Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain speaks at a non-partisan rally in Circleville, Ohio | Photo Credit: Big 3 News

For the man whose political fortunes have been on the rise in recent weeks, Republican Presidential hopeful Herman Cain didn’t talk like a front runner at an Ohio rally covered live by Big 3 News on Thursday night.

In fact, the former Godfather’s Pizza CEO and feisty WSB Atlanta, Georgia radio host seemed humbled as he talked about the role of faith in our nation’s history and his personal battle with cancer before an estimated crowd of 1,500 during a “Faith & Freedom Rally” at Ohio Christian University in Circleville.

“I don’t know if I’m the leader that this nation needs at this particular point in our history, but I believe God Almighty knows.” Cain said of his political aspirations. “And if I am, it is in the hands of God Almighty. Not a party, not the media, but in the hands of God Almighty and His people.”

This was a stark contrast  from the man who just two days ago wrangled with the likes of Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Ron Paul and Michelle Bachmann over his economic plan in a New Hampshire debate sponsored by The Washington Post and Bloomberg .

“My top priority is 9-9-9″, Cain thundered Tuesday on the debate stage in response to a question from Texas Congressman Ron Paul about auditing the Federal Reserve. “Jobs, jobs, jobs!”

Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio | Photo credit: Big 3 News

Cain’s softer tone at the non-political event, sponsored by the Faith and Freedom Coalition of Ohio, was especially evident when he talked about the problems facing America.

“America’s greatest hope isn’t necessarily in fixing the economy, although we need to do that,” Cain said. “America’s greatest hope is not necessarily in fixing and rebuilding our military, although we need to do that. Our greatest hope may not necessarily be having a very clear foreign policy position  with every country around the world, although we need to do that.”

Herman Cain's book, "This Is Herman Cain!", on display at Ohio Christian University | Photo credit: Big 3 News

Cain, an associate Baptist preacher, said America’s greatest hope could be found in the fourth verse of the Star-Spangled Banner.

“Where it says, ‘In God is our trust’. That is America’s greatest hope,” Cain said to applause.

Although the candidate didn’t mention his 9-9-9 economic plan by name, he did use an opportunity to make a subtle reference to it when he selected a favorite passage out of the Old Testament for a message he paraphrased as “listen, you just might learn something.”

“As my pastor told me…always leave room for the Holy Spirit,” Cain said. “Because you might think you want to say one thing, but God Almighty might decide he wants to say something else to the people through you.”

Cain then directed the audience to chapter nine and verse nine of the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament.

“This is a non-partisan faith and freedom event,” Cain said to laughter.

Other speakers during the evening included Dr. Ralph Reed, founder of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, Dr. Benny Tate, pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia, Dr. Mark A. Smith, Ohio Christian University President, and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. Former Ohio Secretary of State and Gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell was slated to speak but was unable to attend.

Watch full coverage of the Faith & Freedom Rally below from Big 3 News:

HERMAN CAIN, REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE:

DR. MARK A. SMITH, OHIO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT:

DR. BENNY TATE, ROCK SPRINGS CHURCH PASTOR:

JOSH MANDEL, OHIO TREASURER:

DR. RALPH REED, FAITH & FREEDOM COALITION FOUNDER:

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