This story has been updated from its original version with more information from Daystar.
The Jerusalem studio of Daystar, one of the largest Christian networks in the world, was firebombed over the weekend. The attack destroyed Daystar’s new studio, but the network plans to rebuild.
The fire began early Saturday morning when an arsonist threw a firebomb into the facility.
According to a Daystar press release, around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday morning in Israel, security cameras revealed that an arsonist set fire to the roof before escaping by rope and fleeing the scene on foot.
“You can’t silence the life-changing truth of the gospel,” said Marcus Lamb, founder and president of Daystar Television Network. “From the ashes of this tragedy, we will rise up with help from our partners around the globe and continue reaching across Israel to share God’s love and forgiveness. My prayer is that this message touches the person responsible for this incident and he embraces the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
Daystar was in the midst of a major renovation and upgrade of its studio here in Jerusalem overlooking Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives. The fire destroyed the new work and much of the existing facility.
“The control room, I would say, is probably totally devastated,” Dave Sharett, the contractor overseeing the renovations told CBN News. “The controls actually start here with the electric panel, the main electric panel and anything plastic is totally melted.”
“It was a beautiful like living-room setup, real casual setup, nice chairs, stools, tables. Nothing survived. If it didn’t burn, it melted,” he added.
Sharett showed CBN News the destruction. “This is where we filmed from,” he said while motioning towards the studio. “There were four cameras be back in this area here. And Marcus and Joni and their interviewee would be sitting here and then you would have this fabulous view behind them.”
In 2006, Daystar become the only full-time Christian television network to broadcast to nearly every home in the nation of Israel through HOT cable and YES DTH satellite. Through the support of their partners, the network then purchased and renovated the now destroyed studio in the Abu Tor neighborhood of Jerusalem overlooking the Temple Mount. And with plans to broadcast there live in less than two weeks, other Christian ministries have reached out in a show of solidarity to offer the use of their facilities.
Marcus and Joni Lamb dedicated the Daystar Jerusalem studio in October of 2009.
“In the wake of this disaster, I’m humbled by outpouring of support from our partners and other ministries,” said Marcus Lamb. “It’s really a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ comes together to boldly declare our unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, and we are eternally grateful!”
Armed with forgiveness and filled with faith for the future, Daystar plans to continue its efforts in Israel. Working closely with their global network of partners, the network is fully committed to the restoration of its Jerusalem studio.
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