Who We Are
After visiting over 70 countries on short-term mission trips, Dr. Jim and Beth Blessman realized God was calling them to plant roots in South Africa. Blessman International was formed in 2001. Their heart is to show South African children and young adults God's love and eternal hope through faith formation and programs to feed hungry children, foster food-secure communities, and offer dignity through basic water and sanitation.
Blessman International has three campuses in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The Thompson Campus is home to our offices, Lethabo Sewing and Training Center, staff housing, and the Leroy Blessman Lodge of Dreams, which houses guests and service teams. The Del Cramer Campus is home to Lighthouse Christian Church. It is also where the Del Cramer Child Development Center operates. It includes an after-school program for impoverished children, a computer lab, a bakery, a soccer and netball sports complex, a sewing center, and a small agricultural area. The Mountain View Farm campus has a more extensive farming operation that supplements the feeding centers, additional staff housing, and the Ridgway Youth Hostel, where agricultural students are housed. Nearby is the Mountain View Hope Christian Church.
Blessman International, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established as a charitable organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3) in the United States. In South Africa, Blessman International, Inc. is a registered NGO. All gifts are tax-deductible and are used to purchase ministry supplies and pay for direct ministry expenses. The ministry employs US office staff to handle day-to-day administrative responsibilities; however, Dr. Blessman does not take a salary from the ministry.
US Board Members
Our Board members are blessed with diverse talents, backgrounds, and experiences, yet they are bound together by a common thread of unwavering devotion to Blessman International's mission. Together, they bring wisdom, guidance, and the courage to navigate the challenges that come our way.
- Scott Blessman, IT Director, Albaugh, LLC
- Glenn DeStigter, CEO, Weitz Company (retired)
- Gary Goodhall, VP Business Development, Hy-Vee (retired)
- Barb Halverson, Halverson Family Farms
- Dick Mathson, CEO, Raccoon Valley Partners, LLC
- Jeff Ostrander, Executive Pastor, Reach Church
- Bif Ridgway, Sales Manager, Bike World