James Robison: A Journey of Significance

May 25, 2026 | 27:29

Randy Robison reflects on the life and legacy of his father, James Robison.

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Life Today with James Robison | James Robison: A Journey of Significance | May 25, 2026
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  • Male announcer: the following program is sponsored by friends
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  • Of life outreach international and the friends
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  • And partners of tbn.
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  • Randy robison: welcome to "life today."
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  • I'm randy robinson.
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  • As i sit here, it's been just a few days since the surprising
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  • Loss of my father.
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  • I wanted to come in today, even though it's difficult, just to
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  • Honor him.
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  • I know the impact he's had on so many people, and the social
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  • Media comments have been wonderful.
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  • If you wrote one of those, thank you for your kind words.
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  • There's a scripture in psalm 116, says: "precious in the
  • 00:00:40.363 --> 00:00:47.737
  • Sight of the lord are the death of the saints," and that's a
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  • Hard one.
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  • It doesn't make sense to our earthly minds.
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  • That almost sounds cruel.
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  • But when you understand what my friend dudley hall calls the
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  • Story, what is the story of scripture, it culminated in
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  • Jesus christ who, when his birth was announced, was called by the
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  • Angels emmanuel, god with us.
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  • The story of scripture is god reconciling his creation to him.
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  • That's his goal, that's his heart, that's his desire for
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  • Every one of us.
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  • When you understand that, you understand that scripture
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  • In psalms.
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  • My father james robison has been reconciled with his father in
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  • Heaven, and god says that's precious.
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  • Splendid is another word for that.
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  • Like a precious jewel, it's a beautiful thing.
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  • So today we take a look back at my father's life.
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  • We call it "a journey of significance."
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  • And i hope just even looking back at this, it will draw you
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  • Closer to our heavenly father.
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  • James robison: any of you that say tonight, "i'm gonna pray for
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  • Brokenness," you've never been broken because if you've ever
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  • Been broken you don't wanna pray for it again.
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  • But you'll be ever mindful that without it, you're useless as
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  • Far as eternity is concerned because god uses broken vessels.
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  • Announcer: it's the unlikeliest of journeys, one that opens in
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  • An unlikely place under unlikely circumstances.
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  • It is the story of a man and a god who takes broken things and
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  • Shapes them into the unexpected, into a life of impact,
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  • Of significance.
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  • Announcer: much of what forms a man is his childhood.
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  • The one james was handed delivered adversity, rejection,
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  • And insecurity that should have laid the way for a path
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  • Of self-destruction.
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  • Conceived as a product of rape, almost aborted, then born into
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  • Abject poverty, the first real announcement of james's life on
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  • This earth came in the personal section of the newspaper.
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  • "wanted: loving christian couple to raise newborn boy.
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  • References required."
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  • The reverend doyle hale and his wife katie answered the ad.
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  • They were all that james's mother could have hoped for.
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  • While james quickly came to know them as mommy and daddy, his
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  • Happiness was short-lived.
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  • When he was just five, his birth mother, myra wattinger, returned
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  • To claim him.
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  • Torn away from the only parents he had ever known, little james
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  • Was pulled into a chaotic journey with a mother who was a
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  • Complete stranger, a journey that began with him hitchhiking
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  • 175 miles to the first of many places james would never really
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  • Call home.
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  • The hales desperately tried to bridge the distance to their
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  • Beloved little boy with a stream of letters and gifts, but
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  • Unknown to james, myra intercepted and returned every
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  • One of them, leaving him feeling abandoned and rejected by
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  • Virtually every adult in his life.
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  • By the world's standards, james had little reason for hope.
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  • By the world's standards, he should have been aborted, but
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  • God had a vastly different plan, and each challenge james faced
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  • Would help mold and prepare him for the ministry that lay ahead.
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  • The next ten years were filled with poverty and the
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  • Circumstances that often surround it: hunger, filth,
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  • Danger, and the kind of isolation that comes from
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  • Constantly moving.
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  • Often the outsider, he was so painfully shy that those who
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  • Knew him could never have imagined him as the mesmerizing
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  • Speaker that would later hold millions spellbound as few in
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  • History have.
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  • By the age of 15, james had watched his mother struggle
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  • Through multiple marriages.
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  • The final male figure to enter the scene was james's real
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  • Father, who had 15 years earlier forced himself upon myra.
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  • The hope that his blood father might be the one he had longed
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  • For was quickly dashed.
