Tributes continue for evangelist James Robison
Tributes continue to come in for James Robison, the longtime evangelist, television host and founder of Life Outreach International, whose ministry influenced generations through preaching, broadcasting and global humanitarian work.
Robison died May 17 at age 82, according to Life Outreach International. In the days since, ministry leaders and public figures have remembered him not only as a fiery preacher, but as a mentor, encourager and advocate for the poor.
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, remembered Robison as “a powerful preacher and a great encourager,” according to Charisma. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, now U.S. ambassador to Israel, said Robison and his wife, Betty, were “huge influences” in his life and noted that he named his son’s middle name after Robison. Pastor Samuel Rodriguez called Robison “a mentor, a dear friend, and a man of God,” while pastor Jentezen Franklin said Robison was “a true man of God.”
Life Outreach International announced Robison’s death in a statement asking supporters to pray for Betty Robison, the Robison family and the ministry’s worldwide staff and partners.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International,” the ministry said. “James devoted his life to sharing the gospel and bringing hope, help and healing to those in need around the world. Together, James and Betty stewarded a ministry that has touched countless lives and will continue impacting generations to come.”
The ministry said Robison’s work will continue through Life Outreach’s feeding programs, clean-water initiatives, disaster relief and outreach to vulnerable communities around the world.
“Though we grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life faithfully lived in service to God and others,” the ministry said. “In the months and years ahead, we will faithfully carry on the mission James cared about so deeply — bringing food to the hungry, water to the thirsty and mostly, the hope of Christ to a hurting world.”
Robison was best known as host of “Life Today,” the long-running Christian television program he co-hosted with Betty Robison. CBN reported that the couple had hosted the nationally syndicated program since 1995.
His public ministry stretched across more than six decades. According to CBN, Robison preached in more than 600 evangelistic crusades and reached more than 20 million people. Life Outreach International also became known for humanitarian work, including food, clean water and relief efforts.
Robison also was a prominent voice in American evangelical public life. Religion News Service described him as a televangelist, author and early religious-right figure who later led a humanitarian organization. The report noted that Robison was active alongside other evangelical leaders during the rise of the Moral Majority and later became more publicly identified with ministry outreach and humanitarian work.
Robison spoke often about being born under difficult circumstances and raised in hardship. He said he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus at age 14 and was called to be an evangelist at 18. That testimony became a recurring part of his preaching and public ministry.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; son Randy; and daughter Rhonda. Their youngest daughter, Robin Robison Turner, died in 2012 after battling throat cancer.
–Alan Goforth
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