T. L. Osborn: Acquainted with Grief
Tommy Osborn chose to document the tragedies, trauma, and eventual triumphs of his life in personal journals. He did this so he would not forget what he thought or felt during times of deep loss, and so he could one day write for others. He understood that everyone, at some point, would experience the pain of losing someone dear.
For a younger generation that often feels “invincible” and unacquainted with deep sorrow, Tommy believed there were lessons to be passed on. He had lived long enough and endured enough suffering to offer meaningful insight into how to survive life’s hardest moments.
Out of the four children born to Tommy and Daisy Osborn, three were surrendered back to God. Their daughter, Marie LaVonne, born in 1943, lived for only a few days. Despite their overwhelming grief, the following week Tommy and Daisy sang at the funeral of another baby, ministering to others even while their own hearts were broken.
Their only son, Tommy Lee Osborn Jr., born in 1945, died at the age of thirty-four. Just four days after his passing, Daisy and T. L. were already packing their suitcases for ministry across France and Africa. As they continued to bring healing to others, they themselves found healing in obedience.
Another daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born in 1950, lived only a few moments. Within two weeks of her death, T. L. and Daisy departed for historic crusades in Cuba, choosing again to carry hope and healing to the world in the midst of personal sorrow.
Tommy Osborn and His Response to Criticism
The primary focus of Tommy Osborn’s ministry was overseas missions, with miracles as its defining hallmark. His commitment to mass evangelism among unreached nations gave him a unique place among his peers and helped shield him from widespread criticism.
Although he was sometimes criticised for operating independently of denominational structures, such criticism was limited. His visible impact among vast populations across the world spoke louder than opposition.
Tommy’s ecumenical approach attracted support from Christians of many traditions. His firm conviction that every donated dollar should go directly towards helping people in need, combined with transparency and financial responsibility, established him as an evangelist of proven integrity.
The Enduring Legacy of the Osborns
“My much-loved father, Dr. T. L. Osborn, entered his eternal rest on Thursday, February 14. He was in no pain and had no sickness. The Lord simply took away his breath,” said his daughter, Dr. LaDonna Osborn. “He is now in the presence of Jesus, whom he had served faithfully for seventy-seven years.”
Nearly seventy years of Tommy Osborn’s life were spent reaching millions of people in almost one hundred nations. For more than sixty years, he preached in mass gospel crusades across seventy-four nations.
After Daisy Osborn’s passing, T. L. continued his global evangelistic work, while Dr. LaDonna Osborn expanded the ministry worldwide. Reflecting on her father’s life, she said:
“My father was a Gospel hero, loved all over the world. But he was also a real father. He taught me what truly matters in life. He taught me to listen to the voice of God and to obey Him. He taught me that a woman is no less valuable than a man. He taught me to do my best and leave the rest with God. He taught me that one person can make a difference.”
The End
Tale Tuesday 162
Date: 23rd December, 2025
Title: : The Osborns (The Pioneers of Mass Miracle Evangelism) part 9
Source: Africa God’s Generals The Soul Winners
Author: Eddie Sempala
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