US

Facing Blackmail, Televangelist Admits Affair On Air

NEW YORK (AP) — A prominent televangelist appeared before a worldwide television audience Tuesday to admit that he had an affair with a woman years ago – and to allege that three people had tried to extort millions of dollars from him to stay quiet about his infidelity.

The Rev. Marcus Lamb, who created DayStar Television Network with his wife Joni, said he and his wife had healed their marriage and had hoped to keep his adultery private, but went public because they would not pay extortionists. The three people demanded $7.5 million, he said.

“They’re trying to take our pain and turn it to their gain,” said Lamb, during a one-hour live broadcast with his wife by his side and supporters surrounding him. “We‘re not going to take God’s money to keep from being humiliated.”

A spokesman for the Lambs, Larry Ross, said they went to authorities with their allegations, but he said he could not discuss specifics for fear of interfering with any investigation. He said the extortion attempt was made within the past few weeks.

DayStar, based in Dallas, airs some of the highest-profile evangelists in the world, including Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar and Joyce Meyers.

The network says it operates more than 70 stations in major U.S. television markets and also broadcasts to more than 200 countries.

Joni Lamb described her husband’s affair as “an emotional relationship” with a woman that became “an improper relationship.” When she learned of his infidelity several years ago, she was devastated and prayed to the Holy Spirit, who told her, “He’s worth fighting for.”

She confronted her husband and the two decided to undergo Christian counseling with Fred and Anna Kendall of the Life Languages Institute, which specializes in training communicators.

Marcus Lamb said he took responsibility for the affair by confessing what he had done to his wife’s parents and asking some members of the DayStar ministry to help hold him accountable for his promise to stay faithful.

“I said, `Honey, I’ll do whatever it takes to heal the hurt and right the wrong,” Marcus Lamb said.

Fred Kendall appeared on the broadcast along with his wife and said he advised the Lambs to stay quiet about their marital problems because he feared they would not overcome their troubles if they had to do so in public.

The Lambs’ supporters on the broadcast repeatedly described the affair and the extortion plot as an attempt by the devil to discredit the evangelist couple and their ministry. DayStar is rooted in Pentecostalism, the Christian tradition known for its spirit-filled worship, and its belief in modern-day miracles and everyday battles with evil influences.

“I think this was a direct attack from the devil,” Fred Kendall said, although Lamb responded that only he is to blame for his wrongdoing.

Lamb said he had contacted his denomination, the Church of God in Cleveland, Tenn., and about 30 other Christian leaders with the news ahead of the broadcast. He also directly addressed viewers, asking for their prayers.

“To our beloved partners and friends,” he said, “we’re not here to excuse sin, but we are here to celebrate the goodness and the grace of God. He has helped Joni and me.”

—-

Online:

http://www.daystar.com/

Comments (99)

1 2 3
  • FlowerBell
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:09pm

    Why are there so many criminal types in organized religion, especially television ministries? Because people you don’t even know mail you free money, everyday. You gotta love it.
    You are closer to God in a simple prayer.

    Report Post » FlowerBell  
    • dkhartman
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:33pm

      Free money? May I ask where a pastor is supposed to get the money to air his/her shows? They don’t have secular commercials to rely on for that.. I‘m not saying that some pastors don’t take advantage of people but unless you know these people personally you probably shouldn’t judge them in that fashion. Every now and then when a pastors ask for money, it’s legit. To stay on air it’s absolutely necessary. Unless you have proof or know his/her heart, judging is wrong..

      Report Post »  
  • 13thGenerationAmerican
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:06pm

    Reminds me of Palin, same gig different crowd.

    Report Post » 13thGenerationAmerican  
    • THE AUDACITY OF NO
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:38pm

      Your comments always remind me of Rosie O’Donnell – same mindless garbage, different gender

      Report Post » THE AUDACITY OF NO  
    • D C STEW
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:41pm

      What does Palin have to do with this?

      Report Post » Give_heed  
  • TOSKIMAN
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:00pm

    There is another man who has committed infidelity with my country. Enough said.

    Report Post » TOSKIMAN  
  • wampanoag
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:59pm

    These, like most TV evangelists, are charlatans who pervert Christianity and invert it up side down. They have made Christianity into a big, profitable business, relying on tax-free contributions from weak, vulnerable and impressionable people. Does anyone believe that this is the only affair this plastic man and his plastic wife have had? Hardly. But this was the affair that was too expensive to hush up. They are frauds from A to Z.

    Report Post »  
  • LEVELHEADEDTHINKER
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:54pm

    We all fall short of God’s glory and the life that He wants us to live while in the flesh. That being said: these two most likely leaked their secret due to the fact that they were about to be ousted by people who knew what had hapened. Seems to me that they only trying to save their behinds from being brought out in the limelight. People should not get wrapped up in others misery, pray for them, they need it.

    Report Post »  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:52pm

    These 2 people could only appeal to one kind of american. The weak minded Liberal can’t see through this trash

    Report Post »  
    • darlene1waters
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 11:38am

      Sorry, buddy, but you’ve got it backwards.
      Religitard = Republitard = Conservatard

       
  • barlyman14
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:42pm

    God bless ya repent now step down

    Report Post »  
  • powhatan
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:40pm

    The truth always gets out eventually doesn’t it

    Report Post » powhatan  
  • parmajohn
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:29pm

    Sorry Never heard of him…But now everyone has…… and the lame ducks are taking us to market…

    Report Post »  
  • beaubird
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:23pm

    I detest these so called God loving people. They make me sick! They dont do a thing but take,take,take. They are filling their pockets everyday and people still give it to them. WAKE UP!!!!!! I bet he will knock yu in the head and say yu are cured, Please put cash in plate as yu leave! I think they all should be taken off the air. Everyone of them and I hope everyone of them go broke. They stand up there with all their jewlery hanging and expensive suits and body guards. The guards are there because the wimps are scared somebody is going to kick their ass for taking their money!!! Liars,Liars, Liars. Their day will come!!!

