Marriage and Early Ministry
In California, Tommy met Daisy Marie Washburn at one of his revival meetings. After months of letters, they married on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, in Los Banos, California. Tommy was 18 and Daisy was 17. He borrowed a suit, bought a white carnation for Daisy, and hitchhiked the last hundred miles to reach her.
The next day they left for Oklahoma with only 52 cents. Tommy traded a cow and a calf for a broken 1930 Model A Ford, which Daisy helped repair. When funds ran low, she said:
“If it stops, we’ll find a way to fix it.”
They preached in small California churches. Their first child, Marie LaVonne, lived only seven days. In 1944, they pioneered the Montavilla Tabernacle in Portland. When Tommy doubted, Daisy encouraged him:
“It’s an opportunity. Let’s do it. We can learn.”
Their son, Tommy Lee Jr., was born the next year.
Answering the Call to Missions
A missionary who had served in India “literally branded India on our spirits.” The call to missions grew urgent. Tommy worried about risks, but Daisy insisted:
“Other couples have done it. We will succeed. We’ll learn the language. We’ll work together. Let’s go!”
They resigned from their church, spent nine months ministering across U.S. states, sold all they owned, and sailed for Lucknow, India, with their ten-month-old son, trusting they were called to reach those who had never heard of Jesus.
Facing Challenges in India
In India, they found Muslims devout and respectful of Jesus as a prophet and healer but not as the Son of God. When Tommy opened the Bible to demonstrate Christ’s resurrection, they interrupted:
“Wait, Mr. Osborn. We don’t believe the Bible is God’s word.”
Holding the Koran, they challenged:
“Prove it and we will believe it.”
The demand shook the Osborns. They realised debate alone could not reveal the living Christ; only a visible demonstration of His power would persuade. They left India heartbroken but resolved to pursue that power.
Return to the United States
After prolonged illness—Tommy’s six-week typhoid and their son’s near-death from cholera—they returned to the United States in 1946. Though a few were saved, they felt ashamed to have left before completing their five-year term. Back home, a welcoming church elected them as pastors, lifting their spirits.
Still searching for answers, they read biographies, studied Scripture, and attended meetings, determined to find the solution to their dilemma. On March 13, 1947, their daughter LaDonna Carol was born—a hopeful sign as they continued seeking the power that would reshape their ministry. They were determined to learn more.
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 156
Date: 11th November, 2025
Title: : The Osborns (The Pioneers of Mass Miracle Evangelism) part 3
Source: Africa God’s Generals The Soul Winners
Author: Eddie Sempala
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