Televangelist James Robison, who preached the Gospel to millions dies
James Robison never shied away from his calling to preach the Gospel and feed the hungry throughout the world.
Robison, who founded the Fort Worth-based relief organization, Life International Outreach and the nationally syndicated Life Today television program died Sunday. He was 82.
Robison’s ministry announced his death Sunday in a statement posted on social media which read in part, “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International…”
“Though we grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life faithfully lived in service to God and others.”
Robison’s wife Betty also mourned her husband’s death in a statement from Life Outreach.
“Life without him won’t be the same, but the mission and ministry of LIFE will no doubt continue thanks to the family and friends across the world who’ve stood with us through the years and will continue to in the days ahead,” she said.
Former president George W. Bush met with Robison on numerous occasions to discuss running for president.
During one such meeting when Bush was governor of Texas, he confided to Robison that, “I feel like God wants me to run for President. I can’t explain it, but I sense my country is going to need me.”
Robison was born in the charity ward of a Houston hospital on October 9, 1943, addording to biographical information on Life Today’s website.
His biological mother was a victim of rape, and she placed an ad in the newspaper asking that a Christian couple take care of her son.
Robison was adopted by H.D. Hale and his wife who raised him for the first five years of his life.
Then, when Robison was 5 years old, his biological mother came to get him, and they moved to Austin for 10 years.
Preaching the Gospel
In high school, Robison felt that God called him to be an evangelist, and he began preaching the Gospel.
Robison met his wife Betty, and they were married in 1963.
Robison continued building his ministry when he formed Life Outreach International which provides food and water to people throughout the world.
According to Life International, one of the organization’s longest-running ministries, Mission Feeding has saved the lives of over 23 million children in Africa.
Other ministries involve helping human trafficking victims and digging wells throughout Africa.
Spreading the Gospel
Robison preached in over 600 citywide evangelistic crusades attended by more than 20 million people and personally inspired religious, political and social leaders.
In 1995, Robison and his wife Betty launched the Life Today program, broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Daystar Television.
Robison also wrote numerous books where he shared his faith and ministry.
Randy Robison said of his father, “I’m so grateful for the life my dad lived. He didn’t chase accolades or achievements. His passion was the Gospel. His heart was for missions. His love was for his family.”