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  • Little had changed, and this alcoholic drifter's abuse would
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  • Pick up right where it had left off.
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  • James's life had hung in the balance before.
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  • It would again when one of his father's murderous rages sent
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  • James running in self-defense for his 30-06 hunting rifle.
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  • As james prepared to pull the trigger, the sheriff arrived to
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  • Haul his father to jail.
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  • That divine intervention was the first of many, and the
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  • Experience prompted a trip back to visit his foster parents.
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  • The reverend and mrs. hale had never stopped praying for james,
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  • And they would prove instrumental in drawing him into
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  • A radical, life-changing encounter.
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  • Announcer: james had returned to the hales for the summer.
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  • The reverend hale pastored a small church in pasadena, texas.
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  • And while it was natural that he would participate in church
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  • Activities, an added incentive was a sweet, pretty girl who had
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  • Caught his eye.
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  • Betty freeman's background was the polar opposite of james.
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  • She had grown up in a strong christian family and attended
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  • Church several times a week.
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  • But the two teens had some things in common.
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  • Both were shy and insecure.
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  • Many in the church were eager for james's salvation, but mama
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  • Hale, ever the prayer warrior, was so confident james was going
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  • To find christ, at one particular youth service she
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  • Brought spare clothes for him to change into
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  • After being baptized.
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  • Katherine hale: i saw james as he sat near the back of the
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  • Church, clinging to the chair that he--that was in front
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  • Of him.
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  • And he was not making a move, but he was weeping.
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  • I went back to him and took him by his hand and i said, "james,
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  • Don't you wanna come to the lord today?"
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  • And he said, "yes, ma'am.
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  • But i'm so afraid, mama."
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  • And i said, "i'll walk down the aisle with you."
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  • Doyle hale: i stepped down from here and met james as he came,
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  • And he looked up into my face and said, "daddy, i trust the
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  • Lord as my savior tonight."
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  • And there as he knelt, there he gave his heart to the lord.
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  • Announcer: not long after, james shadowed a young minister over
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  • The course of a weeklong revival.
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  • As it drew to an end, james, to everyone's surprise, moved to
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  • The microphone and shared news that would change not only his
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  • Life but millions of others to follow.
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  • God had called him to be an evangelist.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • James: christ jesus came to save sinners.
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  • If there's a sinner here tonight, christ came to
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  • Save you.
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  • It is by his mercy, his grace that we're saved, not by works
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  • Of righteousness.
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  • You're gonna be saved by his grace.
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  • Is there a sinner here tonight?
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  • Well, if there is, there's a savior waiting, and he only
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  • Waits for sinners.
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  • Announcer: the year was 1963 when a 19-year-old james robison
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  • Began sharing the message of jesus christ across america.
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  • James: get up out of your seat right now, whoever you are, and
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  • Move to an aisle.
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  • Come and stand right here in front of me.
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  • Just come and stand right here.
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  • Face me and bow your head.
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  • I'm gonna wait while you just get up and come.
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  • Right now all over the stadium, just stand up and come on.
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  • Don't wait on anyone else.
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  • Announcer: from stadiums and colosseums holding thousands to
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  • Youth rallies and school gyms, james began speaking daily
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  • Anywhere people would gather to hear him preach the word of god.
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  • James: i'm telling you the source of life is not religion.
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  • The source of life is god, and the way to the life of god is
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  • Through the son of god.
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  • There's only one way to heaven.
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  • It's through jesus.
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  • He said, "i'm the way.
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  • I'm the truth. i'm the life."
  • 00:10:12.068 --> 00:10:14.537
  • Announcer: as time went on, the 1970s and '80s witnessed even
  • 00:10:14.537 --> 00:10:18.374
  • Larger crowds responding as james called the nation to
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  • Repentance and salvation through christ.
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  • In all, james would preach in over 600 citywide crusades, with
  • 00:10:25.414 --> 00:10:29.919
  • A total attendance surpassing 20 million people.
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  • James: friend, god loves you like that.
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  • He gave his son for you.
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  • He loves you.
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  • He died for you on a cross that you might live, and it's a
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  • Personal knowledge of jesus and a personal relationship with
  • 00:10:48.304 --> 00:10:52.408
  • Jesus that gives you life everlasting.
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  • Would you come and trust jesus tonight and know him?
  • 00:10:56.245 --> 00:11:01.884
  • Come on.
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  • God says, "i'll forgive you."
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  • He loves you.
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  • He wants to forgive you tonight forever, give you new life.
