About

In the Hands of God

Pastor John Samuel Raju and his wife Susanna Raju founded HOPE Global Ministries to reach unreached areas of India with the Gospel, plant churches, and disciple new believers. Pastor John is originally from Andhra Pradesh, while Susanna also hails from India and trained in both theology and nursing.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15

Pastor John grew up in a devout Christian family deeply committed to ministry. His parents were pastors who established four churches in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, faithfully serving their communities despite many hardships and persecution. Their dedication and perseverance in ministry profoundly shaped Pastor John’s faith, values, and sense of calling to serve God’s people.

Initially reluctant to enter full-time ministry due to the struggles he witnessed, Pastor John experienced a life-changing encounter with God during a fasting and prayer meeting. God’s calling was confirmed through Mark 16:16 and Isaiah 41:9–10, leading him to surrender his life fully to Jesus Christ. He was baptized on February 9, 1995. In obedience to God’s call, Pastor John pursued formal theological training in 1997 at Manna Bible College, completing his Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) and Master of Divinity (M.Div). Susanna also completed her theological studies and trained in nursing, equipping her to serve both spiritually and practically in ministry.

Following their studies, Pastor John and Susanna responded to God’s call to serve in the West Godavari area, beginning their ministry in a small village called Juvvalapalem. They started with no resources—only faith and obedience to God. Despite many hardships and persecution, the first soul came to Christ, marking the beginning of a growing movement of believers. Today, HOPE Global Ministries serves hundreds of believers through evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and community outreach programs.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” – James 1:27

Pastor John is an ordained minister, church planter, and speaker, traveling across India to disciple new leaders and support partner ministries. Susanna actively serves alongside him, providing spiritual guidance, nursing support, and leadership in community initiatives. Their vision is to reach the unreached, raise disciples, and bring the light of Christ into spiritually dark regions of India, while meeting both spiritual and practical needs of communities.

Pastor John and Susanna have two sons: Joshua Jered Mortha (23) and Samuel John Wesly Mortha (21). They reside in Andhra Pradesh, India, and continue to lead HOPE Global Ministries with faith, obedience, and a God-given vision to transform lives for His glory.