Hundreds Celebrate The Life Of Oral Roberts

By Chris Wright and the NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- He was one of the most influential, and controversial, Christian leaders of the 20th century.

Friends, family, colleagues and evangelical leaders crowded into the Mabee Center Monday afternoon to pay tribute to Oral Roberts.

Speakers stressed that Oral Roberts was far from perfect and should not be idolized.

They say he was simply a boy from the plains of Oklahoma who lived up to his full potential.

Hundreds gathered inside the Mabee Center this afternoon to remember the life and accomplishments the evangelical leader.

The memorial service was a celebration, and speakers reflected by pointing out that Oral was an ordinary man who lived and extraordinary life.

Fellow evangelist Pat Robertson said, "Lord, we thank you that we can come together and celebrate. Lord, we're sad because our dear friend has gone home but we rejoice because he's with the saints of God, rejoicing in the kingdom of God."

ORU President Mark Rutland said, "A young boy dying with a speech impediment, dying of tuberculosis. Ordinary that moment, sadly ordinary, but hardly hoping out hope for a world leader to arise from that and inspire a generation to heal the sick, build a great university, leave an enduring ministry and a legacy of faith worldwide."

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