  • 00:11:07.022 --> 00:11:13.829
  • Would you come as a teenage boy or teenage girl, as a man, a
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  • Woman, a mother, a dad?
  • 00:11:17.299 --> 00:11:19.702
  • Would you, christians, turn to one of your friends and say,
  • 00:11:19.702 --> 00:11:22.271
  • "i'll go with you," and you could bring them to christ?
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  • Announcer: night after night, large crowds came forward to
  • 00:11:28.778 --> 00:11:31.714
  • Answer the call unto salvation.
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  • But within the sea of faces, god saw every single individual and
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  • Heard their prayers just like he did for a young boy named james
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  • Robison, who gave his life to jesus and was faithful to tell
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  • The world of god's love.
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  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:11:51.500 --> 00:12:04.246
  • Announcer: evangelist billy graham saw something special in
  • 00:12:01.443 --> 00:12:07.049
  • James robison, the fiery preacher from texas, and felt
  • 00:12:07.049 --> 00:12:10.419
  • Strongly that he should be preaching on tv.
  • 00:12:10.419 --> 00:12:13.055
  • James was humbled that a man of billy graham's stature and
  • 00:12:13.055 --> 00:12:15.825
  • Anointing would offer such supportive remarks.
  • 00:12:15.825 --> 00:12:18.194
  • He agreed to pray about it, and after five sleepless nights,
  • 00:12:18.194 --> 00:12:21.597
  • James felt it was indeed god's will that he minister
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  • On television.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • ♪ i want the whole wide world to know about the savior. ♪
  • 00:12:33.943 --> 00:12:39.114
  • ♪ i want the whole wide world to know that everybody needs him. ♪
  • 00:12:39.114 --> 00:12:44.253
  • ♪ i want the whole wide world to know, ♪
  • 00:12:44.253 --> 00:12:47.089
  • ♪ i want the whole wide world to know, ♪
  • 00:12:47.156 --> 00:12:49.859
  • ♪ i want the whole wide world to know, ♪
  • 00:12:49.925 --> 00:12:52.194
  • ♪ i want the whole wide world-- ♪
  • 00:12:52.194 --> 00:12:54.897
  • ♪ yes, i want the whole wide world to know. ♪
  • 00:12:54.897 --> 00:13:04.473
  • James: welcome.
  • 00:13:06.308 --> 00:13:07.643
  • "get together" is a program designed with you in mind.
  • 00:13:07.643 --> 00:13:10.980
  • Announcer: in 1971, the television program called "get
  • 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:14.116
  • Together" began locally in dallas, texas.
  • 00:13:14.116 --> 00:13:16.385
  • The 30-minute program featured music from john mccain.
  • 00:13:16.385 --> 00:13:18.921
  • ♪ hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water. ♪
  • 00:13:18.921 --> 00:13:25.194
  • ♪ it is jesus and me. ♪
  • 00:13:25.194 --> 00:13:29.031
  • Announcer: jeanne rogers.
  • 00:13:29.031 --> 00:13:30.366
  • ♪ for each tomorrow. ♪
  • 00:13:30.366 --> 00:13:36.171
  • Announcer: and rhonda robison.
  • 00:13:36.171 --> 00:13:38.240
  • ♪ lasting peace he'll bring. ♪♪
  • 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:42.244
  • Announcer: other guests would join in from week to week to
  • 00:13:42.244 --> 00:13:44.947
  • Lift their voices in song.
  • 00:13:44.947 --> 00:13:47.483
  • Betty would make rare appearances in those days and
  • 00:13:47.483 --> 00:13:50.352
  • Bring the children along.
  • 00:13:50.352 --> 00:13:53.222
  • James would present a challenging word to christians
  • 00:13:53.222 --> 00:13:55.658
  • And the rest of its viewers who needed christ in their lives.
  • 00:13:55.658 --> 00:13:58.827
  • Soon, the message of salvation was being heard across the
  • 00:13:58.827 --> 00:14:01.563
  • Country as the television outreach quickly expanded to
  • 00:14:01.563 --> 00:14:04.600
  • 96 markets.
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  • Announcer: and now james robison presents "attack on the family."
  • 00:14:16.745 --> 00:14:23.118
  • Tonight--
  • 00:14:23.118 --> 00:14:24.453
  • Announcer: dramatic primetime specials were developed after
  • 00:14:24.453 --> 00:14:26.055
  • The weekly program expanded.
