Telugu Baptist Samaikyatha Third Zoom Meeting

David Sagar

February 22, 2021

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

Telugu Baptist Samaikyatha (TBS) is an initiative of International Ministries (IM) and partner Telugu Baptist churches to foster and strengthen the unity among the Telugu Baptist churches in two Telugu dominated states in south India and beyond. TBS welcomes all Telugu Baptists who are mission oriented and seek unity among themselves irrespective of their affiliations. TBS is coordinated by Rev. Dr. David V. Sagar, IM Consultant for India Development, Dr. Wilson Vinaya Kumar, IM Relief Officer in India, and a like-minded Telugu Baptist leadership team in India.

To strengthen the vision and mission of TBS during this pandemic time, the third zoom meeting was held on February 18, 2021. The Rev. Dr. Larry Greenfield was the keynote speaker and he addressed to the gathering on UNITY AS HARMONY. Dr. Greenfield is the former Executive Director of American Baptist Churches of Metro-Chicago; Executive Director Emeritus of the Parliament of the World’s Religions; and the Chair of OMNIA (an Inclusive) Institute for Contextual Leadership. Dr. Greenfield emphasized the importance of achieving unity through harmony, and to be in harmonious with God, we must be in tune with others.  He also reminded the congregation Jesus Christ’s command to love God and to love one another. Dr. Greenfield used music as an illustration: multiple voices coming together will bring harmony. In conclusion, Dr. Greenfield addressed the importance of building unity as harmony by using the powerful tools of Jesus Christ’s love and forgiveness. The congregation gave a very positive response to the message and encouragement which leads them to a stronger commitment to carrying out the TBS mission for the glory of God and for the blessings of the future generations.