By Lillie Liska
Life Outreach International founder Rev. James Robison died on May 17, leaving a legacy of over 60 years dedicated to sharing the gospel. He was 82 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International,” his organization said in a statement.
“James devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help, and healing to those in need around the world,” the statement continued. “Together, James and Betty stewarded a ministry that has touched countless lives and will continue impacting generations to come.”
“Though we grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life faithfully lived in service to God and others. 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… ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ — Matthew 25:21,” it concluded.
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According to Life Today, Robison was called to be an evangelist at age 18 and started The James Robison Evangelistic Association in 1963 with encouragement from Billy Graham.
He launched Life Today and the Christian television show also called LIFE TODAY, which he hosted with his wife, Betty, in 1995. “Television became the vehicle God used to multiply the gospel’s reach far beyond any crusade,” his website’s biography reads.
Over the course of his many decades in ministry, Robison preached the gospel to over 20 million people. His outreach ministry has drilled over 9,000 wells to bring clean water to over 9 million people, and he served as part of a mission that continues to feed 350,000 children a day.
“But more than numbers, James’s life was dedicated to people, to the one lost, hurting, and alone – the one needing a glimpse of God’s love in a visible way,” his website said.
Condolences poured in on social media after Life Today announced Robison’s passing as Christian leaders reflected on the televangelist’s influence on their lives and ministries.
“My heart literally hurts. He was such a man of God — whose whole life pointed to the Son of God,” author Ann Voskamp wrote. “How he loved Jesus — and stoked our hearts’ affection to love Him with our whole, ignited hearts. I will never, ever forget his kindness — being in his presence was to encounter more of Jesus. A gift of a man — to the church, to this generation, to the nations.”
“So sorry for your loss,” former MLB player Darryl Strawberry said. “Sending prayers to his family and friends! May the Lord comfort them all during this very painful time. Many Blessings.”
John Bevere, a Christian speaker and author, said, “Lisa and I will miss you till we are reunited! Thanks for being a father to us in the faith.”
Robison is survived by his wife, Betty, and two of their three adult children. Their youngest daughter passed away in 2012.
Please keep Robison’s family, friends and ministry in your prayers.
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