  • 00:14:26.055 --> 00:14:27.890
  • Of the five specials aired, "attack on the family" and "wake
  • 00:14:27.890 --> 00:14:31.293
  • Up america" received highest awards for quality programming
  • 00:14:31.293 --> 00:14:34.697
  • From the national religious broadcasters.
  • 00:14:34.697 --> 00:14:37.132
  • These primetime specials were responsible for over 400,000
  • 00:14:37.132 --> 00:14:41.036
  • Responses by phone and letter, seeking spiritual help and
  • 00:14:41.036 --> 00:14:44.740
  • Trusting christ as savior.
  • 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:47.142
  • Phil: please welcome reverend james robison, a man who--say
  • 00:14:47.142 --> 00:14:49.945
  • Hello to him and--
  • 00:14:49.945 --> 00:14:51.313
  • Announcer: james's outspoken concerns for america's moral
  • 00:14:51.313 --> 00:14:54.116
  • Decay brought invitations to speak on network television
  • 00:14:54.116 --> 00:14:57.419
  • Programs and interviews with national newspapers
  • 00:14:57.419 --> 00:14:59.922
  • And magazines.
  • 00:14:59.922 --> 00:15:01.623
  • James: i believe the bible, phil, and i believe that the
  • 00:15:01.623 --> 00:15:04.126
  • Bible clearly teaches that some things are a sin, some things
  • 00:15:04.126 --> 00:15:08.464
  • Are wrong, and that when we indulge in those things, that it
  • 00:15:08.464 --> 00:15:12.701
  • Is an expense to us, to the individual, and to others, and i
  • 00:15:12.701 --> 00:15:18.140
  • Think that--
  • 00:15:18.140 --> 00:15:19.508
  • Announcer: in 1979, the right to preach the word of god on the
  • 00:15:19.508 --> 00:15:21.677
  • Television airwaves was questioned by some.
  • 00:15:21.677 --> 00:15:23.979
  • Out of that challenge was born the freedom rally held
  • 00:15:23.979 --> 00:15:26.582
  • In dallas.
  • 00:15:26.582 --> 00:15:27.950
  • Twelve thousand people of every denomination packed the
  • 00:15:27.950 --> 00:15:30.185
  • Convention center to express their moral
  • 00:15:30.185 --> 00:15:32.087
  • Convictions publicly.
  • 00:15:32.087 --> 00:15:33.555
  • Freedom of speech, the right to preach became the rally's cry.
  • 00:15:33.555 --> 00:15:38.427
  • W.a. criswell: and while we remain standing for this moment,
  • 00:15:38.427 --> 00:15:41.864
  • In the heart of the apocalypse, the sainted apostle john sees an
  • 00:15:41.864 --> 00:15:47.236
  • Angel flying through the midst of the heavens having the
  • 00:15:47.236 --> 00:15:51.707
  • Everlasting gospel to preach.
  • 00:15:51.707 --> 00:15:54.743
  • If the wings of that angel are clipped and he can no longer
  • 00:15:54.743 --> 00:15:59.948
  • Fly, then, lord god, give the message to james robison and he
  • 00:15:59.948 --> 00:16:06.889
  • Will proclaim it to the ends of the earth.
  • 00:16:06.889 --> 00:16:10.059
  • This is james robison.
  • 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:24.640
  • James: i wanna tell you how to lose freedom, and i'm gonna talk
  • 00:16:28.844 --> 00:16:31.713
  • To you about what freedom really is.
  • 00:16:31.713 --> 00:16:33.348
  • "ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
  • 00:16:36.385 --> 00:16:41.190
  • Freedom is truth.
  • 00:16:41.190 --> 00:16:44.393
  • Truth is the word of god.
  • 00:16:44.393 --> 00:16:47.496
  • Truth is the bible.
  • 00:16:47.496 --> 00:16:49.965
  • Truth is jesus christ.
  • 00:16:49.965 --> 00:16:52.768
  • Apart from god's truth, god's word, there is no freedom.
  • 00:16:52.768 --> 00:16:58.974
  • A departure from god and his word is the first catastrophic
  • 00:16:58.974 --> 00:17:03.679
  • Step to destruction.
  • 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:05.514
  • It matters not how often you say, "i believe in god."
  • 00:17:05.514 --> 00:17:08.750
  • It matters what you say daily with your life for your life is
  • 00:17:08.750 --> 00:17:13.288
  • A letter written in the fleshly tables of men's hearts and your
  • 00:17:13.288 --> 00:17:17.126
  • Life must say with every vibrant act, "i adore him, i worship
  • 00:17:17.126 --> 00:17:24.266
  • Him, i love him, i believe in him, i honor him, and i glorify
  • 00:17:24.266 --> 00:17:30.105
  • Him for he is my god."
