Betty Robison

Betty Robison was born in a working class home in Lufkin, Texas, along with her three siblings. Her parents raised her in a Christian home, and when they relocated to Pasadena, they attended the Baptist church pastored by Rev. Hale.

James and Betty were married by Rev. Hale on February 23, 1963. Over the years, James’ invitations to speak increased, and the crowds grew until he was addressing millions of people across America through citywide crusades in stadiums and coliseums.

By 1980, James and Betty had three children, a television ministry and influence in social, religious and political spheres. But many things were about to change…

Through a series of life-altering events, James and Betty began to experience a new level of spiritual freedom that changed their perception of God, themselves and ministry. James began ministering, and being ministered to, outside of his traditional Baptist circles. As the Holy Spirit dealt with the couple personally, they began to reach out to others in a fresh, dynamic way. God soon provide them an opportunity to minister in South Africa. There, they met local missionaries Peter and Ann Pretorius, who opened their eyes to the suffering of the African people.

The Lord led James and Betty into a new ministry of compassion, as they sought to meet the practical needs of the world’s most desperate people while sharing the Gospel. In the early 1990s, this vision developed into a new television format, which enabled James and Betty to sit down and interact with a wide range of personalities–dynamic speakers, sports figures, politicians, entertainers and “ordinary” people. At the same time, they shared their vision to reach impoverished children by meeting their basic needs of food, clean water, shelter, clothing, medical care and, most importantly, the love of Christ.