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PENCE STATEMENT ON PASSING OF LUCIOUS NEWSOM

Leo Stenz, community leader in Indianapolis, the Honorable Jack Kemp, Lucious Newsom and Congressman Mike Pence at the Lord's Pantry

Washington, Aug 19, 2008 - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence released the following statement today regarding the passing of Lucious Newsom:

“With the passing of Lucious Newsom, Indianapolis has lost a giant of the Christian faith and I have lost a friend.

“Coming to Indiana at a time in his life when most people are looking to retire and relax, Lucious Newsom came to our state, saw a need among the poorest of the poor and set out to fill that need through compassion and an unshakable faith.

“I will always remember how, before the food pantry would open to needy families, Lucious would explain to the volunteers who had gathered inside, ‘you are about to have the privilege of serving Christ a meal because he said, “whatsoever you do for the least of these, that you do for me.’’’

“The last time I spoke to Lucious, I said ‘see you soon’ and he replied from his wheelchair, ‘I'll see you at home.’ I know in my heart that Lucious made it home, and I believe that I, like so many thousands he touched and inspired, will see him at home some day and we will have found our way there by his extraordinary example of Christian living.”

The Indianapolis Star paid tribute to Lucious in this article.