State Senate Honors Oral Roberts

The life and work of evangelist Oral Roberts was honored by the Oklahoma State Senate on Thursday, with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 25. Senator Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, was principle author of the measure, and said 91-year-old Robert’s impact in both religion and education has been world-wide.

“As Oklahomans, I think most of us are familiar with Oral Roberts, his ministry, and the university he founded in Tulsa, but I don’t know if most people realize how much influence he’s had around the world,” said Newberry.

Roberts became famous for his mobile tent meetings, drawing as many as 18,000 faithful, and was a pioneer broadcast evangelist. By 1969, Roberts was one of America’s best-known evangelists, second only to friend and fellow minister, Billy Graham.

In 1963, he founded Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa. ORU currently has more than 3,000 students from 61 countries. He founded the City of Faith Medical and Research Center in 1981. In addition, Roberts has written more than 120 books, including his biography, “Expect a Miracle” and the best seller “Miracle of Seed-Faith.”

"I’m almost overwhelmed at this great honor that you chose me to come here today to honor my life. I never dreamed of such a thing, but I’m grateful,” said Roberts. “I’m 91 years of age and I’ll soon be going home to my heavenly Father. I look forward to that with great peace and joy leaving behind my legacy to bless people. God bless you for this honor.”