About GK
“You will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8b)
Ghuna's Childhood Background
R. C. Ghunakumar, known to his American friends as Ghuna, was born on August 10, 1950, into a Christian family. His father, Rathinam grew up in a priestly Hindu family in Pudupatti near Watrap. When, as a young man, Rathinam accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he was forsaken by his relatives and banned from reentering his village. He was not even allowed to see his parents due to his new outcast classification. Later, when he tried to attend his father and mother funerals, he was beaten up and chased away. Rathinam’s life witness and inspired preaching greatly influenced Ghuna during his childhood. His home provided a spiritual atmosphere and the family was very active in their home church where his father was a regular preacher.
Ghuna's Salvation
Though brought up in a Christian family, Ghuna Kumar did not have a personal experience with the Lord until he went to study at American College in Madurai. He regularly attended church services, but would argue or turn away from many who presented the Gospel to him. On November 20, 1966, after having attended two services in the college chapel, Ghuna and a close friend were on their way to a restaurant when they were invited by an evangelist to a prayer meeting. At first, they refused, but after a few minutes of speaking with the evangelist, Ghuna Kumar was compelled to go. As they parted, his friend called him a fool. Ghuna never really wanted to attend, but he realizes that the Holy Spirit was guiding him.
As the preacher was speaking about Jesus in Gethsemane, Ghuna’s heart became warm; he knelt down, cried out loud and confessed his sins. The preacher paused and started praying for Ghuna. Finally, after an hour of praying and confessing, Ghuna heard an assuring Voice say, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Ghuna was filled with joy, peace, and assurance that he was totally forgiven. That intense experience of salvation remains with him today.
Ghuna's Call to Ministry
After completing his pre-degree course in college, Ghuna started studying for a medical degree. In 1967, soon after his admission to Medical College, he attended an early morning church service. The preacher was quite loud considering only two people attended the service. The preacher repeatedly said, “The Lord chose you”.
Troubled, Ghuna returned to his home after the service only to find no one there. He stood before a portrait of Jesus, babbling and crying and making excuses to God why plans for a medical career were still the best. After about three hours of prayer, he saw a vision of a cross and finally submitted to the Lord’s call to ministry, saying “Let me be crucified and let the Lord’s will be done”. It truly was a crucifying experience. The Lord then gave Ghuna two promises, “The one who called you is faithful and He will do it” (1 Thess. 5:24) and “You shall be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Ghuna's Ministry
After theological studies at South India Biblical Seminary Ghuna pastored in his home church for one year. He also preached in the streets of his town every day in the early morning. As a result, many Hindus and Muslims came to Christ.
He then went on to become part of Scripture Union India for the next seven years. He traveled to every corner of Tamil Nadu, bringing the Good News to children, young people and families. In 1980, he joined Vacation Bible School (VBS) Ministries as Promotional Secretary and went on to become the VBS National Director. This role took him throughout India bringing the Good News to children. The fruits of Ghuna’s ministry were thousands of children who accepted Christ. Many of them are now evangelists, pastors, and Christian leaders in India.
In 1991, Ghuna came to Jackson, Mississippi to attend Wesley Biblical Seminary for a Masters in Christian Education. While there he was suddenly afflicted by vascular necrosis which paralyzed his right leg. Unable to walk he literally crawled to classes. Heartbroken, he discontinued his studies and flew back to India in a wheel chair. This was a time when his faith was tested. A man who had taken the Good News to all parts of India was not even able to go to the rest room.
This ailment did not stop Ghuna from preaching wherever he was invited. His faithful family and friends carried him to many places. Thirteen top Indian orthopedic doctors suggested that he needed a total hip replacement to walk again. Although his family did not have the financial resources for such an operation, they did not give up faith and continued to pray.
One morning, Ghuna gave away his crutches and started to use a walking stick. Then, when he was preaching about faith at a family conference, the Lord spoke to him and told him to give away his walking stick, too. During the next session of the conference, Ghuna obeyed even while he was speaking and threw away the stick. By God’s miracle he began walking normally the next day, and soon returned to Jackson to complete his degree. Then in 1992, God gave him the vision to work for the poor, broken hearted and oppressed; and Gospel Friends ministry was born.
Ghuna’s and Jaya have been married since 1978 and have two adult children Joel and Persis. Joel is married to Jenitha and they have one daughter Susan. The family is also involved in the Gospel Friends ministry. After finishing college, Joel worked for Hewlett-Packard. As he gained responsibility he began feeling the Lord call him into ministry with his father. He was obedient to God’s calling, declined a promotion and joined Gospel Friends full time. Joel now teaches in the Bible College, leading youth ministry and assisting in his father’s overall work.
