BMS International began 2025 with fresh momentum in its mission to promote the Christian faith and engage in Christian social entrepreneurship. The first quarter kicked off at mission properties across multiple countries, with members hosting vibrant New Year’s conferences and regional gatherings. Meanwhile, the Basfour Group demonstrated resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions in South Africa, while holding strategic growth training and pursuing new goals.
Mission Activities and Regional Impact
The first three months of 2025 saw our mission properties bustling with activity as these cherished spaces fulfilled their purpose as gathering places for local church communities.
The year opened with meaningful New Year’s conferences that strengthened faith and created lasting memories. Kerala’s four-day gathering brought together 250 participants from seven countries, while Paso Flores hosted 210 attendees from across South America for six days of spiritual services and fellowship activities for people of all ages. Yaoundé welcomed 480 Cameroonians for a three-day conference focused on youth and children, and León organized its inaugural Youth Conference where 45 young people gathered for impactful services and activities that many described as transformative for their faith.
For many members, these properties represent far more than buildings—they are places of safety, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Not only did local members meet for spiritual encouragement and community connection, but they showed great care in maintaining these spaces through volunteer work. These spaces flourish through the dedication of local church members who contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours this quarter—a testament to how deeply valued these properties are to the communities they serve.
Basfour Group: Empowering Through Christian Social Entrepreneurship
During first quarter, the Basfour Group focused on strengthening sales strategies and enhancing core service offerings. Through specialized training with an industry expert, the sales team gained deeper understanding of guest experiences, enabling them to better showcase the property’s diverse offerings. Customer satisfaction improved significantly, particularly at Pont de Val, where the property now consistently receives 5-star ratings.
The end of Q1 brought significant challenges as heavy rainfall caused the Vaal Dam to exceed 114% capacity, resulting in substantial flooding along the Vaal River, which heavily impacted Pont de Val. The team demonstrated remarkable resilience during these conditions, effectively coordinating flood evacuation efforts and quickly restoring venues as water levels lowered.
In spite of the flooding, the Basfour Group continued its commitment to the Christian Youth Development and Empowerment Program (CYDEP). For the 14 young participants from various African nations, this program represents more than just skills training—it’s a life-changing opportunity that shapes their futures.
“My training has been going well, and I have learned many new things that will help me in the future,” shares Ntumba, a 20-year-old participant from DR Congo, whose face lit up when describing how she felt cooking for customers for the first time.
Through 3,000+ hours of hands-on experience in hospitality operations, IT networking, and property maintenance, participants develop both technical expertise and essential workplace soft skills in a supportive, nurturing environment. The program’s partnership with a local university further enriches their learning, with 28 students participating in modules covering entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management—tools that will empower them to create positive change when they return to their home communities.
Supporting African Communities
The Basfour Group further demonstrates its commitment to Christian social entrepreneurship through its Board and Management Support Program, where board members and management volunteer their expertise to develop mission properties across African nations. This initiative aims to educate local teams with the skills needed for independent operation while encouraging community involvement in property management, organizational leadership, and financial systems.
In Q1 these volunteers dedicated significant time to organizational training and mentorship. Several board members also actively engaged with CYDEP participants, providing guidance for their spiritual and professional development throughout their program journey.
A notable development this quarter was the launch of a new training initiative for former CYDEP participants, which equipped graduates to establish their own online services. This initiative is exemplified by Sochima, a young woman from Nigeria who completed the CYDEP program in 2024. Despite facing challenges in finding employment upon returning home, Sochima secured a remote position through this initiative that perfectly aligns with her newly acquired skills.
“The training program didn’t just teach me skills. It gave me hope and a way to support myself,” she shares.
This success story highlights how the program’s impact extends beyond training, creating sustainable pathways for participants to contribute to their communities long after program completion.