Mission Trips
Mission team participation is a vital part of our mission work. Blessman International hosts eleven teams annually. Team members participate in outreach and service projects in local schools and the community.
While in South Africa, team members stay on our campus at the Leroy Blessman Lodge of Dreams. The lodge provides a safe, comfortable place for team members to relax, unwind, and share their experiences serving. The lodge includes a large, well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable meeting area. The campus also includes four individual chalets. Each chalet has two bedrooms, each with a bathroom and shower and a common room between the bedrooms. Some bedrooms accommodate couples, while others have twin-sized bunk beds.
Some of the outreach opportunities our team members participate in include:
Optical Outreach
Team members will be trained to fit individuals for distance and reading glasses. We will make sure you feel comfortable, and we have measures in place for quality control.
Shoe Distribution
Team members sit down one-on-one with the children or adults and get to know them before washing their feet, fitting them with shoes, and praying with them.
Fem Kit Distribution
Female team members help distribute re-useable feminine hygiene kits to women and girls in impoverished schools and villages who would not otherwise have access to the proper items needed for their period.
OTHER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Hunting enthusiasts can also hunt African animals through our Hunt for Hunger partnership with NB Safaris.
Other African Adventures include • Photo Safaris • Elephant Interactions • A Flyover View of our Campus
• Pastors may have an opportunity to preach in our churches or school assemblies
FAQ's ABOUT THE TRIPS
Our South African staff speaks English. South Africa has 11 official languages. In the Limpopo province, the most common language is Sepedi. Students learn English in school, so many people have a basic understanding of English.
The power in South Africa is 220 volts vs. 110 in the US. While many computer and phone chargers are designed to handle either (please check yours before you come), other appliances, such as blow dryers, curling irons, etc., may not be made for 220 volts.
While South Africa has a high crime rate, you will be in the care of our staff during your entire trip, and they will only take you to areas that are known to be safe. Please ensure you take the necessary precautions while in town and have your personal belongings with you at all times.
Yes! Animals surround the Lodge on our campus. You also have the opportunity to go on a Game Drive while on your trip.
The water at the Lodge is safe to drink but water bottles will be filled before any outreaches, as not all water outside our campus is the best to drink.
Just let us know. We will accommodate you and ensure we prepare food that is safe for you to eat.
People 18 years old or older may apply for one of our trips. Anyone under 18 may still apply, and their application will be considered case-by-case. Families wishing to bring their children along should contact one of our staff members to discuss their situation. You understand your children better than we do, though we’ve been asked and notice children tend to get the most out of the whole trip experience when they are 8 year or older.
South Africa’s summer months are from September to April, which can get quite hot. The winter months, from June to August, are colder, and it can get quite cold in the evenings. In summer, temperatures range between 18 and mid 30 degrees celcius.
Most places we work are malaria free. Before your trip, we will inform you if malaria is a risk and if you need prophylactics. If prophylactics are required, they can easily be acquired through your physician.
No immunizations are required for travel to South Africa. We strongly encourage every team member to consult their healthcare provider about their unique health situation. We recommend that you are up-to-date on all US vaccinations, including tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, and Covid-19. Click here to see the CDC recommendations
US passport holders visiting the Republic of South Africa for ninety (90) days or less for tourism or business purposes will automatically be issued a 90-day visa upon arrival at no charge. Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months past the end of your trip.
Blessman International is a 501(c)(3). Funds donated on behalf of a team member raising funds for a mission trip may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor about your individual situation.