Rev James Robison, the Texas-based televangelist who founded LIFE Outreach International, has passed away at the age of 82. 

In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, the ministry’s board of directors confirmed his death and mentioned that the mission Robison devoted his life to would continue. 

“James devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help, and healing to those in need around the world,” the board wrote. 

They added that the organisation would press on with food and clean water programs and broader outreach efforts. 

Robison hosted “LIFE Today,” a long-running Christian television program.  

He helped build LIFE Outreach International into a ministry known for feeding programs, clean-water initiatives, disaster relief and outreach to vulnerable communities worldwide. 

In life, he had spoken about growing up in hardship. Robison had a life-altering encounter with Jesus at age 14 and was called to be an evangelist at 18. 

According to his website, more than 20 million people have heard him preach throughout his career in ministry. 

His legacy is continued by his wife, Betty Robison; son Randy; and daughter Rhonda.  

A daughter, Robin, predeceased him, according to Bunni Pounds, president of Christians Engaged, in a tribute posted to online.  

James and Betty Robison married in 1963 and partnered in over 60 years of ministry together. 

Christian pioneers offered their remembrances of Robison on social media, including U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who formerly served as a Baptist pastor.  

"I worked for James Robison in the 70's as Dir of Comms. He & wife Betty were huge influences in my life," Huckabee wrote on X. 

He added: "My middle son's middle name is James after him. His death hits hard. He mentored me in so many ways." 

LIFE Outreach International’s board asked supporters to pray for Betty Robison and the ministry family in the days ahead. 

It’s statement closed with a verse from Matthew 25:21 which read: "Well done, good and faithful servant."