Mike Pence Admits to Having Walked Away From His Faith at One Time

While visiting a church in the “battleground” state of Florida over the weekend, Republican vice presidential nominee Indiana Gov. Mike Pence shared his testimony and offered an inside look at the GOP presidential campaign that likely surprised a lot of people.

While attending First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Pence was allowed to speak to the congregation, and used the opportunity to share his personal testimony. He discussed how he “walked away” from the faith of his upbringing when he went off to college, and how a shiny necklace brought him back.

“I went off to college and had largely walked away from the faith that I was raised to believe in,” he said. “But when I got to college, I met a group of folks in a non-denominational Christian fellowship group.”

One of the study group members wore a “beautiful cross necklace” that he greatly admired, and he asked the man—who has been his friend ever since—how he could buy one and start being a Christian too. His friend told Pence, “You know, you’ve got to wear it in the heart before you wear it around your neck.”

The governor told the congregation he accepted Christ back into his life a few months later during a Christian music festival. There, he heard a number of pastors speak—not of what Jesus had done to save the world, but rather what He had done to save Pence.

“My heart broke with gratitude and I gave my life to Jesus Christ.”

Pence said his faith has become an integral part of Donald Trump’s campaign, as well. Frequently on the campaign trail, he said, he will pray with the GOP presidential nominee before an event.

“Donald waved Karen and me over and he said, ‘Hey can we have a prayer before you leave?'” he told the congregation. “This is a man who is raised in a family of faith.”