Pat Robertson, an Inspiration to many

Pat Robertson dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, helping those in need, and educating the next generation. He founded the Christian Broadcasting Network and numerous organizations, including Operation Blessing, Regent University, the American Center for Law and Justice, and International Family Entertainment Inc. He was also a New York Times best-selling author and host of The 700 Club.

Pat was married to the love of his life and partner in ministry for 67 years, Dede Robertson, until she died in 2022. Together, they had four children, 14 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Pat had a hunger for knowledge of the Lord, and he wanted to share the love and faithfulness of Jesus with the world. His heart’s desire was that all people come to know Jesus.

Pat Robertson was born on March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia, to A. Willis Robertson and Gladys Churchill Robertson. His father served for 34 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.

After graduating with honors from McCallie School, a military prep school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mr. Robertson entered Washington and Lee University in 1946, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. After graduating magna cum laude from Washington and Lee in 1950, Robertson served as the assistant adjutant of the First Marine Division in Korea. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1952 upon his return to the United States. Mr. Robertson received a J.D. from Yale Law School in 1955 and his M.Div. from New York Theological Seminary in 1959.

In 1954, he married Adelia “Dede” Elmer Robertson. They were married 67 years before she predeceased him on April 19, 2022, at the age of 94. Together they had four children: Timothy Brian Robertson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Elizabeth Robertson Robinson of Dallas, Texas; Gordon Perry Robertson of Chesapeake, Virginia; Ann Robertson LeBlanc of Portsmouth, Virginia; plus 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

In 1959, Mr. Robertson moved his family to Tidewater, Virginia, with just $70 and a vision of establishing the first Christian television network in the United States.

Although he didn’t even own a TV, he filed incorporation papers for The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., then raised funds to purchase a defunct UHF station. On October 1, 1961, CBN began broadcasting from WYAH-TV in Portsmouth, Virginia. At the time, its signal barely reached the city limits, recalled his son Gordon Robertson, CBN’s president and CEO.

The ministry’s scope grew exponentially over the decades, reaching viewers across America and around the globe through television broadcasts, cable, satellite, the internet, and other media.

Today, CBN is one of the world’s largest evangelistic ministries, proclaiming the Good News in over 100 countries and dozens of languages, including Russian, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Chinese.

CBN’s flagship program grew out of a telethon in 1963, when Mr. Robertson asked a “club” of 700 viewers to give $10 a month. In 1966, The 700 Club program was created, airing each weekday with interviews, prayer and ministry. Today, it is one of the longest-running religious television programs in America. He hosted the daily program until October 1, 2021, the sixtieth anniversary of CBN’s first broadcast, when he announced that Gordon Robertson would be the show’s new full-time host.

Over the years, Mr. Robertson’s co-hosts included Ben Kinchlow, Sheila Walsh, Gordon Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, and Wendy Griffith.

Throughout its broadcast history, The 700 Club and CBN News have covered national and international events and issues, including key elections, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war on terror, Israel, and the Middle East. Guests have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump; key congressional leaders from both parties; as well as a “Who’s Who” of world and national figures, journalists, professional athletes, celebrities, and pundits.

Regent University, originally CBN University, was founded by Pat Robertson in 1978 and has grown into a renowned academic institution for Christian thought and action with over 30,000 alumni. The university offers a wide range of degree programs and has received accreditations from recognized bodies. Regent University has been consistently recognized as a top national university by U.S. News & World Report.

Pat Robertson also established Operation Blessing in 1978, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing relief aid and assistance to those in need around the world. Operation Blessing focuses on hunger relief, clean water, medical aid, and disaster assistance, and has made a significant impact in numerous disasterstricken areas.

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When you donate, you can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals. Your contribution supports disaster relief efforts, providing assistance to those affected by unimaginable tragedies. You help provide life-changing surgeries, giving hope and restoring health to those who desperately need it. You aid in caring for orphaned and vulnerable children, offering them love, stability, and a chance for a brighter future. Additionally, you’re enabling kids to learn biblical foundations through Superbook clubs. Together, we can make an incredible difference and take the gospel message to the nations of Southern Africa. Every contribution matters. Thank you for your compassion and support.”

In 1990, Pat Robertson founded the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), a public interest law firm that advocates for the First Amendment rights of people of faith. The ACLJ has been involved in high-profile religious freedom cases, including arguing before the Supreme Court.

Pat Robertson is a prolific author, having written 24 books, several of which have become New York Times bestsellers. He has also been involved in politics, running for the Republican nomination for president in 1986 and later endorsing George H. W. Bush. Throughout his career, Pat Robertson has been recognized for his achievements and contributions. He has received various awards and honors from organizations and publications, acknowledging his humanitarian work, broadcasting, and ministry.

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