  • 00:17:30.105 --> 00:17:35.310
  • Announcer: the 1980s and '90s would see several changes to the
  • 00:17:35.310 --> 00:17:38.313
  • Name of james robison's television programming, but at
  • 00:17:38.313 --> 00:17:41.150
  • Its core the message remained the same: to share the good news
  • 00:17:41.150 --> 00:17:45.120
  • Of jesus christ with a lost and hurting world.
  • 00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:46.889
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:17:46.889 --> 00:17:55.831
  • Announcer: during that same time, james and betty embraced
  • 00:17:55.831 --> 00:17:58.200
  • Reaching out not only to the spiritually lost but also to
  • 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:01.370
  • Those physically perishing as well.
  • 00:18:01.370 --> 00:18:03.805
  • This desire to share the message of life and life more abundantly
  • 00:18:03.805 --> 00:18:07.543
  • Was soon reflected by the program's title change in 1992
  • 00:18:07.543 --> 00:18:11.513
  • To "life today."
  • 00:18:11.513 --> 00:18:13.182
  • James: i am so glad you joined us--
  • 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.387
  • Announcer: three years later, the decision was made to develop
  • 00:18:18.387 --> 00:18:20.522
  • A talk show format, and this time betty robison would help
  • 00:18:20.522 --> 00:18:24.059
  • Host the show by james's side.
  • 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:27.763
  • As life's television outreach began its journey into the 21st
  • 00:18:31.967 --> 00:18:35.204
  • Century, the program continued to grow in its outreach,
  • 00:18:35.204 --> 00:18:38.640
  • Becoming a huge success.
  • 00:18:38.640 --> 00:18:40.509
  • James and betty would interview guests with life-changing
  • 00:18:40.509 --> 00:18:43.278
  • Stories as well as testimonies of well-known personalities.
  • 00:18:43.278 --> 00:18:46.882
  • ♪ there are three wooden crosses ♪
  • 00:18:46.882 --> 00:18:49.585
  • ♪ on the right side of the highway. ♪
  • 00:18:49.585 --> 00:18:53.889
  • ♪ why there's not four of them, heaven only knows. ♪
  • 00:18:53.889 --> 00:18:58.860
  • George bush: the truth of the matter is love comes from a
  • 00:18:58.860 --> 00:19:00.596
  • Higher calling than government.
  • 00:19:00.596 --> 00:19:02.598
  • I think it ought to be the prayer of the 21st century to
  • 00:19:02.598 --> 00:19:05.434
  • Remind us how blessed we are, but to remember to help others.
  • 00:19:05.434 --> 00:19:08.670
  • I do believe god has a calling for people.
  • 00:19:08.670 --> 00:19:10.839
  • I believe much of what goes on in my life is beyond my control,
  • 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:15.410
  • And i ask for guidance and prayer personally as well.
  • 00:19:15.410 --> 00:19:18.113
  • Announcer: the impact the "life today" program has made has been
  • 00:19:18.113 --> 00:19:20.716
  • Recognized by the national religious broadcasters on
  • 00:19:20.716 --> 00:19:23.218
  • Multiple occasions for its outstanding contributions to
  • 00:19:23.218 --> 00:19:26.488
  • Christian tv.
  • 00:19:26.488 --> 00:19:27.823
  • Tim conway: so that's when i became funny.
  • 00:19:27.823 --> 00:19:29.224
  • ♪ there are three wooden crosses ♪
  • 00:19:29.224 --> 00:19:31.159
  • ♪ on the right side of the highway. ♪♪
  • 00:19:31.159 --> 00:19:39.401
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:19:42.738 --> 00:19:48.510
  • Announcer: the "life today" program continues to
  • 00:19:48.510 --> 00:19:50.412
  • Minister life and hope to its viewers, extending blessings not
  • 00:19:50.412 --> 00:19:53.982
  • Only to them, their friends and family, but opportunities to
  • 00:19:53.982 --> 00:19:57.185
  • Bless others in need around the world.
