BIO
With a message that touches the heart and a singing voice that inspires, Chaya tells of the greatness of God’s mercy and grace. She has experienced His love, forgiveness, and healing in a most powerful way, and longs for everyone she comes in contact with to have that same experience. She reaches all ages with her personal story that tells of a wonderfully happy childhood that was shattered when she entered her early teens. She speaks candidly about how she chose the path of bitterness and anger instead of softening her heart. She tells of the road back to wholeness through Jesus Christ, and is living proof that with a life sold out to the Lord, there is hope and triumph in the midst of tremendous heartbreak.
Chaya has been privileged to lead worship at many churches, and is often asked to return multiple times. Her reputation precedes her, as she is known as being very flexible and a pleasure to work with. Her voice has been compared to that of jazz singer, Diana Krall and soul/R&B sensation, Joss Stone. Having written much of the music that she performs, she is able to reach from her heart directly into the hearts of her listeners.
She is in demand as a speaker/singer for women’s events, conferences, retreats, Christmas Programs, and church services. She has opened for the popular duo, Shane and Shane, has led worship multiple times at the California Women's Retreat, and has appeared on Canadian's TV show, 100 Huntley Street. She has released four albums, with the latest album, 'Mood for Love', produced by Ralph Stover, who has worked with many professional artists!
Whether Chaya is ministering to a small group, or to thousands, there is an astounding feeling of intimacy. Since giving her life to Jesus Christ, she knows that whatever the setting, it’s where the Lord has placed her. People seem drawn to tell her that the words she spoke or sang cut directly to their heart. She says that this is what makes her ministry worthwhile.
Chaya's husband, Rick, is currently a worship and sports pastor at their church in Chico CA. They have been married 17 years and have four beautiful children.
CHAYA'S STORY
Christian artist Chaya came into the world in 1981 to a confused 17 year old girl who was not at all ready to be a mother. It was decided soon after Chaya was born that it would be best for her to be raised by her grandparents. So, at ten months of age, Chaya’s grandparents became mom and dad. From that point on, her mother was dedicated to nothing less than making sure, even at her young age, that Chaya would know the Lord in an intimate way.
By age three she fully understood His love for her and accepted Him as her Savior. However, a series of tragic incidents would leave an indelible mark upon Chaya’s heart, which would negatively affect her Christian faith. When Chaya was 12, her natural mother was killed in a car accident. This was very difficult for Chaya and her heart began to harden. Her pain found expression in music and at age 14 she wrote her first song, “I Have a Promise”. But life was to take some still harder turns.
Finding out about her father’s long-term affair left her angry and confused. Her bitterness grew and by 17, with her childlike passion and faith grown cold, she turned to the world for fulfillment. But she kept on writing. Her music was her catharsis. But then tragedy struck again – one of her closest friends was killed in a car accident. His name was Andy. He was twenty-one years old. Chaya’s heart became incredibly broken and all of her pent up bitterness shattered. In the midst of this pain and hurt, she remembered the God of her youth and cried out to Him – He heard her and rescued her.
God then brought a friend to Chaya who introduced her to Galatians 2:20. This Bible verse spoke deeply to her heart and upon reading it, she understood it, and things began to make sense again. She made a decision to serve this wonderful God who had fully healed and restored her blackened heart. Where before she knew hurt, bitterness and pain, she now, by God’s healing grace, began to know joy, peace and love.
Music remained in Chaya’s life, stronger than ever. In the past few years Chaya has continued to endure hardships: in a 2 month period Chaya lost her best friend Esther (due to a car accident), her grandma-in-law, and her dad, then later miscarried her first baby. Through it all, she continues to write her songs for God, singing to Him and singing about Him so that other people may come to know His wonderful love, hope and healing. In the midst of it all, God has richly blessed her with a wonderful marriage and four beautiful children.
QUOTES
What others are saying about CHAYA
“Thank you so much for what you did at the retreat. We were amazed at how well what you planned fit with everything. They all loved you and want you back!!!” -Debbie Woolverton (Women’s Ministry Leader)
“We were grateful to have Chaya with us and I felt she spoke to the hearts of many in our congregation. She was delightful to work with and we appreciated her graciousness.” -Peggy Edgerton (Salinas Valley Community Church)
“Chaya did a beautiful job at the women's retreat. She has such a rich voice. She's a beauty inside and out!” -Sandra Hayworth (attendee)
“Chaya. We attend Calvary where I purchased both of your CDs. I want to thank you for your gifts. The very next day my husband and I seemed to fall under great attack. I have soaked before the Lord, with both of your CDs. Anointed, gifted, and a heart for the Jesus. It has made the storm easier and strengthened me. Thru adversity brings the true JOY of the LORD. Thank you” -Susie
“THANKS for being with us on Sunday! You were so well received and had such a sweet spirit about you. The solo moments were just perfect. Great sensitivity to where the congregation was at and like a magnet pulled them to a beautiful place of worship. Way to go! We look forward to having you back in the future. Thanks again for co-laboring in ministry with us!" -Jeff Zabel (Worship Pastor) Neighborhood Church, Castro Valley (3 Crosses Church)
“Chaya was great. Our congregation here at RCF loved her. I truly appreciated her sensitivity to her audience, although she had them eating out of her hand and she could have done whatever she pleased and they would have gone right along with her.” -Jerry Mapes (Worship Pastor) Redding Christian Fellowship
“Chaya did a great job yesterday. She was confident and professional, but Spirit-led in her words and leading. During the services I soon stopped "critiquing" what she was doing and just worshipped myself. She was well received and the services flowed well. She sensed her role during communion. May God bless you both in continued ministry” -Dave Mason (Senior Pastor) Brentwood Neighborhood Church.
