From Iowa to South Africa: One Story, One Child, One Act of Faith by stella ashworth
A Life That Speaks Before Words Are Spoken.
With their recent visit to Port Elizabeth, I had the profound honour of sitting down with Dr. Jim Blessman and his family. From the very first moment, one thing was unmistakably clear: Dr. Blessman is a man whose heart leads the way. He is deeply approachable, gentle in spirit, and carries a kindness that needs no explanation. His eyes tell a story of compassion, humility, and a love for people.
This is not the kindness of words alone, but the kind that is lived out, consistently, sacrificially, and faithfully.
One Story at a Time: Feeding Bodies, Nourishing Souls
Dr. Blessman often says that change begins with one story at a time. As we shared a simple lunch together, the Blessman family opened their hearts, speaking candidly about the immense need in the Eastern Cape and their desire to make a tangible difference. For over 20 years, Dr. Blessman has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the people of South Africa, particularly its children.
What began with feeding 300 children a year has grown into a life-changing movement. Today, Blessman International prepares and serves over six million meals through an expanding network of feeding hubs. Because a hungry child cannot learn, dream, or thrive, yet one meal can change the trajectory of an entire life.
God’s Love in Action: Smiles, Bubbles, and Sacred Moments
The Blessman family’s love for the children of South Africa is unmistakable. Watching children laugh, feel seen, and experience genuine care is a holy reminder of God’s tender love for each child.
Raising Awareness Across Oceans
Dr. Blessman has tirelessly raised awareness in the United States about the urgent needs of South African children. Through church partnerships, mission teams, and faithful supporters, thousands have been mobilized to pray, give, and go.
The Blessman child sponsorship program further strengthens this connection, linking sponsors directly with children through an online portal that builds meaningful, ongoing relationships.
Blessman International: Faith That Feeds and Transforms
Blessman International exists to bring South African children and their families the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through faith formation and locally sustainable programs.
With the help of faithful partners:
• Two churches have been planted in Limpopo
• Over 3,000 students hear the Gospel weekly
• Food-secure communities are being developed
• Dignity is restored through water, sanitation, training, and education
Mission teams remain a vital part of this work—serving in schools, communities, and outreach projects while staying at the safe and welcoming Blessman lodge, with opportunities to experience South Africa’s breathtaking wildlife.
From Iowa to Impact: The Journey of Dr. Jim Blessman
Growing up in Clearfield, Iowa, Dr. Blessman dreamed of becoming a physician, a dream fulfilled through perseverance and hard work. Success followed: a thriving medical career, financial security, and professional recognition. Yet, despite worldly success, an emptiness remained.
That emptiness was met by Christ.
Through the prayers of his in-laws and a pivotal Promise Keepers event in 1995, Dr. Blessman encountered a living God, not distant, but deeply personal. His life was radically transformed. Priorities shifted. God became first. Family followed. Career surrendered.
In obedience to God’s call, Dr. Blessman laid down his medical practice, reputation, and income to pursue full-time missionary work. What followed was a journey across more than 70 nations but it was Africa, and ultimately South Africa, that captured his heart.
A Land of Great Need and Greater Hope
In 2001, Blessman International was formed, later establishing three campuses in Limpopo Province. These campuses now house churches, feeding programs, training centers, agricultural projects, sports facilities, and safe spaces where children can grow in faith and hope.
Tragedy has marked this journey, including the heartbreaking loss of children to violence. Yet even in darkness, the mission has remained clear: to reach children with the love of Christ before the world claims them.
Dr. Jim and Beth Blessman serve without salary, trusting God entirely and He has never failed them.
God Provides: A Testimony of Faith
After months of prayer, a breakthrough came. A food container cleared customs for the first time in seven months, opening the door for additional shipments to follow. As Dr. Blessman shared: “God hears, God sees, and God provides.”
“Thank you, Dr. Blessman, for 50,000 meals on its way to Port Elizabeth. More meals for our hungry kids. All Glory to Jesus.”
Dr. Kevin Pillay
Faithful to the End
This year, Dr. Jim Blessman celebrated his 80th birthday, a milestone marked not by slowing down, but by continued faith, prayer, and a strong commitment to God’s call.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14
At Blessman International, dependence on God is not a slogan, it is a way of life. And as God cares for the sparrows and the flowers of the field, so He continues to provide for His children in Africa.
An Impression That Lasts
Meeting the Blessman family left an indelible mark on me, not only as a ministry team devoted to God’s work but as a family united in faith, love, and service. Their commitment is holistic: they care for the children, their community, and one another with equal intensity.
In a world where actions often speak louder than words, they exemplify what it means to live fully for Christ. The Blessmans are a living testimony that God’s love, when acted upon with humility and dedication, transforms not only the lives of those served but also everyone fortunate enough to witness it.
One child. One meal. One story at a time. And a legacy of faith that will echo for generations.
Written by Stella Ashworth for Bay Talk Christian Network.
Pictures courtesy of Blessman International. Special thanks and acknowledgement to the Blessman Family, Blessman International, and Dr. Kevin Pillay.
