A JOURNEY OF FAITH, FRIENDSHIP, AND MIRACLES — The Untold Story Behind Pastor Robert Kayanja’s Visit to Lakewood
It was a weekend of memories, gratitude, and faith at Lakewood Church — a homegoing celebration for a woman whose life touched countless people around the world. While many gathered in person, others joined by video. Among those present was Pastor Robert Kayanja, who had traveled all the way from Uganda to honor her memory. His journey was brief — arriving Friday and leaving Saturday — but his presence carried decades of history.
Pastor Kayanja’s relationship with the family dated back to the mid-1980s. In the fall of 1985, he arrived in Houston with a letter of introduction from the late Dr. T.L. Osborne, urging him to meet “the greatest pastor in America,” John Osteen, and his wife, Dodie. Stepping out of the cab at Lakewood Church, he was struck by the sight of international flags fluttering in the Texas breeze — among them, the flag of Uganda. It made him feel instantly at home.
Moments later, the Osteens themselves came rushing out to greet him. John’s laughter filled the air as he shook Robert’s hand with a grip so strong it nearly lifted him off his feet. Dodie, ever attentive, noticed the chill in the young man’s hands and immediately went searching for coffee and tea. That day marked the beginning of a deep and lasting friendship.
The Osteens didn’t just welcome him with words; they planted a tangible seed of generosity, giving him $5,000 — a gift that, in 1985, was a small fortune. From that seed, ministries blossomed. Today, Pastor Kayanja leads over 3,000 churches, feeds 1.5 million people daily, and reaches countless homes across Africa through television broadcasts, including Lakewood’s services. “People are watching you everywhere,” he told the congregation, “and they are blessed.”
Dodie Osteen’s influence went far beyond that first meeting. She prayed for him to find a wife, and when he married Jessica, she prayed for them through a long five-year struggle to have children. Her prayers were answered with the birth of a son and twin daughters. When one of the twins was later diagnosed with cancer and given only three months to live, Pastor Kayanja flew from London to Houston. Dodie met him at the airport, pressed a prayer cloth into his hand, and anointed it, promising to continue praying. She did — every single day for five years. Today, his daughter is fully healed and thriving, even designing robes for a 10,000-voice choir.
Reflecting on the Osteens’ life, Pastor Kayanja marveled at their ability to balance a global ministry with deep devotion to their family. “Some people feel abandoned when parents give their lives to the world,” he said, “but your parents loved the family and loved the world equally. It’s a rare gift.”
He closed with a smile and a challenge: “I’m not here to ask you to come to Africa. I’m here to drag you there. And if you don’t come… well, I’m not sure you’ll get to heaven!” The congregation laughed, but the gratitude in his voice was unmistakable.
The weekend was more than a memorial. It was a reminder that seeds planted in faith can grow into legacies that change the world.