Southern Baptist televangelist and Pentecostal TV star James Robison died on May 17. He was 82. His official Facebook page announced the death:
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International. 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 statement continued:
“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.”
James Robison was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Robison, in December 2012. The following month, the mourning father wrote in an essay, “Goodbye For Now, Sweet Robin” on the “Words of Life” section of Life Today:
“How do you say goodbye for now to someone you love so much? Someone so precious—to us, so perfect. Only 40 years old, our youngest child, Robin, fought the good fight of faith against one of life’s greatest enemies. After a seven-year battle with cancer, she left to be forever with Jesus on Friday, December 28.”
Meanwhile, the obituary on Legacy.com read:
“Robin loved Jesus first and foremost, and she loved her Cardinals baseball. She loved scrapbooking and Christmas decorating. Robin loved being the host of parties and planning family vacations, especially to Disney World. She was a tireless worker and took great care of her family.”
More about James Robison’s late daughter
Robin Robison was born to Betty and James Robison in Colleyville, Texas, in 1982. She was, in fact, their “miracle baby.” In his tribute essay, the televangelist wrote:
“Everyone who knew her recognized she was one of the brightest lights and most consistent witnesses they had ever observed. She was our miracle baby. Betty had been told after the birth of our oldest daughter, Rhonda, who is now an amazing mother of four, that she would likely never have another child due to endometriosis. Five years after Rhonda’s birth, we adopted Randy, our wonderful son and father of four. Robin came unexpectedly three years later.”
James Robison continued:
“From the moment she was conceived, the fight for life was on. Before Betty even knew she was pregnant, she nearly lost her… The doctor immediately put her on a controlled program in order to carry Robin to full term. We didn’t know until years later that our daughter had not taken a breath on her own for more than 45 minutes after her birth.”
The Pentecostal influencer noted how Robin’s chance of survival was next to zero and the doctors had said she would live in a “vegetative state.” However, when he finally became “active,” they were “amazed” at the “miracle.”
The father of three also wrote how his three children shared a close bond.
“Rhonda always said her little sister Robin was her hero—and Randy felt the same. She was a hero to everyone who knew her,” James added.
Later in her life, Robin Robison married Ken William Turner of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and took his last name. Together, the couple welcomed three children: Christopher, Cody, and Callie.
After a prolonged throat cancer battle, James Robison’s daughter breathed her last, surrounded by family and friends, during the holiday season of 2012. Her celebration service was held at the Church on the Move in Tulsa.
“Although the family is saddened by the loss, they rejoice in the ever-present light she was throughout her time on this earth… Though she is deeply missed, her legacy will live on, as the faith warrior she was,” the obituary stated.
At the time, James Robison told Legacy.com:
“Our precious daughter Robin revealed clearly to everyone what Jesus meant by ‘abundant life.’ She lived in His peace and passed from this world in His prevailing peace that passes understanding. She was truly a bright light in a dark world.”
The former President of LIFE Outreach added:
“Betty and I are grateful for the love and prayers of those who are helping us walk through these difficult days. As our son-in-law Kenny texted today, the words of this song keep going over and over in my mind: ‘On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.’”
The now-late evangelist revealed in the 2013 essay how he and his wife never experienced such an “unexpected heartache” or watched such a “precious person suffer such dreadful pain and never once complain.”
James Robison reflected on his daughter’s final moments as she uttered, “I win.” He noted:
“Betty and I recognize that Robin didn’t get the finish to her life the way we all envisioned, but she did run the race, finish the course—and she did win! Robin did not fail. Faith did not fail. Her family and church did not fail. And God certainly did not fail! No, we do not understand why she suffered so much. We don’t have to. We continue to trust God. Robin is pain-free, whole and in perfect peace forever.”
Robison gave a shoutout to Robin’s husband, kids, and siblings who stood by her during the seven-year-long medical journey while holding on to their faith. Before ending his essay with a poem titled “Hold On To You,” James also thanked everyone who prayed for his family amid his daughter’s illness and death.
James Robison’s death announcement mentioned how his mission will be continued by his foundation, LIFE Outreach International, with the “same heart, compassion, and commitment.” It pleaded with his followers to pray for his wife, Betty, other members of his family, and their entire ministry. A quote from Matthew 25:21 was also given, which reads:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Tributes are now pouring in for James Robison from across the world.
Edited by Pallavi K