“How was your overall experience with Chaya’s Music Ministry? ‘Great! God wanted her there that morning and the things she said went right along with the over-all message of the morning. Chaya doesn't just perform for the audience-- she connects with them through her music and overall message. It was refreshing for us to have such a honest witness who showed depth instantly in her program. She is not afraid of being "real" which is what people need to see if they are going to be encouraged to go deeper in their faith.’” -Mariann Eitzman (Women’s Ministry Pastor) (First Presbyterian Church, Roseville)
“'Chaya is a young singer/songwriter/keyboardist from the Sacramento area who rocks. Her stuff is original, introspective and inventive and she personally is very transparent and authentic” -Sylvia Lange (Professional Christian Artist)
“Chaya did a beautiful job on Sunday. Her voice is wonderful & I enjoyed so much the comments she made before singing. It was a gift to our congregation to have her visit. She truly added to the worship of the morning. Thank you!” -Jenny (Worship Leader) Cordova Neighborhood Church
“I've heard nothing but good reports! Most impressive (and important) to me was the fact that people said Chaya drew them in to worship.....it was more than just a guest doing music. Thanks to both of you for your willingness to make this arrangement!” -Wes Niles (Worship Pastor)Brentwood Neighborhood Church
“I wanted to tell you how much our congregation enjoyed having Chaya with us. She was wonderful - very real with the people, and seemed very much at home. Chaya shared her heart with us. She was real, and she led the believers to the throne of grace. We would love to have her back sometime.” -Pastor Kyle Coffin (Santa Rosa Alliance Church)
“Let me just say, I was bowled over when I heard Chaya singing. I honestly can say with as much as I have been around in the industry, I have *very* seldom seen such well-rounded artistry and a real honesty of heart. It was quite refreshing.” -Scott Dotta (Producer/Engineer/Artist in Nashville)
“Music Director of Radio Station (CITA FM in Moncton, NB) said he was “blown away” by Chaya’s unique vocals and is looking forward to programming her on the show.” -CITFA FM , Moncton, NB, Canada
“Thanks, Chaya. God ministered to me through you.” -Neal Doty (Senior Pastor) North Shore Alliance Church. “
“The overall experience with Chaya was second to none. She is an awesome singer, to say the least, and her humble spirit soothed and healed our souls. Honestly, I pray that the whole country could experience her music somehow.” -Daniel Malloy (Worship Pastor) First Baptist Church, Galt.
“Donna Summer . . . can only wish she was as talented as Shirley Bassey, Madonna, Celine Dion, or even Chaya Pitcher (Christian vocalist).” -CD Reviewer.
“The songs on the album were written as an expression of Chaya's life journey." -B.J. Bassett , Times-Standard
“I love the sound of Chaya's voice, and the messages of her music. I believe she will REACH many with her songs!” -Sherry Charles
"I first heard her in church and was amazed by her voice." -Peter Kramer
“Chaya is an incredible talent who shares her message with music that is straight from the heart with beautifully raw truthfulness that touches my heart.” -Carol, B. fan.
"I listened to your samples on www.indiegospelmusic.comthis morning and it was beautiful. Your voice was tugging at my ear.” -John Jeffries, Singer/Songwriter
"What a difference a song can make to a persons day- what a change a CD can bring to one's life’- Thanks -Listener.
"Our church was greatly blessed by Chaya's music ministry. Her beautiful voice coupled with a compelling story of personal pain and the abundant grace of God really touched our folk's hearts. I know God will continue to use her unique gifts and talents to minister to the greater Body of Christ." -Unknown
“You really touched me and I bought both CDs in Roseville, Ca. I have brought them back to Texas and shared them with others. They have been a huge part of a healing period in my life. I would love it if you put your version of YOU MUST FORGIVE on your next CD. God used you and your talents--thanks for letting Him.” -Tory Hook, fan.