3.11.2004
Christians and Politics - an interview with Pastor Sunday
An interview with Pastor Sunday about his recent trip to America, the political situation and advice for young ministers.
Please give us an overview of your recent trips to Atlanta and Sacramento.
I quite enjoyed the trip. The grace of God was present and the favor of God was visible. While in Atlanta, the crowd was not as large as I had expected, but it was a ministers’ conference. And sometimes it is much better to preach to 200 ministers than to 2000 members. It is much more strategic. I feel I was able to do a lot of ministration to the people. I believe there was a purpose for my visit in Atlanta at that particular conference with Dr. Jones. I had other invitations for that time, but I believe those people were ready to receive the word. The Word actually was appreciated and some of the people were quite determined to go for it and see the word of God come to pass in their lives. In that sense, from that understanding, I really enjoyed the trip to Atlanta.
Of course I had a meeting with the Interdenominational Theological Seminary with Dr. Pat and Trudy Harpostle and with Dr. Jeff Wright of Chicago. It was a very productive meeting. It gave me the opportunity to be introduced to more African American Evangelical leaders in the United States.
The meetings in Sacramento were also very productive. We were able to have a meeting with Pastor Phillip Goudeaux who is the senior pastor of Calvary Christian center. He’s the pastor of the largest church in the Sacramento area. He was able to receive us and meet with us. I was also able to visit Modesto, with Pastor Glenn, a very wonderful group of people. And of course we had a meeting with our group of pastors, the missionaries who’ve gone there. God gave us a very strong prophetic word that released them to the nations to do an even better job, both in America and in other nations of the world. Our vision for America in the next ten years is to plant at least 50 churches in North America.
How have you seen acceptance of the Embassy of God expand over the last few years in America?
I have been going to the US over the last three years. I went there first and was basically unknown to the largest spectrum of American Christianity. But through the various trips I’ve made and the efforts of other Christian media, like TBN and Charisma, I think it has gained credibility as a move of God in America, not just in Europe, but over the whole world. And we thank God for that.
Do you think Christians in America are politically active enough?
Well, I think No. No. I don’t think Christians have been politically active enough. Many of the laws, on gay marriage and abortion or pro-choice, would not have happened if the church itself had only realized the power of unity and their role in politics and in forging the laws of the country. I don’t think we would be facing such questions in the first place and I don’t think we would have so much acrimony and division over who the next president of America would be.
What can Christians do to get involved in politics?
Well, I think the most important thing that helps Christians be more active politically is knowledge. Knowledge is the key. Understanding is important. People must be taught that they shouldn’t vote by tradition, or by what people say, but should actually look at politicians’ records, what they have done. By their works you shall know them. That could help Christians in America become more politically active. But more so, I think we need to educate all believers from the metropolises to the villages, they should be educated and trained in the role of the Church and God in any given society. I think many people are ignorant about it.
What similarities and differences do you see between Ukraine and America in this election year?
I see a lot of similarities, I see a lot of media exposure talking about the elections both here and in the United States. I see a lot of agitation going on in the people. And it kind of the same atmosphere in when it comes to the atmosphere for elections. The major difference is that in America there are only two major candidates who have the most popularity among the people. They have almost equal media coverage. I think the media tried its best to give equal coverage to both candidates. Whereas in Ukraine, you only hear about one. And most of the time the other candidate is totally neglected or boycotted.
What would you suggest for the average American church member who wants to see revival in his church?
There are a lot of things to do. First, the author and source of any revival is God. You must discover God. Begin to look for him. And when you get a hold of him, when he gives you his revelation and visitation, then you understand that you can become a channel of revival and through you God can begin to do great and mighty things.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young minister, what would it be?
Love God, love people and keep yourself pure. God bless you.
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