A Ministry of Impact in the European Parliament
At the heart of Europe’s legislative body, the consistent and faithful presence of Capitol Ministries’ Bible study is quietly impacting the lives of lawmakers as elected officials gather to open God’s Word and seek spiritual encouragement amid the pressures of public service.
On Tuesdays, a group of Members of the European Parliament representing 27 nations of the European Union meet behind closed doors for a Bible study led by Pastor Valeriu Ghiletchi, Capitol Ministries’ Ministry Leader for Europe.
A one-hour Bible study for Members of Parliament represents a three-day journey for Pastor Valeriu, whose home is in Moldova. Airline and hotel staff recognize him by now, greeting him warmly as he faithfully travels the same route month after month to Strasbourg and Brussels.
“Before anything else, I focus on building relationships with the people I serve,” Pastor Valeriu shared in a recent interview. “Someone once said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
His frequent travel to Strasbourg and Brussels—both home to key European Parliament headquarters—has made Pastor Valeriu a familiar and trusted presence. As he walks the halls and offices of the Parliament building, personally inviting lawmakers to Bible study, he is met with welcoming smiles and affirming handshakes.
“As a former Vice Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament and a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), I understand the mindset of elected officials and how to engage with them,” Pastor Valeriu explains. “I speak to their hearts. They know I am not there to ask for favors or lobby for an agenda. I am there to serve them and point them to Christ.”
The Tuesday morning Bible study is co-sponsored by several Members of the European Parliament, lending collegiality and encouraging broader participation. Lawmakers from different nations—who often strongly disagree during political debates—find unity in Scripture and prayer during the study.
“We share a core principle that party affiliations and religious denominations are left outside the Bible study,” Pastor Ghiletchi explains. “We gather to study God’s Word, seek its application in our lives, and pray for one another.”
Pastor Valeriu’s personal journey lends depth to his ministry. His family endured religious persecution in Moldova during the Soviet era. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, he pursued theological training and earned his Bachelor of Divinity from Emmanuel University in Romania.
After the Tuesday morning Bible study concludes, his ministry continues. Pastor Valeriu remains for an additional day, intentionally making himself available for one-on-one conversations with Members of Parliament.
“There is great value in simply listening to lawmakers and allowing the Holy Spirit to bring healing to their hearts,” Pastor Valeriu reflects. “Elected officials carry an enormous amount of pressure, and I am grateful that God has placed me here to pray with them, offer comfort, and provide pastoral care and support.”
On Thursday afternoon, Pastor Valeriu boards a plane to return home to Moldova—but his mission does not end there. Throughout the following days, he continues to follow up with lawmakers through text messages, responds to prayer requests, and sends verses of encouragement from Scripture.
Pastor Valeriu humbly reflects on his calling:
“I am grateful to be part of Capitol Ministries—a ministry devoted to making disciples of Jesus in the political arena. Whether the group includes fifteen people or just two, I remain committed to showing up and leading Bible study, because this ministry is ultimately a ministry of presence.”
If you would like to support Pastor Valeriu and Capitol Ministries Europe, please click here.
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