93-Year-Old Minister Gets Big Support For New Mission

INDIANAPOLIS -- At age 93, Indianapolis minister Lucious Newsom is looking for a new challenge, and a who's who of Indianapolis and beyond is pitching in to help.

Newsom felt somewhat out of place surrounded by Indianapolis Colts players and coaches, politicians and business leaders Tuesday, partially because where he is most comfortable is helping the poor, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

"I'm thrilled that they're here, but tomorrow, I'll take their money and give it to the poor," Newsom said.

Newsom has been getting up at 5 a.m. to serve others through his pantry mission for two decades.

Former U.S. housing secretary and Buffalo Bills football player Jack Kemp helped host a fundraiser for Newsom, who is trying to raise money to build a shelter for battered women and children.

"I was swept away, and I said, 'Lucious, I'll be back to help raise money. I'm going to bring George Taliaferro. I'm going to bring the governor. I'm going to bring Pence. I'm going to bring Dungy, Polian, Manning, Reagan, Bush, Obama,'" Kemp said. "They're not here, but we're here."

One of Kemp's jerseys, along with Peyton Manning's and others were offered in a silent auction to help.

U.S. Rep Mike Pence and his wife said Newsom is the perfect example of service.

"He has taught me that some of us serve the public, some of us serve our friends and family and people like Lucious really serve the Lord every day by serving the least of these," Mike Pence said.

"He treats everybody with dignity. He's just one of the most amazing people you could ever meet and an inspiration," Karen Pence said.

Despite the spotlight being on Newsom, he spoke Tuesday about those still in need because of recent flooding.

"Please don't forget those who are going to be a little sleepy tonight and feel a little damp. Don't forget them," Newsom said.