Pastor John Joseph Sesham was born in Andhra and raised in Hyderabad, India, and he accepted Jesus as his Savior at age eighteen. He worked for the Government of India for many years across South and North India, while financially supporting a young Bible student and helping with early church building projects. Years later, a meeting with his former youth pastor in Chicago challenged him to serve the Lord more faithfully. He resigned from his job, and he and his wife Hema moved to the United States to attend seminary, returning to Hyderabad in 1987 to serve in ministry. Throughout this time, he continued to serve as a tentmaker, following the example of the Apostle Paul.
He taught at a Bible college, trained rural evangelists, and later moved to Chicago for further studies while also preaching and working as an accountant in California. Together, they founded Abundant Grace Community Church, where he pastored until retiring in 2020, after which they moved to Dallas and joined CTW – The Colony, where he shares the Word every third Sunday.
- Life Verse: If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Matthew 5:41-42
- Passion: To equip the saints to mature in their walk with Christ, going the extra mile to serve each other and bring them closer to Him. Ephesians 4:12
- Education:
- Master of Divinity from Garrett Theological Evangelical Seminary, Evanston, IL;
- Master in Theology from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Lombard, IL