SUNSET, La. (KLFY) – Vice President Mike Pence saw the damage here firsthand at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Friday afternoon. He offered the pastors and parishioners words of comfort and encouragement.
Vice President Pence met privately with pastors and walked with them around what’s left of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church near sunset.
He then took time to meet with parishioners — offering hugs and words of encouragement.
He said what happened at the three churches was evil.
“Your resilience and your faith and your courage in the face of this unspeakable evil has inspired the nation,” Vice President Pence said.
Pence said ays the president and country stand with the three churches destroyed: St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre on march 26, Greater Union Baptist in Opelousas on April 2 and Mount Pleasant Baptist on April 4.
“To see the way the people here in these churches and the communities and across Louisiana responded is an inspiration to the nation,” the vice president said.
He also lamented the recent attacks at churches, synagogues and mosques.
“No one should ever fear for their safety in a house of worship anywhere in this country or anywhere in the world. And these attacks on communities of faith must stop,” Pence said.
The pastors told me they were happy to meet Vice President Pence, who offered his support.
“To have one of the highest offices in America to come and support us means a whole lot to us, knowing that we’re not in this thing by ourselves,” said Pastor Gerald Toussaint of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
“He said that if ever we need his help to call him and he left his cards and I’m comfortable with that. I believe that his heart is in the right place,” Pastor Harry Richard of Greater Union Baptist Church said.
Pastor Kyle Sylvester of St. Mary Baptist Church added, “The vice president I really receive his spirit. I believe he’s really concerned and this was a great experience and I think this is just beginning of something that’s just real awesome and great.”
All of the pastors say that they were encouraged by the vice president’s visit.
They say that they will be in touch if needed.