'Run For Jesus' Proddatur Final Meet: Majority Backs Inviting Public Representatives, Spiritual Unity Reaffirmed

Andhra Pradesh: The final preparatory meeting for the upcoming ‘Run for Jesus’ event was held at Bethany Prayer House in Proddatur on Monday, where discussions on maintaining the spiritual nature of the event, inviting public representatives, and future plans for a Christian forum were taken up, with differing opinions ultimately leading to a majority-backed decision.

• Deliberations on event planning and contributions

The meeting focused on various logistical arrangements, including financial and material contributions required for the successful conduct of the event. Participants emphasized coordinated efforts and collective responsibility to ensure that the program is conducted in an organized and spiritual manner.

• Spiritual nature of event reaffirmed

During the discussions, members recalled that in the earlier meeting it had been unanimously decided that ‘Run for Jesus’ should remain a purely spiritual event without any political colour, and the same had been recorded in the official minutes. This principle was reiterated strongly, with pastors and members stressing that the event must uphold spiritual decorum and reflect the message of Jesus Christ.

• Debate over inviting public representatives

A key issue that sparked debate during the meeting was the invitation to public representatives. Some members expressed concern over revisiting a decision that had already been finalized in the previous meeting and questioned the propriety of altering recorded resolutions. The discussion witnessed differing views, with a few members expressing dissatisfaction over the change in approach, while some pastors left the meeting citing prior commitments.

• Majority supports traditional practice

However, after taking the opinions of pastors, it was decided based on the majority view that public representatives should be invited. Many members supported the long-standing tradition followed over the years of inviting public representatives to such events, stating that adhering to established practice and public protocol would contribute to the success and wider reach of the program.

• Unity and purpose emphasized

Despite differences of opinion, all participants ultimately agreed that the primary objective of ‘Run for Jesus’ is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to conduct the event with unity, discipline, and spiritual commitment. Pastors and members called upon all churches and believers to come together to make the event successful for the glory of God.

• Poster unveiled and future plans discussed

The organizers and members later unveiled the official poster of ‘Run for Jesus’ and invited participation from all sections of the Christian community. It was also decided that a separate meeting will be held soon to discuss the establishment of a Christian forum aimed at addressing issues related to constitutional rights, safety, and unity of the community.

RFJ Chairperson BJ Chandrasekhar, Vice Chairperson Peter, Convener C Solomon, Coordinator Dr. EM Rajkumar, Secretary KM Ephraim, and Treasurer Luke Vijayakumar and the members reiterated the collective resolve to conduct ‘Run for Jesus’ in a spirit of unity and devotion, ensuring that its core message reaches society in a meaningful way.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)