PORTAGE, MI -- Vice President Mike Pence presented President Donald Trump as a tireless advocate for religious liberty while visiting faith leaders at a Portage church.

Pence said his travels on the campaign trail for Trump’s reelection effort reinforced his view that the United States is “a nation of faith." The vice president said Trump is a strong ally of all religions, and with God’s help and four more years in the White House, America will become “more prosperous than you can imagine.”

“The greatness of America doesn’t come from the corridors of government, federal or state doesn’t even come from the bustling factories and industries and farms in this country, the strength of this country comes out of the character and faith of the American people,” Pence said. “Let me be very clear: This president, this vice president, this administration, will always defend the freedom of religion of every American of every faith.”

Pence became an evangelical, born-again Christian during his college years and since defined his political career around promoting socially conservative values. White evangelical voters were also a large part of Trump’s base in the 2016 election, and have remained his strongest supporters since.

During a visit to Valley Family Church, a non-denominational place of worship in Southwest Michigan, Pence encouraged faith leaders to spread the word about Trump’s impact on the country.

Pence’s remarks drew a standing ovation several times. The crowd strongly applauded Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Founding pastors of Valley Family Church Jeff and Beth Jones warmly received Pence with a prayer upon his arrival.

“Thank you, Lord, for President Donald J. Trump and your hand upon him,” Beth Jones said during the prayer. “Thank you for his 2017 declaration in the Rose Garden that we are a nation of faith. We are in agreement with that and thankful for the favor that President has shown towards people of faith and faith-based organizations.”

Hello Michigan! You can feel the energy and support here for President @realDonaldTrump! We’re working for YOU and for all of America! #KAG 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/V2DoyQqgx2 — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) December 4, 2019

The United States is safer and more prosperous under the Trump administration, Pence said. He put a particular focus on economic growth, pointing to the creation of 75,000 jobs in Michigan since Trump took office.

Pence’s remarks tread familiar ground compared to other public events he’s held in Michigan. The vice president celebrated Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, the appointment of conservative judges, success in fighting ISIS and commitment to rolling back abortion rights.

Pence said one of his proudest moments as vice president was delivering a tie-breaking vote in the Senate to give states permission to withhold federal family planning funds from Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.

Meanwhile, Pence said Democrats running to challenge the Republican president in 2020 are embracing "radical” stances that would undo Trump’s work. Pence said Democrats are pursuing "endless investigations into the president as hearings in the House impeachment inquiry continued Wednesday.

“One bad night in November of next year, and we lose all the progress we’ve made,” Pence said.

Pence’s visit targets important areas for Trump’s reelection campaign. Trump became the first Republican to win Michigan since 1988 by a narrow 10,704-vote margin, which gives Democrats hope of flipping the state.

“The choice in this election has never been clearer, but the stakes have never been higher,” Pence said. “The people of Michigan stepped forward and saw the vision and leadership President Donald Trump could bring to this country. The results speak for themselves, confirming the confidence of the people of Michigan.”

Pence spoke for roughly 30 minutes before a seated crowd of around 50 people. The vice president privately met with some attendees after taking pictures, then boarded the large bus for a “Keep America Great Again” event in Holland.

Pence’s motorcade passed a smattering of protesters, one wearing a banana costume, who waited along the highway outside Portage with “Impeach Trump” signs.

Pence is scheduled to hold a public campaign event with former White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.