  • 00:19:57.185 --> 00:19:59.588
  • So no matter if you enjoy "life today" for its inspirational
  • 00:20:03.325 --> 00:20:06.695
  • Interviews with insightful, informative, and uplifting
  • 00:20:06.695 --> 00:20:09.197
  • Guests or simply find joy in helping others, james, betty,
  • 00:20:09.197 --> 00:20:13.168
  • And the outreaches of life are blessed that you are part of the
  • 00:20:13.168 --> 00:20:16.872
  • "life today" family.
  • 00:20:16.872 --> 00:20:18.373
  • ♪ world full of love. ♪
  • 00:20:18.373 --> 00:20:22.077
  • ♪ like yours. ♪
  • 00:20:22.077 --> 00:20:23.879
  • ♪ like mine. ♪
  • 00:20:23.879 --> 00:20:28.116
  • ♪ like home. ♪♪
  • 00:20:28.116 --> 00:20:40.762
  • Randy: the unlikeliest of stories, but, man, that's what
  • 00:20:44.933 --> 00:20:47.903
  • God does when we give our lives to him.
  • 00:20:47.903 --> 00:20:51.106
  • And i know many of you are wondering, "well, what now?"
  • 00:20:51.106 --> 00:20:56.378
  • Well, you know, what god started, it doesn't end with any
  • 00:20:56.378 --> 00:20:59.214
  • One person.
  • 00:20:59.214 --> 00:21:00.549
  • And what god started through my father as well as my mother, it
  • 00:21:00.549 --> 00:21:06.355
  • Doesn't end with any one man.
  • 00:21:06.355 --> 00:21:09.091
  • It continues.
  • 00:21:09.091 --> 00:21:11.093
  • You know, what god put on my parents's heart many years ago,
  • 00:21:11.093 --> 00:21:14.329
  • And it's on my heart, it's on the heart of all the staff here,
  • 00:21:14.329 --> 00:21:17.666
  • And i know so many of you that have supported the outreaches of
  • 00:21:17.666 --> 00:21:21.036
  • Life over the years, it will continue.
  • 00:21:21.036 --> 00:21:25.307
  • I believe in the biblical principle of multiplication.
  • 00:21:25.307 --> 00:21:29.277
  • I believe the ministry and the missions of life outreach
  • 00:21:29.277 --> 00:21:33.115
  • Will multiply.
  • 00:21:33.115 --> 00:21:34.449
  • We will build on what my father started, but i wanna take you
  • 00:21:34.449 --> 00:21:37.152
  • Back just for a minute so you can see how some of this began
  • 00:21:37.152 --> 00:21:40.822
  • So that hopefully you will catch the vision that we have here to
  • 00:21:40.822 --> 00:21:45.060
  • Continue this work of sharing god's love in word and in deed.
  • 00:21:45.060 --> 00:21:52.033
  • James: god and give him your life tonight.
  • 00:21:55.971 --> 00:21:59.274
  • Would you do it?
  • 00:21:59.274 --> 00:22:00.675
  • Only way to god's through jesus.
  • 00:22:00.675 --> 00:22:03.512
  • Announcer: it was the 1980s, and james was right
  • 00:22:03.512 --> 00:22:06.381
  • Where god had called him.
  • 00:22:06.381 --> 00:22:07.716
  • James: would you come and say, "i'm gonna leave
  • 00:22:07.716 --> 00:22:09.251
  • Here and let god be first in my life?"
  • 00:22:09.251 --> 00:22:11.453
  • I hope you will.
  • 00:22:11.453 --> 00:22:12.821
  • Let's bow our heads together.
  • 00:22:12.821 --> 00:22:14.156
  • Announcer: preaching the gospel so that lives could be
  • 00:22:14.156 --> 00:22:15.524
  • Changed forever, but god had plans that would transform
  • 00:22:15.524 --> 00:22:18.427
  • James's life when he and betty met another evangelist, a south
  • 00:22:18.427 --> 00:22:21.997
  • African named peter pretorius.
  • 00:22:21.997 --> 00:22:24.232
  • Peter showed them the immense suffering people in mozambique
  • 00:22:24.232 --> 00:22:27.502
  • Were going through because of the civil war.
  • 00:22:27.502 --> 00:22:29.704
  • Peter pretorius: you see the thinness of his hair and the
  • 00:22:29.704 --> 00:22:32.641
  • Color of his hair?
  • 00:22:32.641 --> 00:22:34.242
  • That's a sure sign that he suffer much malnutrition.
  • 00:22:34.242 --> 00:22:38.680
  • Announcer: james knew he would never stop ministering the word
  • 00:22:38.680 --> 00:22:41.183
  • Of god to the poor in spirit, but now he would do everything
  • 00:22:41.183 --> 00:22:45.287
  • He could to help those who were physically perishing.
