Introduction to the iBIBLE Project

Africa International University (AIU) has partnered with Revelation Media (RM), a reputable charitable organization based in Texas USA, to develop a university-level animation program. This program, focused on 3D animation skills, will equip AIU students with cutting-edge tools and training in partnership with Revelation Media creating pathways for professional growth in the animation industry.

This project which will be based at AIU, aims to produce the world’s first visual, interactive Bible-the iBIBLE, FREE to the world! and will run for five years with the possibility of an extension. (https://www.i.bible )By blending storytelling with advanced animation technology, iBIBLE offers a fresh and engaging way to experience the Bible, breaking barriers of language, culture, and literacy. Through vivid depictions of biblical events, characters, and landscapes, iBIBLE breathes new life into ancient stories, ensuring they resonate deeply with modern audiences.

The iBIBLE Dream

In the summer of 2016 an award-winning filmmaker and author Steve Cleary, had a dream in which it was revealed to him that there was a significant project God was calling him to do. This project would profoundly impact world missions.  On Thanksgiving Day of the same year, it was revealed that the project would be a visual presentation of the entire Biblical Narrative, from Genesis to final Revelation. So, on Easter Sunday 2018, the ministry of Revelation Media was publicly launched and financially supported by Steve, his wife Debra, and business partner Charles Raines. In 2019, Revelation Media released its flagship animated feature film: The Pilgrim’s Progress and are now on a mission to animate the entire Biblical Narrative and deliver it for FREE to the global missions community!

Revelation Media released its first flagship animated feature, The Pilgrim’s Progress, in 2019 and is now dedicated to animating the entire Bible. By 2022, the organization employed over 25 artists to create iBIBLE in a 2D animated comic style. On Easter Sunday 2024, the iBIBLE app was launched in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Swahili, and Bulgarian. Today, iBIBLE: Life of Christ is in production, employing a global team of nearly 50 professionals working in San Jose, Costa Rica; Athens, Greece; New Delhi, India; and Richardson, Texas.

What is iBIBLE

iBIBLE is the world’s first visual and interactive Bible, presenting the entire Biblical Narrative, from Genesis to the final Revelation, as one cohesive story. It will present the Bible as one cohesive story across approximately 280 7-minute episodes. While iBIBLE contains animation and professionally recorded dramatic audio, what makes iBIBLE different is its scripts. The scripts are painstakingly written and meticulously reviewed by a team of professionals including pastors, ministry leaders, lay workers, and theologians.

Every visual element of iBIBE is carefully researched for historical accuracy, including landscapes, vegetation, clothing, animals, and individual articles such as wells, tools, carts, and tapestries. When completed, the iBIBLE is estimated to include over 30 hours of high-quality animation and will reference an estimated 20,000 Bible verses that reveal the Grand Narrative of the Scripture. iBIBLE is the first narrative Bible of its kind to ever be produced.

The focus of iBIBLE for 2024/2025 and beyond

The reproduction of iBIBLE Life of Christ has begun in 3D-style animation, and the first six of an estimated 36-40 episodes are now in full production. To accelerate the production, iBIBLE is now launching its first animation studio in Kenya, Africa International University. Highlights of the roadmap include:

  • 2025 Beginning of preproduction of iBIBLE
  • Christmas of 2025, release of the final episode of iBIBLE Life of Christ (Approx. 36 episodes)
  • January 2026 Begin releasing up to four iBIBLE episodes per month from old and New testaments.
  • Christmas 2027 Re-release all 42 episodes of iBIBLE Genesis in 3 D animation.
  • Christmas 2023 Release final episode of iBIBLE!
  • 2033 Followers of Christ worldwide will recognize and celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is our hope and prayer to have iBIBLE completed and available in translations across the globe! Together, we can accomplish this God-sized goal.

How will this Partnership Works

The project will offer training and practical application of 3D animation, leveraging resources and expertise from both parties to enrich the educational landscape and provide students with unparalleled opportunities in the field of animation. RM and AIU will together develop and offer a university-level animation program, emphasizing 3D animation skills in partnership with iBIBLE.

Therefore:

  • AIU will host the iBIBLE animation studio equipped with cutting-edge hardware and software provided by Revelation Media.
  • RM shall provide the selected students with computers, software, and training.
  • The good news is that students don’t need any prior animation skills or any working knowledge.
  • AIU students will gain hands-on training in 3D animation, by working directly on iBIBLE
  • AIU students must commit to working no less than 2,000 hours within 24 months at the iBIBLE Studios located at AIU ODeL Centre to earn their animation
  • After a student completes the course, they may also qualify for a paid internship with RM or another ministry.
  • Internship program students will need to complete all 2,000 hours and will be graded and trained based on the following 3+1 criterion: 1:) Quality of work; 2:) Speed of work; and 3:) +1) Those who demonstrate leadership abilities will be given further consideration. A minimum score to-Be-Determined (TBD) will be required.

A Strategic Partnership for a Global Mission

AIU’s partnership with Revelation Media extends far beyond the animation itself. Together, the two institutions aim to create a state-of-the-art animation studio on the university’s campus. This facility will not only produce content for the iBIBLE project but also serve as a hub for training future animators, positioning AIU as a leader in animation education in Africa.

Benefits of the iBIBLE Project

The iBIBLE project unites the missions of Africa International University (AIU) and Revelation Media (RM), creating a powerful synergy. AIU’s dedication to transformative education complements RM’s commitment to sharing biblically sound visual media. Together, they establish AIU as a leader in Christian animation education, pioneering new academic opportunities and elevating the institution’s global reputation.

Opportunities for AIU Students

For students, the collaboration offers unmatched training under industry experts, utilizing cutting-edge tools like Unreal Engine, Z Brush, and Blender. This hands-on experience equips graduates with the practical skills needed to excel in animation, ministry, and digital media. Additionally, the program fosters leadership, creativity, and technical expertise, preparing students for meaningful careers that blend faith and innovation.

Impact on the Church and Society

The iBIBLE project redefines evangelism by transforming biblical stories into engaging animations, making Scripture more relatable and accessible. This innovative approach resonates particularly with younger generations, drawing them into deeper engagement with God’s Word. By leveraging animation as a medium, the project empowers churches and communities to connect with diverse audiences in transformative ways.

A Call to Action

As this monumental journey unfolds, AIU and Revelation Media invite individuals, churches, and organizations to join them in this transformative mission. Whether through financial support, student enrollment, or sharing the project with others, there are countless ways to be part of this historic initiative to reimagine the Bible through animation.

Stay tuned for more updates on the iBIBLE project and discover how you can be involved in changing lives through this extraordinary blend of faith and technology.