WHEN he fell terminally ill in 1976, a Christian pastor prayed over Michael Chandra Kumar and he was healed.
The healing resulted in his family converting to Christianity. It marked a turning point in his family’s lives and took the Rakiraki native on a journey from poverty to abundance.
The now 41-year-old said since that pivotal moment, he had never doubted the powerful work of God in his life. From very humble beginnings growing up in Rakiraki to owning his own restaurant business and recording a gospel album, Kumar said the hand of God had anointed every aspect of his life.
“I won’t say that things were easy because I faced many obstacles and struggles along the way,” he shared.
“But at no point did I ever feel like giving up because I knew that God had brought me from near death and had got me this far for a purpose and I praise him every day for giving me the strength to do his will.”
Although his food skills were well-known, divine appointment and inspiration was how Kumar described the development of his music career. From humble beginnings in Rakiraki Town, the 41-year-old went from composing mouth-watering meals at his restaurant to becoming a gospel composer and singer of growing renown in Ra.
Music runs deep in his family. Kumar’s father, Ram Chandra, was one of the first Fijians of Indian descent who used the harmonium to spread the Christian gospel across the Western Division in the ’70s and ’80s.
His sister, Mohini Lata, is a praise and worship singer at the Bethlehem Assemblies of God church in Ba.
“Dad was a big influence on my decision to compose and record gospel music. He was one of the first Christian singers to use the harmonium in his music performances and I remember following him around whenever he went to play at services around the country.”
When The Fiji Times news team visited Rakiraki recently, residents were quick to point out Kumar’s restaurant, The Chicken Master, as the place for a decent meal at an affordable price.
Kumar welcomed us in and cooked up a storm with a variety of Indian and Asian dishes that were authentic and generous in portion size.
“If someone told me 20 years ago that I would own my own business or compose music for a gospel album, I would have said it was impossible,” he shared.
“But, as with all things in my life, God had plans for me that I did not even dream were possible.
“Today, I own one of the most popular restaurants in Rakiraki and I have released an album of Hindi gospel songs that I wrote but were inspired by God.”
Yeshu Ka Paigaam, which means message of Jesus Christ, was recorded in March last year and Kumar said the response had been nothing short of overwhelming since the album was released.
“This is by no means a solo project. Everything from the music to the lyrics was inspired by God.
“Sylvester Prasad, a friend of mine programmed all the music on a Yamaha keyboard and another friend, Vikash Singh, sang with me on the album.”
“A lot of people ask me why I recorded gospel music and the only answer is I am a Christian and I felt inspired to compose and perform music to honour God because he has blessed us with the gift of life and given us redemption through His son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Kumar said while many Christians went through life without experiencing the power of God, he was lucky enough to bear witness to the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
Kumar was two years old when he was struck by an illness that doctors said was terminal.
“They told my parents that I had a few months to live and that nothing could be done to cure me.
“A pastor called Ezekiel Satya heard about my condition and came home and asked to pray over me.
“When I was healed by the power of the Holy Spirit, it marked the turning point in my family’s life.”
His father was baptised and the whole family followed suit.
Almost four decades after he healed Kumar, Pastor Satya visited him in Rakiraki.
“It was very emotional meeting him. He’s more than 80 years old but still a very powerful man of God.
“I was humbled because God had used him to get through to me and my family.”
Boosted with the enthusiastic response to his debut album, Kumar has formed a live music band and performs songs from the album at birthday parties, weddings and other special events.
“People have strange ideas about Christian music. They think it should be played in a certain way and it shouldn’t have a good beat but scripture calls on us to dance and play music to honour God.”
Two of the most requested songs from the album include Jumle Jumle which means dance for the Lord and Har Shaam Har Subha at Ishu Ka Paigaam which loosely translates to — every afternoon and in the morning I remember you O Lord.
“I was moved by the spirit to write these songs and they always have an impact when played or performed live,” he shared.
When he’s not cooking or performing music, Kumar spreads the gospel at the New Life Centre in Rakiraki.
“I claim what I read in the Bible. I always talk to God and ask him to do for me what he did for Moses and Abraham.
“Even at the lowest point in my life, when I am in my darkest hour — I just talk to him and he always responds.”
Kumar now has plans on making a movie with local themes, based on the biblical tale of the prodigal son.
“I’ve been praying about it and talking to my friends about it and while I know it will cost a lot of money, if God wants it to happen it will.”
