Benny Prasad was born on 6th august 1975 in Bangalore, India, Benny was the first of his generation in the family. His birth was celebrated with the highest of hopes for his future. But his was not a promising start - he suffered from severe asthma which required him to take cortisone steroids from which he developed rheumatoid arthritis, 60 % lung damage and an immune system regularly failing him, which threatens his life even to this day. His parents believed that these terrible early difficulties would only make his success all the more blessed and honorable. He was expected to excel in his studies, to set an example for his younger brother and sisters. He struggled to live up to such pressures. His father a highly regarded scientist at the National Aerospace Laboratories, spent a lot of time trying to drill mathematics and science into Benny but in vain. Instead he mastered a fiery and quick temper, forgery and expertise in the art of lying. This brought his family only shame and disappointment. Finding no fulfillment in life, Benny became depressed and his behavior continued to worsen. He reached out to what seemed the only way out for him and tried to attempt suicide at the age of 16. By this stage, he was almost beyond caring about where he went or what he did, so it was not too difficult for his mother to "convince" him to attend a youth retreat as she had desired and there began his journey towards new life.
In reality, Benny Prasad had an encounter with God. I came to God unasked and unsought and He heard God speak to him, saying. "Benny, even though you have been useless all your life, I need you now and I can make you a new creation." Finally a fresh start! A new birth! That was all it took to bring about a complete transformation in this lost and hurting young man. For the first time, he heeded this positive call, leapt at it, and began life with what we would all long to have - a clean slate. God gave him new dreams, new goals, and a positive desire. This time, Benny walked with dignity and resonated with the joy of the Lord.
From being the shame of his family, he went on to being their pride. God's power brought the most powerful change in Benny's life. Before this transition, he had displayed no interest or ability in music. But from that moment to the present, he has performed before presidents and parliaments, before the crowds of 2007 Military World Games, 2006 Fifa World Cup and the 2004 Olympic Games. Benny Prasad has travelled to more than 218 countries (March 2008) performing music, earning him the honor of being the most traveled Indian musician (Limca Book of Records). Where he had once been a destroyer of creativity, he has won renown by designing two guitars (the world's first bongo guitar and a 54 string guitar - the bentar). Today, through his music, Benny Prasad brings the hope in God to thousands of people, traveling to 40 - 50 countries every year.
Benny Prasad says, "If I could be made useful, any one in this world can. If my dreams can come true, yours can too. My sin and shame has been exchanged for righteousness and new life by the Almighty God who died to set me free. For those with no hope, there is more to life than what today holds. I thank God that I did not end my life but rather chose to live through shame and failure so that today I'm able to be a blessing to the world. Remember, you are never too bad or sinful for God to redeem and transform."
Benny Prasad
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