A Rebellious Youth Faces Tuberculosis
Born on January 24, 1918, in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts grew up in a poor family with a lineage of faith. Despite his father's role as a Pentecostal minister, Roberts rebelled against his religious roots. At 17, he faced a life-threatening battle with tuberculosis, which left him bedridden for 163 days. During this challenging period, Roberts grappled with spiritual doubt and bitterness towards the church, which often viewed illness as divine punishment.
Divine Healing at a Tent Revival
In July 1935, a turning point arrived when he was brought to a tent revival meeting in Ada, Oklahoma, led by evangelist George W. Moncey. There, Roberts experienced a profound encounter with God. He later recounted feeling a sensation like electricity coursing through his body, marking the moment Jesus healed him of tuberculosis and his stutter. This divine intervention was accompanied by a call from God, who told him, 'Son, I am going to heal you and you are to take my healing power to your generation.'
Building a Tent Ministry
Embracing this calling, Roberts dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and began his ministry. In 1947, he founded the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and embarked on a series of tent revivals. His gatherings drew thousands, with many experiencing healing through prayer. His first tent held 3,000 people, and by 1953, he was using a tent that accommodated 12,500 attendees, the largest of its kind at the time.
A Global Legacy of Healing
Roberts' ministry expanded globally, conducting over 300 crusades across six continents, reaching millions through his pioneering work in televangelism. In 1963, he founded Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, further fulfilling his divine mandate to educate and empower future generations.
Through his ministry, Roberts consistently gave glory to Jesus for the miraculous healings and transformations witnessed. He often stated, 'God heals—I don't,' emphasizing that it was Jesus who deserved the honor for the miracles that occurred. His legacy continues to inspire faith in God's power to heal and transform lives.
