February 2026 - Exciting News from AIU!
February 2026 AIU Newsletter
Equipping Africa’s next generation of spiritual leaders
Strengthened Calling
Hands-on evangelism and discipleship deepen ministry desire for many AIU students.
AIU’s outreach ministry continues to grow and bear fruit in surrounding communities through our ongoing partnership with 14 local churches. Over the past year, these collaborations have strengthened relationships and provided valuable opportunities for our students to gain practical ministry experience while serving faithfully in village congregations.
Sunday Bible studies remain a highlight of the outreach, with active, enthusiastic participation from church members. However, some church members still lack Bibles, and we continue to pray and seek support to ensure that every believer has access to God’s Word in a language they understand.
A key focus of the outreach is developing strong, independent leadership from within the local churches. Each Sunday, our students visit these congregations to mentor young people, helping them discover and use their spiritual gifts in areas such as ushering, leading services, singing, Scripture reading, teaching children, and discipleship.
We have also placed special emphasis on strengthening children’s ministry, as many churches lack trained teachers to guide the younger generation. Through these efforts, we are seeing growth, confidence, and commitment among both youth and children.
“As a theological student, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be involved in outreach ministry. It has not only strengthened my calling but also allowed me to witness firsthand how God’s Word transforms lives. Through the Bible studies, daily devotions, and sermons we share, the villagers are encouraged, comforted, and equipped with practical biblical truth for their families and daily challenges. Seeing their hunger for Scripture and the joy that comes from understanding God’s promises has been both humbling and inspiring, and I thank God for the privilege of serving in this way.”
Thank you for making a lasting difference through your prayers and generous partnership. You are making a lasting difference as lives are transformed and churches are strengthened through the faithful teaching of God’s Word.
Keeping AIU MOving
When transportation stops, ministry slows.
At AIU, vehicles are more than a convenience — they are essential to the fulfillment of our mission.
Every day, AIU’s fleet transports students, staff, guest lecturers, and visiting mission teams across campus and throughout the region. The vehicles also carry critical materials from Lusaka to support university operations.
They help ensure patients can reach care at the Chifundo Clinic and enable ministry teams to travel to communities each week for outreach and service. In short, these vehicles are the lifeblood that keeps AIU moving — both literally and figuratively.
Currently, the university faces a pressing challenge.
“Three of our Toyota Land Cruisers – which have served us faithfully for many years – are now worn out, expensive to maintain, and becoming increasingly unreliable. Without dependable replacements, our essential operations, including student transportation, ministry outreach, and campus logistics, are at serious risk of disruption.”
AIU urgently needs to replace these three vehicles with reliable new ones capable of safely handling the demands of campus life and outreach programs.
These vehicles are not luxuries — they are indispensable tools that enable education, healthcare, and ministry to reach those who need them most.
Reliable transportation will:
Reduce costly and frequent repairs
Improve safety for students, staff, and visitors
Ensure outreach and ministry teams can continue serving surrounding communities
Allow the university to operate smoothly without disruption
Would you join us in meeting this critical need?
Your prayers for provision and guidance are invaluable, and your financial support can make a direct, lasting impact. Every contribution brings us closer to securing the vehicles that are essential for AIU’s mission.
Together, we can ensure that AIU continues to operate smoothly, expand its reach, and equip the next generation of church leaders in Africa.
Staff Housing Need
AIU is working to provide safe, dignified homes for the staff who faithfully teach, mentor, and serve every day.
At AIU, our staff are the backbone of everything we do. They teach, mentor, and serve the Lord faithfully every day — shaping students, strengthening the church, and helping extend the reach of the gospel.
But this faithful service is challenged by a growing need: too many of these dedicated staff members lack safe, adequate housing.
Most currently live in small cabins or cramped two-room apartments, while only a few have proper three-room homes suitable for families. Since the original staff housing was built, no new accommodations have been added. As the university has grown, the housing shortage has become increasingly critical.
In 2025, AIU’s staff population reached 35, with most being married and still without proper homes.
Many single staff members currently live in cabins originally designed for students,but several are planning to start families soon. In the coming year, six staff members have plans to get married — but adequate housing for each new couple remains out of reach.
Each day these men and women serve tirelessly in education and ministry, but many carry the daily stress of inadequate living conditions.
“We have a plan ready to address this challenge. Several unfinished buildings on campus can be completed and transformed into proper staff homes. Many of these buildings already have walls in place, and with roofing, partitions, and furnishings, they could become safe, comfortable, family-ready houses.”
By completing these unfinished structures, AIU can create homes for the staff who dedicate their lives to serving students and the surrounding community.
