Marcus Lamb, founder and president of Daystar Television Network and an ordained bishop in the Church of God, died Nov. 30 at age 64 of complications of COVID-19. He had been hospitalized at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Dallas, Texas, for more than two weeks and was improving before the downward turn that resulted in his death.
Daystar announced his passing on Twitter:
It’s with a heavy heart we announce that Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with the Lord this morning. The family asks that their privacy be respected as they grieve this difficult loss. Please continue to lift them up in prayer. pic.twitter.com/EVujL8zotG
— Daystar Television (@Daystar) November 30, 2021
Lamb was born Oct.7, 1957, in Cordele, Georgia, and raised in Macon, Georgia, per the Daystar website. He began preaching as an evangelist at the young age of 15 and skipped his senior year of high school to enroll in Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, on a full scholarship, later graduating magna cum laude at age 19. In December 1981, he founded Word of God Fellowship in Macon, Georgia, and married Joni Trammell of Greenville, South Carolina in 1982. The two traveled full time together, ministering in more than 20 states. Marcus became known as the “walking Bible” because he quoted so many Scriptures in his messages.
God spoke to Marcus while he was on a trip to Israel, telling him to found a Christian television station in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1985, he built the first Christian television station in the state, WMCF-TV. In 1990, the Lambs moved to Dallas, Texas, and built KMPX-TV 29. “Through a series of miracles and divine favor, TV 29 went on the air full power in September of 1993,” the Daystar website says. “Daystar Television Network officially 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 is the fastest-growing faith-based television network in the world, reaching over 108 million households in the U.S. and over 2 billion people worldwide. The Lambs’ popular Marcus and Joni program, broadcast live, supplemented their regular ministry at churches around the nation to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Over the course of their ministry, Marcus and Joni had the privilege of meeting and interviewing many political dignitaries, including former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush as well as Gov. Rick Perry of Texas and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset in Jerusalem.
Marcus leaves behind his beloved wife, Joni, and their three children: Jonathan Lamb, Rachel Lamb and Rebecca Lamb, their spouses, and four grandchildren.
As news of his death spread, comments poured in on social media and elsewhere. Family friend Mary Colbert, prayer ministry leader and wife of bestselling author Dr. Don Colbert, told Charisma that Marcus “received every possible treatment for COVID that one can receive,” emphasizing the deep need for prayer for Joni and the Lamb family. “Joni now carries the weight of the ministry herself—everyone should pray for her wisdom and guidance,” she said.
Oral Roberts University released the following statement from President Dr. William Wilson via its social media accounts:
Statement from ORU President Dr. William Wilson on the passing of Daystar founder and president Marcus Lamb. pic.twitter.com/7WcexuNC7W
— OralRobertsU (@OralRobertsU) November 30, 2021
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, also tweeted his words of condolence and prayer:
My friend Marcus Lamb passed away.
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, the entire Lamb and Daystar family.— Samuel Rodriguez (@nhclc) November 30, 2021
Pastor Jack Graham of megachurch Prestonwood Baptist in the greater Dallas area, also expressed his heartfelt condolences in a tweet:
Marcus Lamb was a dear friend & pioneer of the faith. I’m grateful for the privilege of partnering with him on Daystar for 25 years. His legacy will impart blessings & impact the Kingdom of God for years. My prayers are with his family. He will be missed & wholly celebrated. pic.twitter.com/5NeaRSZRej
— Jack Graham (@jackngraham) November 30, 2021
Ministry leader and former ORU president Dr. Mark Rutland shared his sadness on Twitter:
I am grieved to hear of the passing of Marcus Lamb early this morning. He and Joni made a tremendous impact for God and he was a good friend to me.
— Dr. Mark Rutland (@DrMarkRutland) November 30, 2021
The Scribe TV shared a photo and condolences on its Facebook page:
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.”
Skip Heitzig, founder and senior pastor of Calvary Church in Albequerque, New Mexico, said of Lamb: “I was saddened to hear that Marcus Lamb left his earthly home and ministry earlier today. He was always kind and openhearted towards everyone, spoke well of others, deeply loved his family, and fought for what he believed in. I will personally remember his encouragement on the golf course and publicly how his generous support for the nation of Israel enabled the gospel to penetrate that part of the world. Marcus has made a great impact on many around the globe and he will be missed.”
Please join the Charisma News staff in praying for the entire Lamb family. {eoa}
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