  • 00:22:45.287 --> 00:22:48.123
  • Thus, mission feeding was birthed between james and peter
  • 00:22:48.123 --> 00:22:51.927
  • And in time, as faithful supporters began to help,
  • 00:22:51.927 --> 00:22:54.996
  • Feeding efforts expanded into war-torn angola.
  • 00:22:54.996 --> 00:22:58.366
  • The challenge that lay ahead for the mission feeding program was
  • 00:22:58.366 --> 00:23:01.670
  • Trying to keep up with the need in crisis areas where food
  • 00:23:01.670 --> 00:23:04.673
  • Shortages were critical.
  • 00:23:04.673 --> 00:23:06.274
  • Children under the age of five were dying at an alarming rate
  • 00:23:06.274 --> 00:23:09.478
  • Due to the ravages of a silent killer known as malnutrition.
  • 00:23:09.478 --> 00:23:13.448
  • James: i have never seen so many children buried in one
  • 00:23:13.448 --> 00:23:19.387
  • Small place.
  • 00:23:19.387 --> 00:23:20.722
  • More than 1,000 bodies here around me right now.
  • 00:23:20.722 --> 00:23:25.160
  • And i'm praying, dear god, please, please stop this.
  • 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:30.031
  • I just kneel right here and there's a fruit jar, and there
  • 00:23:30.031 --> 00:23:35.537
  • Is the little child's picture in that jar.
  • 00:23:35.537 --> 00:23:40.475
  • Somebody's baby.
  • 00:23:40.475 --> 00:23:42.277
  • Dear god, help us to save these children.
  • 00:23:42.277 --> 00:23:47.649
  • Announcer: by the grace of god and with the support of faithful
  • 00:23:47.649 --> 00:23:50.485
  • Partners of life outreach international, food factories
  • 00:23:50.485 --> 00:23:53.455
  • Were built in mozambique and angola and began turning out a
  • 00:23:53.455 --> 00:23:56.691
  • Vitamin-enriched soup mix.
  • 00:23:56.691 --> 00:23:59.027
  • A fleet of trucks now deliver the processed food mix into
  • 00:23:59.027 --> 00:24:01.897
  • Remote villages.
  • 00:24:01.897 --> 00:24:03.231
  • This has allowed the mission feeding program to expand into
  • 00:24:03.231 --> 00:24:05.867
  • Other areas, including south africa and south sudan.
  • 00:24:05.867 --> 00:24:10.272
  • Currently, over 350,000 children receive a daily bowl of this
  • 00:24:10.272 --> 00:24:14.976
  • Soup mix through both the school feeding and crisis
  • 00:24:14.976 --> 00:24:18.079
  • Feeding programs.
  • 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:19.481
  • This bowl of food not only has helped stop the death cycle in
  • 00:24:19.481 --> 00:24:23.285
  • Hundreds of villages, but it provides an incentive for the
  • 00:24:23.285 --> 00:24:26.721
  • Children to remain in school.
  • 00:24:26.721 --> 00:24:29.057
  • James: they want a future.
  • 00:24:29.057 --> 00:24:30.625
  • They wanna go to school.
  • 00:24:30.625 --> 00:24:31.993
  • They walk a long way.
  • 00:24:31.993 --> 00:24:33.328
  • They're trying to learn.
  • 00:24:33.328 --> 00:24:34.696
  • And i don't know anyone that would look in these faces and
  • 00:24:34.696 --> 00:24:37.198
  • Not say, "well, let me help those children that obviously
  • 00:24:37.198 --> 00:24:40.936
  • Want a future."
  • 00:24:40.936 --> 00:24:42.270
  • Announcer: the mission feeding program that started over 30
  • 00:24:42.270 --> 00:24:44.739
  • Years ago helping families in war-torn villages has literally
  • 00:24:44.739 --> 00:24:49.077
  • Saved over 18 million lives according to government sources.
  • 00:24:49.077 --> 00:24:53.548
  • The challenge now is to maintain the partnership which will allow
  • 00:24:53.548 --> 00:24:56.985
  • Us to continue turning out the soup mix for the school feeding
  • 00:24:56.985 --> 00:25:00.355
  • Program and for meeting crises like the prolonged drought in
  • 00:25:00.355 --> 00:25:03.858
  • Angola and the devastating floods in south sudan.
