T. L. Osborn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
T. L. Osborn
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T. L. Osborn in 2001
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| Born |
Tommy Lee Osborn
December 23, 1923 Grady County, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Died | February 14, 2013 (aged 89) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Evangelist, singer, author, teacher and designer |
| Years active | 1949–2013 |
| Known for | Author of books on Worldwide Miracles-Evangelism and Soul Winning Awakening in the Developing Nations |
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Notable work
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Healing The Sick |
| Television | Good News Daily |
| Title | Doctor (honorary) |
| Political party | Liberal conservative |
| Spouse(s) | Daisy Washburn (m. 1942–1995; her death) |
| Children | 2 |
Tommy Lee "T.L." Osborn (born December 23, 1923 – died February 14, 2013) was an American Pentecostal preacher. He was also a singer, author, and teacher. His Christian work was based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For over 60 years, Osborn shared his message. He even had his own religious TV show called Good News Today.
Contents
Early Life and Calling
Tommy Lee Osborn was born on December 23, 1923. He grew up on a potato farm in Grady County, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of 13 children. His parents and many siblings loved music. Tommy Lee started playing music when he was very young.
Moving and Meeting Friends
In 1930, when Tommy Lee was six, his family moved. They went to Skedee, Oklahoma, looking for a better farm. At a church in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, he met Oral Roberts. Roberts became a close friend for over 70 years. Osborn often helped Roberts with his meetings. Roberts preached, and Osborn played music like the accordion and piano.
A Big Decision
When he was 13, in 1937, Osborn became a Christian. This happened at a Pentecostal church in Mannford. By age 15, in 1939, he felt God was calling him. He decided to become an evangelist, someone who shares the Christian message. He left high school after eighth grade. Then, he started traveling with another evangelist, E.M. Dillard. Osborn helped organize meetings and led youth services.
Meeting Daisy
While traveling, Osborn met Daisy Washburn in Los Banos, California. This was in 1941, and he was 17. He fell in love right away. They got married on April 5, 1942. He was 18, and Daisy was 17.
Worldwide Ministry
After they married, T.L. and Daisy Osborn began their life of ministry. They traveled the world to share their faith.
First Mission Trip
Their first big trip was to India. Osborn was only 21. But this mission was difficult. They preached in Lucknow, but their work lasted less than a year. They returned home due to family reasons. In 1947, their daughter, LaDonna Osborn, was born. She often traveled with them on their crusades.
Big Tent Revivals
When they came back from India, the Osborns became well-known. They joined the Big Tent Revival circuit in the U.S. and Canada. They preached to huge crowds, sometimes over 10,000 people. These meetings were held outdoors or in large tents. Other famous evangelists like Billy Graham were also on this circuit. The Osborns focused on God's love and kindness. They also prayed for people to be healed.
Global Crusades
By the early 1950s, the Osborns started focusing more on international missions. They held large events in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Crowds grew very quickly, sometimes reaching over 100,000 people. Their crusades in Thailand (1956) and Uganda (1957) were very important. Pastor Fred Wantaate said these events helped spread the Pentecostal movement in East Africa. Around this time, Osborn also met Marilyn Hickey, another future televangelist. They became lifelong friends.
Later Years and Legacy
For the next 50 years, Osborn and his team visited over 70 countries. They reached millions of people. They created many books and training materials. Some of these were translated into more than 80 languages.
Daisy Osborn, his wife of 53 years, passed away in 1995. T.L. Osborn continued his work for another 15 years. He died on February 14, 2013, at age 89. He was buried next to his wife in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
His daughter, LaDonna Osborn, continues their ministry today. She leads international crusades every year. His grandson, Tommy Ray O'Dell, also follows in his footsteps. He focuses on evangelism and education in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Like his grandfather, he often draws large crowds.
