confidence have helped make Ambassador International University possible. Christian leaders have been trained, churches and ministries strengthened, and a significant campus built in Zambia — and we remain deeply grateful for the part you have played in that story.
We want you to know about an important decision regarding AIU's future. After much prayer, evaluation, and strategic review, Gospelink has decided to conclude AIU's accredited residential degree program. The residential model has become increasingly costly to sustain, and even beyond the finances, we believe God is calling us toward an approach that can bring leadership training closer to the many churches and leaders we serve across more than twenty countries — through digital learning, cohorts, intensives, and other models still being developed.
Our first priority in this transition is caring well for people. Eligible current AIU students will have a funded pathway to continue their degree studies through Central African Baptist University (CABU), an accredited institution in Zambia, and we are working closely with our staff as the campus staffing structure changes.
The Zambia campus itself remains active and strategically important. Ministries such as the poultry operation and Chifundo Rural Health Center are expected to continue, and we see real potential for the campus to grow into a hub for formation, equipping, and mission mobilization in the years ahead.
None of this diminishes what your partnership has made possible. The leaders trained, relationships formed, and Kingdom investment made over the past two decades remain the foundation for whatever comes next. We're grateful for your continued prayers as we walk through this season faithfully, and we will keep you updated as plans develop.
Together in Christ,
Stephen Nelms
President, Gospelink
TERM THree Begins
AIU’s final term builds toward a milestone fifteenth graduation.
AIU has opened the third and final term of the 2026 academic year following a three-week break. During this period, students returned to their homes to spend time with their families and were also involved in various ministry activities in their local communities.
We are grateful to God for watching over them during their travels and bringing them safely back to campus. Term three classes resumed on August 18, and in the second week, students gathered for a worship night to thank God for the new term and commit it to Him — an encouragement to the student body as they head into a season of remaining focused, faithful, and committed.
We are particularly grateful for the commitment of our local professors, who continue to provide instruction and mentorship across the various academic programs, investing in the spiritual and intellectual development of the students entrusted to their care.
The term will culminate in AIU's fifteenth annual graduation ceremony on October 17 — a milestone made all the more meaningful by the transition described above. This year's ceremony will celebrate nineteen residential students from Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique completing four years of theological and academic training, and it carries special weight as one of AIU's final classes to complete the residential program.
“During their years at the university, the students have been equipped with biblical and theological knowledge while being challenged to grow in their personal relationship with Christ. Their testimonies reflect how their time at AIU has strengthened their faith, deepened their understanding of God’s Word, and prepared them to communicate the Gospel faithfully. With their training now coming to completion, they are looking forward to returning to their communities and serving wherever the Lord leads them.”
This year's ceremony will be particularly special, as Stephen Nelms, President of Gospelink, and Kenny Hilliard, Chancellor of AIU, both plan to attend. AIU is deeply grateful to the Gospelink ministry, sponsors, lecturers, and partners who have invested in these students' lives, and invites friends and supporters to pray for the graduating class as they begin new chapters of ministry and service.
A Growing Harvest
AIU’s campus garden fills bellies and reduces costs.
As part of its commitment to self-sustainability, AIU continues to invest in agricultural activities on campus. The university's garden remains active throughout the year, producing a variety of vegetables and seasonal crops. During the rainy season, the garden also provides an opportunity to cultivate crops such as maize, soybeans, and sunflowers.
Since the establishment of AIU, the campus garden has made a significant contribution toward reducing food costs for both students and staff. A substantial portion of the vegetables harvested from the garden is incorporated into meals prepared and served at the university cafeteria. This not only helps lower expenses but also contributes to the availability of fresh produce for the AIU community.
“Beyond its contribution to food production, the garden serves as a valuable practical learning environment for students. Through their participation in the work scholarship program, students gain hands-on experience in agriculture and develop skills that can benefit them beyond their time at AIU. For some students, these experiences have inspired an interest in agriculture as a potential means of supporting their families and strengthening their ministries. In this way, agricultural work complements their academic and spiritual training by equipping them with practical skills for life and service.”
At present, the garden includes a variety of crops, including tomatoes, watermelons, onions, cabbage, and cucumbers. These crops represent the university's continued efforts to make productive use of its available resources while moving toward greater self-sustainability.
AIU is grateful for the progress made in its agricultural activities. As the Zambia campus continues into its next season of ministry, work like this remains a meaningful part of the foundation it stands on.
Outreach Ministry
AIU’s SENT teams continue to impact the local community.
AIU continues to advance the Great Commission through its outreach ministry, providing students and staff with opportunities to share the Gospel in nearby villages, churches, markets, hospitals, and public schools.