  • 00:25:03.858 --> 00:25:07.662
  • Together, we can ensure that lives will be saved and the
  • 00:25:07.662 --> 00:25:11.733
  • Children will have the opportunity to fulfill their
  • 00:25:11.733 --> 00:25:14.336
  • God-given potential.
  • 00:25:14.336 --> 00:25:18.340
  • Randy: as you can see, there is a lot of work still to be done.
  • 00:25:22.577 --> 00:25:26.348
  • In fact, since that piece was produced a few years ago,
  • 00:25:26.348 --> 00:25:30.352
  • They're telling us now that it's around 22 million lives that
  • 00:25:30.352 --> 00:25:33.955
  • Have been saved.
  • 00:25:33.955 --> 00:25:35.624
  • The point is that the work that my father began will continue.
  • 00:25:35.624 --> 00:25:39.561
  • The work that many of you have supported over the years
  • 00:25:39.561 --> 00:25:42.597
  • Will continue.
  • 00:25:42.597 --> 00:25:44.232
  • God's love will continue to be poured out on those who really
  • 00:25:44.232 --> 00:25:49.070
  • Need to feel it the most.
  • 00:25:49.070 --> 00:25:50.438
  • So i hope you will continue to stand.
  • 00:25:50.438 --> 00:25:52.540
  • By the way, my mother wants you to know she appreciates every
  • 00:25:52.540 --> 00:25:56.711
  • Single one of you.
  • 00:25:56.711 --> 00:25:58.146
  • As you can imagine, she is going through some heavy grief right
  • 00:25:58.146 --> 00:26:01.983
  • Now, but i told her i wanna go speak to our viewers and honor
  • 00:26:01.983 --> 00:26:07.856
  • My father, her husband.
  • 00:26:07.856 --> 00:26:10.125
  • And so we're doing that today.
  • 00:26:10.125 --> 00:26:11.459
  • If you'd like to join us in honoring him, we do have a
  • 00:26:11.459 --> 00:26:14.295
  • Website set up because so many people have asked.
  • 00:26:14.295 --> 00:26:16.331
  • It's jamesrobison.org, and you can go there.
  • 00:26:16.331 --> 00:26:21.169
  • Some of you have asked about memorial gifts.
  • 00:26:21.169 --> 00:26:24.639
  • And that's not my purpose here, but there is information there
  • 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:27.809
  • If you're looking for something to do.
  • 00:26:27.809 --> 00:26:29.144
  • My heart--look, my heart is you wanna honor him, continue the
  • 00:26:29.144 --> 00:26:34.249
  • Work that he has supported through the mission outreaches
  • 00:26:34.249 --> 00:26:36.584
  • Now through water wells, through rescuing children from sex
  • 00:26:36.584 --> 00:26:40.488
  • Trafficking, giving away shoes at christmas, and so many other
  • 00:26:40.488 --> 00:26:44.492
  • Wonderful outreaches.
  • 00:26:44.492 --> 00:26:46.027
  • My father's heart was to reach people with the love of christ.
  • 00:26:46.027 --> 00:26:51.533
  • He preached it.
  • 00:26:51.533 --> 00:26:52.967
  • He did it, and it will continue.
  • 00:26:52.967 --> 00:26:57.305
  • I'm gonna miss my father.
  • 00:26:57.305 --> 00:27:01.076
  • I know you will, too.
  • 00:27:01.076 --> 00:27:03.311
  • He's with his heavenly father, and it's going to be all right.
  • 00:27:03.311 --> 00:27:08.083
  • We'll see you again next time.
  • 00:27:08.083 --> 00:27:10.251
  • Announcer: "life today" is made possible by the supporters of
  • 00:27:12.987 --> 00:27:15.290
  • Life outreach international.
  • 00:27:15.290 --> 00:27:16.658
  • Your gift will be used exclusively for the exempt
  • 00:27:16.658 --> 00:27:18.693
  • Purposes of life.
  • 00:27:18.693 --> 00:27:20.061
  • The ministry features specific outreaches as examples of the
  • 00:27:20.061 --> 00:27:22.497
  • Programs it supports and conducts.
  • 00:27:22.497 --> 00:27:24.032
  • Gifts are considered to be without restriction as to use
  • 00:27:24.032 --> 00:27:26.134
  • Unless explicitly stipulated by the donor.
  • 00:27:26.134 --> 00:27:27.902
  • The ministry is a member of the ecfa.
  • 00:27:27.902 --> 00:27:27.902