By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
DEVILLE, La. (LBM) – God still is at work in a time of conflict abroad, economic hardships at home and a steady assault on values and liberty, former Vice President Mike Pence told the congregation of Philadelphia Baptist Church, March 19.
“Even when you don’t see it, He’s working,” said Pence, who served with former President Donald Trump, 2018-2022. “Even when things don’t make sense, He’s working. I had other plans for these four years. You may have too. But never doubt that God is at work. And never doubt that the ministry of Philadelphia Baptist Church and churches just like it all across this state and nation are doing the most important work that’s done – loving God, loving others, and showing others God’s love,” a reference to the church’s mission statement.
Pence was the guest speaker during both Sunday morning worship services at PBC’s Deville campus, and after each service, he signed copies of his newly released book “So Help Me God.”
Pastor Philip Robertson said Pence’s appearance at PBC came about through a connection between mutual friends.
“We were honored that he would come and worship with us and share his testimony,” Robertson told the Baptist Message. “He was very gracious; his message was encouraging and our church and community welcomed him warmly. Not only is he a former vice president of the United States, but he is a brother in Christ. I respect and appreciate his walk with Christ.”
During his message, Pence shared he came to faith in Jesus while attending a Christian music festival in Wilmore, Kentucky, home of Asbury University, site of the 1970 revival that served as one of the significant events of “the Jesus movement.”
Forty-five years later, Asbury is again in the headlines hosting more than 50,000 people during a revival, Feb. 8-20. Pence said he hoped the multiple reports of revival across the country today are the “beginning of another Great Awakening in America.”
“I heard the words for the very first time that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son, that whoever might believe in Him might not perish but have everlasting life,” Pence said. “I remember I stood up and I walked down and I found a pastor, not out of just agreement that what had happened in history but because my heart was broken by what had been done for me at the cross. And I walked down and found a young pastor and bowed my head and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and He changed my life forever.”
While Pence did not announce his plans for a possible run in the next presidential election, he said he believes God has more in store for the United States.
“Our life has changed a lot but what hasn’t changed is my faith in the American people, my faith in the principles of our American founding that are so well celebrated in places like Louisiana,” he said. “I have faith that God is not done with America yet and the best days of the greatest nation on earth are yet to come.”
