Early Life of Tommy Lee Osborn
Tommy Lee Osborn was born on December 23, 1923, to Charles Richard and Mary Osborn, the youngest of thirteen children. His parents were musicians, and he began making music early. Growing up during the Great Depression, his family struggled, moving to Skedee, Oklahoma, in search of better opportunities. At age twelve, Tommy’s brother Lonnie got saved at a revival and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, returning home speaking in tongues. The transformation in Lonnie inspired Tommy to attend a revival in Mannford, Oklahoma. When the evangelist made the altar call, Tommy received Jesus Christ as his Savior and soon after spoke in tongues too. His passion for soul winning began immediately-he printed Bible verses with a toy press and distributed them among townspeople. “From that day, I wanted to be a soulwinner; I wanted to share what Jesus meant to me.”
In the mid-1930s, Tommy met Oral Roberts, who was pastoring in Sand Springs. He helped with evangelistic work, playing piano and accordion. The two became close friends before later reconnecting when Oral moved his ministry to Tulsa.
Tommy Joins Ernest M. Dillard
At fourteen, while hunting cows, Tommy felt God calling him to preach. A year later, he left the farm after completing eighth grade to join evangelist Ernest M. Dillard. Each Friday night, Dillard had him preach, and Tommy gradually learned to express the gospel. “I shall never forget the night when I walked out of home leaving my father and mother in tears. The last of seven sons was leaving.” Though reluctant, his father gave him permission. Tommy obeyed God’s call, trusting Him to provide for his parents.
I Love the Violin but I Want to Be a Missionary
Daisy Marie Washburn was born September 23, 1924, to poor fruit farmers in Los Banos, California. Her childhood was marked by poverty and loss-her mother died in an auto/train accident when Daisy was eight, and later two brothers committed suicide and her father was murdered. At twelve, an evangelist frightened her into salvation. Later, a missionary inspired her to dream of being a missionary herself. Talented in music, she became first violinist in her school orchestra and was offered training to become a concert violinist. After prayer, Daisy declined, saying tearfully, “I love the violin, but I want to be a missionary.”
Love at First Sight
At sixteen, Daisy avoided worldly relationships and prayed for a Christian friend. In 1940, Tommy, then seventeen, met Daisy during a revival in Almo, California, where he ministered with Dillard. It was love at first sight. Daisy remembered her prayer and realized God had answered swiftly. Despite her hardships, Daisy was determined to succeed. Her teacher once said, “You can’t help how you were born, but you can help how you die.” That became her life motto. She planned a career in finance to overcome poverty. But when she met Tommy, she knew her purpose was greater. “You always told me if I had to ask, I wasn’t-and I don’t have to ask. I know I’m in love.”
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 154
Date: 28th October, 2025
Title: : The Osborns (The Pioneers of Mass Miracle Evangelism)
Source: Africa God’s Generals The Soul Winners
Author: Eddie Sempala
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