ABOUT US

Called to Serve. Committed to Hope.

At Blessman International, we believe God’s love transforms lives physically, emotionally, and eternally. That belief drives everything we do.

What began in the heart of one Iowa physician has grown into a thriving international ministry that serves thousands of children and families across South Africa every single week. Our passion for mission trips, feeding programs, discipleship, and leadership development flows from our desire to glorify God and love His people well.

We’re honored you’ve found your way here. Whether you’re exploring a mission trip, seeking to support a Christ-centered nonprofit, or simply learning more about who we are, welcome.

Our Mission

We meet physical needs with compassion, dignity, and the love of Jesus, building trust and relationships that open the door to sharing the hope of the gospel. At Blessman International, our mission is built on three core pillars:

DIGNITY THROUGH COMPASSION

Every meal, every personal care item, and every act of service is delivered with deep respect for the people we serve.

HOPE THROUGH THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

We believe that lasting hope comes not just from food or clean water but from knowing Jesus Christ.

PURPOSE THROUGH DISCIPLESHIP

We invest in the next generation, raising up leaders who will transform their communities for the glory of God.

Whether we’re feeding children, hosting mission teams, or developing young leaders, everything we do is an invitation to experience God’s love physically, emotionally, and eternally.

A Legacy of Love: Answering the Call

Blessman International began when Dr. Jim Blessman, a successful medical doctor and entrepreneur, answered God’s call at the age of 50 to become a missionary. His journey from a private practice in Iowa to rural villages in South Africa is one of surrender, obedience, and undeniable purpose.

What started as a single act of obedience has become a ministry with two fully engaged teams on two continents, each working hand-in-hand to bring hope, help, and the love of Jesus Christ to those in need.

Learn more about Dr. Jim Blessman here.

Who We Are

Blessman International is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and a registered NGO in South Africa. All donations are tax-deductible and directly support our ministry programs, facilities, and outreach. Dr. Blessman does not take a salary from the ministry. His service remains a personal calling, not a professional pursuit.

Meet Our Team

We have two dedicated teams working together across two continents. Our U.S. headquarters manages administrative responsibilities and fundraising efforts. At the same time, our full-time South African team runs daily ministry operations, builds local partnerships, and leads mission trip teams on the ground.

Vice-President & Founder

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Dustin Blessman

Director of South Africa Operations

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Alexandra Blessman

Co-Director of South Africa Operations

Manager - Lethabo Sewing Centre

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Johanney Chongani

Agriculture Project Manager

Director of Development

Del Cramer Center Manager

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Jonathan Mkulama

Pastor - Lighthouse Church

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Precious Nthoke

Content Creator and Media Clerk

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Kailey Palladino

Office Administrator

Meet Our U.S. Board of Directors

We are led and supported by a diverse and faithful board of directors who provide strategic guidance, wise counsel, and spiritual discernment. Their dedication ensures Blessman International remains both accountable and Christ-centered. Each member brings a unique strength to our team, but all share a heart for missions, for children, and for seeing lives transformed through the hope of Christ.

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Scott Blessman

IT Director | Albaugh, LLC

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Gary Goodhall

VP of Business Development | Hy-Vee (retired)

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Barb Halverson

Halverson Family Farms

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Dick Mathson

CEO | Raccoon Valley Partners, LLC

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John McLaughlin

Pilot and Flight Instructor

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Jeff Ostrander

Executive Pastor | Reach Church

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Tina Potthoff

Sr. Vice President of Communications | Hy-Vee

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Bif Ridgway

Sales Manager | Bike World

Our Campuses in South Africa

We operate several ministry campuses throughout the Limpopo Province, each one designed to serve a specific need, from feeding to education to spiritual development. Each location is a tangible expression of God’s love in action.

Shikwaru

Home to the Lodge of Dreams, the Lethabo Sewing Center, and comfortable guest accommodations, Shikwaru is where mission teams gather, serve, and occasionally spot a giraffe wandering nearby.

Mountain View Farm

Through sustainable agriculture, livestock, and hands-on training, Mountain View Farm helps provide food security while equipping local leaders and families to thrive.

Del Cramer Child Development Center

Through feeding programs, academic support, discipleship, mentorship, and Sports 4 Christ, children at the Del Cramer Children’s Campus discover their God-given potential and build a brighter future.

Hope Christian Church

This beautiful new church is located near Mountain View Farm and Sterkrivier Combined School. Young people are finding hope, healing, and a deeper relationship with Christ here.

Lighthouse Christian Church

Located on the Del Cramer Children’s Campus, Lighthouse Christian Church is a thriving, community-centered church with a vibrant and growing children’s ministry that serves families throughout Sekgakgapeng.

Join Us on a Mission Trip

Every year, dozens of people from all walks of life join us on short-term mission trips to South Africa. These journeys are about more than travel; they are opportunities to:

Build lasting relationships

Serve in hands-on ministry

Experience personal spiritual growth

Witness firsthand how God is moving in South Africa

Discover the beauty of South Africa

Whether you’re a student, a retiree, a working professional, a family looking to serve together, or someone exploring a call to full-time missions, a trip with Blessman International offers a life-changing opportunity to serve others and grow in faith. Visit our Mission Trips page to learn more about upcoming dates and how to apply.

The Blessmans and their staff are exceptional at providing everything that is needed to provide a positive experience for anyone wishing to be a part of a Christ-centered mission experience in South Africa. There are many opportunities to interact with people on a one-on-one basis and also in group settings. Very rewarding!
Rita B.

A wonderful, Christ-centered ministry! I went to be a blessing through our mission trip to the people of South Africa…but God also used it to bless me!
Julie N.

Blessman International provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful, face-to-face ministries with South Africans of all ages. The ministries are very personal, practical, and rewarding, not only in the short-term, but hopefully for eternity as well. We would like to return again!
John M.

Wonderful Experience! The staff were great from the beginning of the trip to the end. I felt well prepared. I so enjoyed all of the mission trips and excursions. South Africa is a beautiful country with beautiful people.
Sulley B.

This was my second trip to South Africa with Blessman International. I felt Jesus every time we prayed for the children and community members who got their eyes tested, and for those we washed feet and gave shoes to. My faith was strengthened! Never did I feel I was in danger, and we also got to see some amazing animals and mountains. I recommend it to anyone interested in visiting!
Lorna M.

We had an amazing experience on our mission trip with Blessman International. Being able to share the gospel with many children and families. Serving God by providing new shoes to kids and eye glasses to those who need them are very humbling experiences. I strongly recommend anyone looking for a way to serve God consider doing so with Blessman International.
Tim M.

How You Can Be Part of the Story

We invite you to connect with Blessman International in one of the following ways:

Go on a Mission Trip

Experience the joy of serving others and sharing God’s love in South Africa.

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Give Financially

Every dollar helps us purchase ministry supplies, feed hungry children, and expand our programs to reach more people in need. All gifts are tax-deductible in the United States.

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Advocate & Pray

Follow us online, share our story, and commit to praying for our teams, our campuses, and the children and families we serve.

Join Us in the Mission

Whether you pray, give, or go, there’s a place for you in the work God is doing through Blessman International. We invite you to explore our ministries, experience South Africa on a mission trip, and stay connected through our newsletter as we share stories of lives being transformed by Christ.

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