Daystar Founder Marcus Lamb Dies; Christian Artists and Preachers Respond

Marcus D. Lamb, founder, president, and CEO of Daystar Television Network, has died on November 30th. Lamb, died Tuesday of complications from COVID-19. He was 64. He leaves behind a legacy of fiercely loving the Lord, all the people of the world, and most of all his family.

Lamb was born on Oct. 7, 1957, in Cordele, Georgia, and raised in Macon. He started preaching as an evangelist at age 15 in the summer of 1973. After graduating early from high school at age 16, he was accepted to the private liberal arts school Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, on a full scholarship in 1974. He later graduated Magna Cum Laude at age 19. 

In December 1981, Lamb started the Word of God Fellowship in Macon. A year later he wed Joni Trammell of Greenville, South Carolina. The couple then became missionaries and traveled full time to minister to people in over 20 states. Often nicknamed the "Walking Bible" because of his knowledge of Scripture, Lamb believed he heard the voice of God speak to him during a trip to Israel in 1983 telling him to found a Christian television station in Montgomery, Alabama.

In 1985, Lamb built WMCF-TV, "45 Alive," in Montgomery and it became the first Christian TV station in that state. In 1990, the Lambs moved to Dallas, Texas, and built KMPX-TV 29. And TV 29 went on the air in September 1993. 

Daystar Television Network launched in 1997, with a live broadcast of T.D. Jakes' new year's eve service at the Potter's House Church in Dallas. The network reached over 108 million households across the United States and over 2 billion people worldwide. 

Worship music veteran Don Moen offers his condolences, "Marcus was a lover of music. He never forgot his upbringing and the importance of Gospel music in his life. I am very thankful that Marcus allowed us to share his platform, allowing us to know him and his sweet tender heart for the Savior. As sad as this moment is, we are assured that Marcus is in Heaven now, because of his faith in Jesus. We mourn with Joni and the entire family, along with all those who loved the ministry of Marcus Lamb. Our hearts are with you and we will hold you in prayer as you navigate the days ahead." 

Ernie Haase reflects, "I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my friend, Marcus Lamb, founder of Daystar Television. He was a pioneer, a world changer, and a true worshiper, committed to building the kingdom of God around the world and he will be greatly missed. Please join me in prayer for his wife Joni, his children, and all of the staff at Daystar." 

Jentezen Franklin, the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, released the following statement: "Thank God for Marcus Lamb. Generations of Christians have had the dream of reaching the world with the Gospel in their generation. Marcus Lamb actually did it. He also welcomed the rest of us along on the journey with him through the extraordinary network he created. The truth is that very few Christians have had more of an impact in a single lifetime, and the impact of his life will carry on forever. Please join me in praying for God's peace to envelope Joni and the entire Lamb family during this difficult time."

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, responds, "My heart broke when I learned of the passing of my good friend Marcus Lamb. A faithful follower of Jesus, a loving husband, a caring father, a Kingdom visionary with a heart for the lost and broken entered God's presence today. Our prayers accompany Joni and the entire Lamb and Daystar family.

For years, we stood by one another in prayer and ministry. His love for the Lord and those created in His image was clearly displayed in his work at Daystar. He changed the world and the Kingdom of God. I am grateful for his influence in my life and the millions he touched with the love of Christ. His family remains in my prayers, that they may find peace and comfort in the arms of the Father today and always. Marcus Lamb's life shone brightly to the glory of God."

Dr. Paula Price, author of The Prophet's Dictionary, expresses her tribute to Lamb: "Marcus Lamb was a man who operated in both spheres - the sphere of the mind and the natural, as well as the sphere of the spirit and supernatural. In my brief acquaintance with him, I admired how he trained and honed his intellect to devise strong business and leadership strategies that built a television corporation starting from a cast-away piece of equipment found in a dumpster.

What he accomplished is called a vision, because Marcus was a man who understood God's giftings, the Spirit's promptings, and the role of the prophetic on our Christian journey. When I met with Marcus to discuss my book, The Prophet's Dictionary, Marcus was quick to understand the principles in it and prompt to validate them. My admiration for him grew as I watched his heart reach souls for Christ. May we all become as focused on the Lord's work as Marcus was, and as competent in both the things of this world, and the things of heaven."

 

 

 

Tags : Daystar Founder Marcus Lamb Marcus Lamb death Marcus Lamb funeral ernie haase Don Moen jentzen franklin paula white samuel rodriguez