The trailblazing TV minister, Pat Robertson of The 700 Club, died at the age of 93 on June 8, 2023. And he left behind a legacy dedicated to spreading the Gospel!
Long before becoming the face of The 700 Club, Pat Robertson had only $70 to his name. But he felt God placing a call on his heart to spread the Gospel. And so in 1960, he started with a tiny station in Virginia.
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"He had no money to speak of, and he decided the Lord wanted him to have that station," said Greg Laurie, the pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship.
Despite its meager beginnings, that station became the start of the Christian Broadcasting Network. At the time, it was the first Christian television network in the United States. However, CBN would go on to grow and become a global network, now seen in 200 nations and heard in 70 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, Russian, and Arabic.
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In 1966, Pat Robertson began hosting The 700 Club, a mix of news, commentary, and testimonies all through the lens of Christianity. Pat hosted the show for 55 years until stepping down in 2021.
"Pat always had this vision to go where a lot of people don’t go,” Greg Laurie explained. “When you do that, sometimes you’re criticized by people. He’s been a risk-taker in the best sense of the word. A visionary. A dreamer. But someone whose message was the Gospel."
A Mission To Spread The Good News
In addition to founding CBN and The 700 Club, Pat Robertson also founded Operation Blessing. This humanitarian organization is a nonprofit working around the world to provide hunger relief, clean water, medical care, and disaster relief. Pat also started the Christian school, Regent University (initially CBN University).
But the list of accolades doesn’t stop there. During his time on Earth, Pat founded International Family Entertainment and The Flying Hospital. He also started the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and The Christian Coalition.
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Known for being outspoken about conservative issues, Pat Robertson even ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1988.
"He shattered the stain glass window," said pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes from the Potter’s House in Dallas. "People of faith were taken seriously beyond the church house and into the White House."
The Legacy Of Pat Robertson, The 700 Club
Throughout his lifetime, Pat Robertson of The 700 Club remained focused on his mission of bringing The Good News to the world. And it’s what many have remembered about the TV minister since his passing.
When reporting on his death, a correspondent for CBN, Jennifer Wishon, hailed the “broadcasting legend” for dedicating “his life to spreading the gospel and love of Jesus around the world.”
Pat Robertson, a broadcasting legend who dedicated his life to spreading the gospel and love of Jesus around the world, died this morning at age 93. I have the pleasure of contributing a small part to the global Christian Broadcasting Network he founded. #CBNNEWS pic.twitter.com/TDkTTi0JIk
- Jennifer Wishon (@JenniferWishon) June 8, 2023
Franklin Graham praised him for his courage in pursuing this mission.
"I was always impressed with his boldness," Franklin said. "He did it in a nice way. He wasn’t offensive, but he spoke truth. And that offended people – when you speak truth. But that’s ok."
Pat Robertson, a great friend to my father, to me, and to our ministries, has moved to a new address in Heaven. Heaven is real and awaits everyone who puts their faith and trust in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I will miss Pat, but I know that I will see him again one day. I'm...
- Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) June 8, 2023
Just a few months before his death, Pat Robertson of The 700 Club celebrated his 93rd birthday on March 22. Then, when it came time to leave for Heaven, Pat passed away inside his home in Virginia Beach. His wife of 70 years, Dede, preceded him in death in 2022. And this great man of faith is survived by his children Tim, Elizabeth and Gordon and Ann, along with 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Matthew 25:21 serves as a goal for most Christians, to reach the end of their life and hear their Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord.”
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After a lifetime of spreading the Gospel, we pray Pat’s family takes comfort in the expectation that their loved one will be hearing those words!
WATCH: Pat Robertson Honored By The 700 Club On His 93rd Birthday
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h/t: Christian Headlines
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Prophet Dr. Steve Mbua