Go—Immerse—Become. For those who desire to become a leader in God’s mission through immersion-style training, the Apostolic Immersion Project (AIP) might be perfect for you.
“The Apostolic Immersion Project (AIP) is a non-profit educational program geared toward leadership development and missions,” according to one of the instructors, Bro. Nathaniel
Houseman of Washington, D.C. “Students are challenged to immerse themselves in the study of Apostolic doctrine, church leadership, and intercultural studies through online courses, and then immerse themselves in the mission field. Online course instructors each hold a M.A. degree or higher and are dedicated to Apostolic doctrine and holy living.”
Getting involved in AIP is not difficult, according to Bro. Houseman. The application process is outlined on the program website. After reading the AIP program guidelines, an individual will submit an online application, pay the $50 application fee, and then have their pastor submit a recommendation form. First, the students work through four eight-week courses online, taken back-to-back. The courses include Biblical Principles, Theological Foundations, Leadership Formation, and Intercultural Studies.
“After completing the online segment, students earn 12 college credits and are then prepared to go on the AIP trip to Havana, Cuba,” explained Bro. Houseman. “The AIP trip is a full week of seminar training in the mission field. The entire trip is focused on immersion-style learning and engagement with the AIP instructors, the lesson materials, and involvement with churches in the mission field. AIP certificates of completion are awarded to students on the last day of the trip.”
So, who can go? According to Bro. Houseman, “each applicant must be born again according to John 3:5 and Acts 2:38 (i.e. one has been baptized in Jesus’ name and has received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues). Each person must have a pastoral recommendation to enroll in AIP. We strive to work closely with pastors and missionaries. AIP is a way for churches to get involved in missions and create new ministries in the local church.”
The minimum age for enrollment is 17 years old, and a senior in high school. There is no maximum age limit. The average cost for each 8-week course is $282 (plus 5% transaction fee). Tuition fees are set by and are paid directly to Wilson University. Students may also “pay-as-you-go” one course at a time ($282/course), or make a one-time payment of $1,128 for all four courses (books not included). The AIP trip to Cuba is $1,250. A breakdown of trip costs and payment plan is available on the website: www.apostolicimmersion.org.
“We’ve had some wonderful results,” said Bro. Houseman. “In the 2017 AIP trip to Cuba, we baptized 81 souls in Jesus name. The AIP group also saw 47 Cubans receive the Holy Ghost in the church services during the week. Our students prayed in the altars in every service with those seeking the Holy Ghost.”
Follow nathanielhouseman on Instagram for photos and videos of AIP trips and the Apostolic revival happening in Cuba.
For more information on the program, email: info@apostolicimmersion.org.