Providing proper housing will:
Give families stability and peace of mind
Support staff as they grow and start families
Strengthen the long-term sustainability of the university
Allow staff to focus fully on teaching, ministry, and service
Your prayers, gifts, and advocacy can make an immediate and lasting difference. By supporting staff housing, you are not simply providing shelter — you are strengthening families, empowering ministry, and sustaining the mission of AIU.
Student Research Conference
AIU students will present research and grow in critical thinking, scholarship, and Christian leadership.
At AIU, developing thoughtful Christian leaders includes cultivating strong habits of research, inquiry, and intellectual engagement. To help strengthen this culture, the university is preparing for an important academic event this spring.
On April 17, the AIU Research Board will host a Student-Led Research Conference, bringing together students and faculty to explore research ideas and present scholarly work. This event is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable research culture within the institution.
The conference is designed to actively engage students from across academic disciplines in the process of research and presentation. By creating a structured platform where students can develop and share their ideas, AIU continues to reinforce its dedication to academic excellence and intellectual growth.
Students will have the opportunity to present research, interact with faculty mentors, and participate in meaningful academic dialogue — all important skills for future ministry, leadership, and scholarship.
“A key objective of the Student-Led Research Conference is to promote a culture of research among both students and staff. The initiative encourages critical thinking, theological reflection, and evidence-based engagement with contemporary issues. It also provides an opportunity for faculty members to mentor students in research methodology and scholarly writing, fostering collaboration between students and academic staff.”
Students are now preparing their research and presentations for this important academic gathering.
Please pray for them as they develop their ideas, sharpen their thinking, and engage deeply with topics that matter to the church and to the world. The Student-Led Research Conference promises to be a meaningful milestone in advancing research engagement and academic development at AIU.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
GIFT NYAMBOSE
Construction & Factilities Manager
Gift – a 2021 graduate of AIU – officially joined the staff in March 2022. For the last four years, he has faithfully served as Construction & Facilities Manager, bearing the important responsibility of maintaining campus buildings and overseeing all construction projects. From ensuring safety and functionality to coordinating larger development initiatives, Gift works diligently behind the scenes to create an environment where students and staff can thrive.
As a student, Gift served in the construction department through AIU’s work scholarship program. During that time, he developed practical skills, hands-on experience, and a strong work ethic – all of which are the foundation of his current role on campus. Once an inexperienced student, Gift now directs the department that shaped him as a leader.
For Gift, managing facilities is not just a job, but a ministry opportunity and blessing. Whether mentoring students, collaborating with colleagues, or interacting with village co-workers in his department, he aims to encourage excellence and share the gospel. Those under his leadership benefit from his heart to teach, guide, and patiently walk alongside them. His work not only shapes our buildings; it helps shape our community.
“Working at AIU has equipped me with the skills to manage complex construction projects in a professional manner while staying within budget. It has also strengthened my understanding of teamwork and patience, and continually pushes me to grow and refine my construction abilities.”
As friends of AIU, please join us in praying for Gift and his ministry at AIU. Pray that he will continue to grow spiritually as he serves, remaining a faithful role model to students through hard work, humility, and devotion to the Lord. Pray also that as he learns new skills and takes on new challenges, God will grant him wisdom to use his abilities for His glory.
We are grateful for Gift’s commitment, integrity, and Christ-centered service. He is truly a gift to us at AIU!
STudent SPOTLIGHT
MICHEQUE BERNARDO
Sophomore
All of our students have unique stories and each one is a reminder that God is constantly at work, drawing people to himself. Micheque Bernardo’s journey of faith and calling to ministry continues to inspire the university community in a special way.
In the hills of Manica Province, Mozambique, Micheque grew up as the third of seven children in a devoted Christian family. From a young age, he watched his parents faithfully attend church, which quietly shaped his understanding of faith and commitment.
Though raised in the church, Micheque’s life truly changed in 2017, when he personally placed his faith in Christ. Reflecting on that time, he recalls feeling lost and without hope, yet encountering the love and truth of the gospel brought transformation. Since then, he has grown in confidence and purpose, walking daily as a child of God.
“Since arriving at AIU, I have found the environment to be welcoming, well-organized, and spiritually enriching. My time here has greatly contributed to my spiritual growth and deepened my understanding of the Lord.”
Earlier this year, Micheque faced a profound loss when his father passed away. Though painful, this moment deepened his dependence on God and strengthened his resolve to live faithfully for Him.
After graduation, Micheque hopes to return to his community and serve in pastoral ministry. To help sustain that work, he plans to raise livestock—a practical way to provide for his needs while remaining rooted in ministry. Above all, Micheque prays that God will help him serve faithfully and steward well the calling placed before him.
Thank you for praying with us and helping to support Micheque as he prepares for a life devoted to Christ and His ministry.
