What are your greatest
impressions from this meeting?
The greatest impression I have had
is that the Holy Spirit “breathes where He wishes,” i.e. worldwide. His presence
is felt everywhere. And the top leaders whom before I could only see on TV, in
official set-up, here were seen closely and I saw that they are good
Christians. They openly spoke about their belief in Christ. For example, one of
the most influential people in the world, former Prime Minister of the Great
Britain Tony Blair, now representative of the United Nations in the
Don’t you feel yourself
a “player on the opponent’s field” in politics, for they say that politics is a
dirty thing? And why does the politics have
such unattractive image in the eyes of our Christians?
The opinion about politics’
dirtiness is not an exaggeration. But not the work is dirty not only in
politics. There are also other jobs: a sanitary technician, a nightman, etc.
where it is necessary to deal with unpleasant things as well. Yet these jobs
are also necessary. And consequently there are Christians whom God called to
work in politics. In our country, this was not possible for a long time. But at
the beginning of the last century, when the opportunity came for a short time,
for example, such an outstanding minister of the Baptist brotherhood of Russia
as Ivan Stepanovich Prokhanov http: // www.evangelie.ru/forum/t25695.html
successfully worked in politics, being at the same time leader of the
All-Russia union of Christian youth. In the West, participation of Christians,
including Baptists, is a usual event which besides is welcomed by society, such
politicians are preferred. J. Carter, being President, conducted a Sunday
school class. Now in our country there is an opportunity for Christians to take
in the leading positions in legislative and governmental spheres. Such
opportunities are given by God and they should not be overlooked! I am convinced
that being a Christian and a statesman is quite compatible.
Is it really possible
to talk about Christians’ influence? In what, for example?
In this question, it is necessary to
distinguish the concepts of “the influence of church” and “the influence of
Christians.” Church and state are separated from each other legislatively in
our country. Therefore it is a question of influence of some Christians. Such
influence is not only possible - it is necessary. There are many serious
questions, for example, moral, ethical, where the opinion of Christians sounds
very importantly. This is why I rejoice when seeing that Christians hold
positions in areas and regions.
In the Supreme Council, for more than
half a year there gathers a prayer group which I already mentioned. It is made of
about 10 MP Christians, representatives of various denominations and political
parties. Together we read and study God’s Word, pray, then have tea together. We
take turns in theme preparation.
Aren’t there any
sisters?
Not in the Parliament so far. But we
pray that women get converted!
Was it hard to make the
choice between a Christian youth leader and a politician?
Actually, I did not have to make the
choice, since I continue to be engaged in youth ministry in our ECB brotherhood
as the youth committee leader. The ministry among youth seriously helps me with
legislative activity. I see difficulties which our youth faces, and this induces
me to concentrate on such questions as cleanliness of the Internet, its
protection against immoral publications, laws on alcohol. In particular, the
project on the interdiction on sale of alcohol near educational institutions,
vacation spots and public places is prepared for the first reading, etc. I am
very concerned about problems of large families, as I am from such family, and
I participate in work on the corresponding bill. So my ministry and
parliamentary work are closely bound, one helping the other.
Isn’t it time to open a
new department at ECB – that of “political ministry”?
Well… not with such name, of course…
Maybe as a department of ministry among politicians…
What goal do you want
to reach in politics?
My purpose is on those levels where
God enables to work, help people to become Christians, i.e. that politicians
become Christians. Yes, it is possible to call it evangelism. And secondly,
working in the Parliament, we can help churches and individual Christians with
their problems..
How does being a
Baptist influence your image?
Only positively. Baptists are
considered serious people
…And how does politics
influence you as a politician?
Parliamentary work gives a wide
outlook, also experience and, the main thing, is means of solving of issues of
my ministry. For example, during the organization in August of the last year of
the First congress ECB youth of the CIS countries and Baltic, there was a
complex situation with the arrival almost twice as many participants as it had
been planned. Then I addressed the Ministry of Defence, explained the
situation, and minister was so moved that personally disposed to give huge
tents on 1000 places from military warehouses. Maybe it was not so comfortable
as in buildings, but everyone was placed, nobody slept on the ground in the open air!
From the height of your
position, what it is now necessary to pray for our country?
In the past few months I felt an
incredible spiritual pressure which is rolling on
Yes, there are things
to pray for…
And to act. I am a member of the
National Commission of experts in public morals.
Can you give phones to which
one can call in any scandalous
cases of violation of morals?
Certainly: (044) 255 41 99 – reception,
(044) 234 82 41 – AUC ECB Youth Committee.
I should turn off my mobile phone
now – the plane is ready to take off…
We wish you success, Pavel!
More on P. Unguryan,
in “Horizons" magazine, # 2, 2008
Published
on 25.02.09
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