With the start of the third academic term, the SENT teams have resumed their outreach activities, allowing students to put their theological training into practice through evangelism, biblical teaching, and community ministry. Alongside proclaiming the Gospel, the program emphasizes intentional discipleship, helping new believers grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word.
God has continued to open many doors for ministry, and AIU is encouraged by the lives being transformed through these outreach efforts.
“What encourages me most is seeing how the people we minister to respond to the message of God’s Word. Some are encouraged, some ask questions, and others open up about the challenges they are facing. Being able to pray with them, encourage them, and share the hope we have in Christ gives me a deeper understanding of what Christian ministry is all about. I am grateful to AIU for giving me the opportunity to combine classroom learning with practical ministry. The experience is preparing me not only to understand God’s Word but also to faithfully live it out and share it with others.”
One student involved in outreach, Elieza Banda, rejoiced that witnessing people come to Christ and others grow in biblical understanding has strengthened both the congregation and his own faith.
These practical ministry experiences are an essential part of preparing future Christian leaders to serve with compassion, confidence, and faithfulness.
As the SENT teams continue ministering throughout the term, we invite you to pray that God will grant them boldness, wisdom, and love as they faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership in this ministry.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
GIFT NYAMBOSE
Construction & Facilities Manager
AIU is strengthened by the diverse professional competencies and dedicated service of its staff members. Gift Nyambose is a 2021 graduate of AIU. He currently serves as the university's Construction and Facilities Manager.
Following his graduation in 2021, Gift joined the AIU staff in March 2022 and assumed responsibilities within the Construction and Facilities Department. He oversees the maintenance and management of university infrastructure, ensuring that campus buildings and facilities remain safe, functional, and suitable for academic and residential use. He is also responsible for coordinating and supervising construction projects undertaken by the university, including planning, implementation, resource management, and monitoring of project progress.
Gift's professional development at AIU began during his time as a student. Through the university's work scholarship program, he was assigned to the Construction Department, where he acquired practical knowledge and hands-on experience in construction and facilities maintenance. The skills developed during this period have provided an important foundation for his present responsibilities and have enabled him to transition effectively from student to professional staff member.
For Gift, his role at AIU represents more than an employment opportunity. He views his professional responsibilities as an avenue through which he can exercise his God-given abilities in service to the university and contribute to the development of others. He particularly values opportunities to share his technical knowledge with students and colleagues while building constructive relationships with the local workers serving within his department. Through these relationships, he seeks to demonstrate Christian values and create opportunities for Gospel witness in the workplace.
“My experience at AIU has equipped me with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence required to effectively manage complex construction projects while maintaining responsible budgetary control. It has also strengthened my understanding of the importance of teamwork, patience, and effective communication, while continually motivating me to develop and enhance my technical skills and professional abilities in the construction field.”
His progression from student worker to Construction and Facilities Manager demonstrates how practical training can prepare graduates to assume meaningful responsibilities within their communities and institutions.
As Gift continues to serve in this capacity, we invite you to pray for his continued professional and spiritual development. Also, pray that God will grant him wisdom and discernment as he manages construction projects and institutional resources, and that he will continue to demonstrate diligence, integrity, patience, and servant leadership.
STudent SPOTLIGHT
VINCENT CHIBESA
Freshman
Vincent Chibesa is a 2026 freshman from Lusaka, Zambia. He comes from a family of three and was raised primarily by his mother.
Although he grew up in a Christian home, his own life took a significant turn in 2018, when he committed himself to Christ during a church service. Before his salvation, Vincent acknowledges that he often used to drink beer. Following his conversion, his priorities changed, and he developed a strong desire to share the Gospel with those who are lost.
Vincent learned about AIU after meeting Pastor Kayombo, an alumnus of AIU. Inspired by the opportunity to receive sound biblical and theological preparation, he applied to AIU with the goal of becoming better equipped for Gospel ministry.
Since joining the university, Vincent has found AIU to be a supportive environment for both academic and spiritual development. He appreciates the encouragement of lecturers who motivate students to pursue excellence.
“One of the most significant benefits I have received from my studies is learning how to study Scripture carefully and develop accurate interpretations for proper application. This training is helping me develop the skills I need to communicate God’s Word faithfully and effectively. After completing my studies, I hope to pursue teaching methodology and further develop my ability to communicate biblical truth. As I continue my preparation, I recognize the importance of remaining dependent upon God, especially during challenging seasons.”
His primary prayer request is that God will strengthen him during difficult moments that could cause him to become discouraged or consider giving up his calling.
Please pray for Vincent as he continues his studies. Pray that God will strengthen his faith, deepen his understanding of Scripture, and help him remain faithful to his calling. May God prepare and use him as an effective servant and teacher of His Word.
