
Sam Blesson is the Director of Organisation Development (OD) and has been part of CIM for 16 years. Here’s a glimpse of his journey of serving the Lord through his life and ministry.
Coming from a family actively involved with mission organisations, Sam committed his life to the Lord in the year 2000. Since childhood, the verse “...Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears...” (I Samuel 3:9) has been his favourite and has been alive in his life, making him listen to God’s voice in every situation.
How did you join CIM? How long have you been a part of CIM?
I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate theological education with the Senate of Serampore University and earned two master’s degrees from the University of Madras. I worked with Calvary Christian Mission in Chennai for a year after my B.Th., gaining valuable exposure to missions and church planting. To prepare further for mission work, in 2008, I pursued studies in management, HR, and legal aspects at CIM. Then, I learned of a vacancy to assist the Founder Chairman of CIM, Dr. Ebenezer Sunder Raj (fondly called Ebe Uncle), which led to a three-and-a-half-year mentorship. I learned much from him professionally and personally, particularly from his prayer life and humility. I started assisting the founder in communications, project funding, and his literature work until his retirement, and then I have continued with CIM in various roles since then.
Why CIM?
After completing my post-graduation, I was actively doing pastoral care, church planting, and pioneering missionary work, but I wanted to walk into something larger, because of my unique call from God.
My passion and vision had always been to restore and rebuild, as in the book of Nehemiah; to be a Kingdom Builder, not just to serve one denomination or organisation, but the whole body of Christ. Thus CIM became the best platform for me to go to various missions and churches and help them in fulfilling their vision. By fulfilling CIM’s vision, I can fulfil my personal vision that God has given.
How has your career journey with CIM been?
My journey in CIM has been a great learning experience. I have had many opportunities to learn from different organisations and leaders, gaining valuable insights into national and international ministries. Through CIM, I have deepened my conceptual understanding of management and legal aspects. I have completed my MA, and MBA, pursued various certifications, and am working on my PhD in Christian Management. Learning has become a fundamental part of my career development.
Looking back, what has impacted your life and character?
I have witnessed from my childhood in my own close circles, birth and death of organisations due to character issues, managerial crises, poor governance, conflict within the Trustees, lack of accountability, property/resource mismanagement and life issues within the leadership. I realised that there needs to be a balance between character and ministry which enabled me to become a person who will serve God by witnessing through ministry, character and caliber. To be better able to do this, I endeavour to equip myself with management and leadership skills in addition to theological education.
Hopes and plans for OD?
OD services are unique in assisting NPOs (churches, organisations, educational and medical institutions) through planned intervention and bringing desired change in the organisation by hand-holding with a comprehensive systematic change process, over a defined period toward Biblical levels of management excellence.
Since April 2023, Sam has been the Director of the department. While they will continue to support the existing partners, the OD department also aims to engage new partners across the nation to address their significant needs.
What are some challenges you have faced and what are you grateful for?
As CIM enters its 25th year, I am also entering my 25 years of dedication to God's work. This humble journey has been filled with challenges, especially as I work to help rebuild organisations and guide leaders towards Biblical leadership. We have faced many obstacles, including the need for resources to provide quality services to missions and churches. Amid all this, God has remained faithful to His promises, guiding us in each step. I am grateful to God for His faithfulness throughout this journey and thankful to wonderful mentors, leaders, colleagues and friends. My wife and family have stood by me on this journey and have been a pillar of support in my life and ministry.
Sam concludes by expressing his grateful heart towards God as he asks for your prayers that he remains faithful and humble in his service to the Lord.