    Report Post »  
    • barbaraw62
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:20pm

      Cmon……. you are being ridiculous….. dumb comments for a dumb story

      Report Post » barbaraw62  
  • BRAVEHEART
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:22pm

    Should’n this story be on E channel or some Hollywood gossip rag?? And the relevance of this story is???????

    Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:54pm

      That’s my question – why is this story on this website – I am not understanding!! http:/maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
  • josie wales
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:04pm

    This is one of the reasons that christianity gets treated the way it does. About the time one scandal blows over up pops another one and what is the line they always use “the devil is after me please send money” And the sheeple continue to defend them and send them more money.
    I believe the scripture says “you can tell them by their fruits”.

    Report Post »  
  • Nepalm
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:59pm

    This story is one of countless examples that add up to support the conventional wisdom to believe that only hypocrites go to church. Therefore, people conclude that the act of going to church is what makes one a hypocrite. Church is for fools.

    Yes, church is for hypocrites. Any given church service is absolutely packed full of them, myself included. But deciding to not go to church doesn’t make somebody less of a hypocrite. If you are a hypocrite, then going to church or not will not change that about you.

    This man should not only be apologizing for the affair. He should apologize for being a fraud that takes advantage of people. This man is a con artist even if he did not have the affair.

    Report Post »  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:26pm

      Richlove1,
      The unchristian conduct of Christendom has a lot of answering to do toward Jesus. He expected them to follow his steps closely, but they have failed. Christendom has misrepresented the teaching of the Christ and as a result, good people like you are disappointed in their religion, many have walked away. If a person wants to follow in Christ’s footsteps, then they have to study the Bible, not their religion.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • TruthLover
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 1:37am

      Blacktooth – I second your remark. Amen.

      We need to look to the Bible not to other men to see what being a Christian is all about. Men will ALWAYS let us down, but God’s Word stands forever. Unfortunately, the world in general will never crack the Book, and judge it by the actions of those who claim to know it. We will all answer to God one day for how well or how pitifully we have represented our Savior.

      Report Post » TruthLover  
  • Richlove1
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:51pm

    These people seem to be about vanity, not about the Gospel. Gaudy packages with nothing inside. Self-indulgence over self-sacrifice and serving others. I keep being shown reasons to not look to preachers of any kind and stick to God’s Word alone.

    Report Post »  
  • Silat
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:48pm

    uuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhh who cares about professional wrestling?

    Report Post »  
  • Nepalm
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:46pm

    The science of Tammy Faye Bakker is a real cash cow. You get a hysterical emotional wreck on TV to cry and it is big money for the show. Just take a look at Oprah. They perfected this science to an art form.

    Report Post »  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:46pm

    Just another reason why i don’t trust tv evangelists. None of em.

    Report Post »  
    • T.E.A.PARTNER
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:02pm

      nd yours is the reason why I am so saddened every time I talk with someone who rejects the message because of a real or perceived ‘hippocrit’ who becomes their only reference to Biblical truth.

      Report Post »  
    • afroggy
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:54pm

      Televangelists are rather like pro athletes, or airline pilots. For the most part, they are unregulated with little or no oversight from their kin/elders/Board of Directors. They are generally left to their own behavioral devices. For the most part, their record is not encouraging

      Most can’t reject an option if it becomes available. These are the folks that aren’t worth listening to.

      The minority do a fine job of living as role models, so it is unwise to tar all of them with the same brush. Billy Graham was one of the good ones. However, like you, I wouldn’t trust most of them simply because they represent themselves as preachers. It takes more than being a good religious speaker (and a satellite feed), to be a man of God.

      Report Post » afroggy  
  • T.E.A.PARTNER
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:42pm

    Hey, we all make mistakes, but the most damaging thing was giving the names of certain of his colleagues whose histories or ministries are at the very least suspect.

    Report Post »  
  • MeteoricLimbo
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:39pm

    Honesty is a good thing, as is forgiveness.

    Report Post » MeteoricLimbo  
  • REETZBEE
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:35pm

    Boy, she sure doesn’t want to give up her lifestyle. What a bunch of frauds.

    Report Post » REETZBEE  
  • Nepalm
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:35pm

    “Won’t find me practicing what I am preaching
    Won’t find me making no sacrifice
    But I can get you a pocket full of miracles
    If you promise to be good and try to be nice”

    -Genesis, “Jesus, he knows me”

    Where I get lost with these guys are the moveable tablets of prophesy. Horizons of Armageddon can be a hundred years, then fifty and then ten years and that can be in only one half hour pledge drive!

    Also… if God himself is talking to you, then is it no longer a matter of faith but a matter of fact? So how can somebody who hears God’s commands for him be operating with faith?

    I can’t see gravity. But if I let go of something it will fall. That is not faith, it is fact. And if God is speaking to you, that is not faith but it is also fact. And why would you want God to prove himself to you? That would be a terrifying experience that would make you crazy and incompatible to society.

    Report Post »  
    • T.E.A.PARTNER
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:54pm

      Are you postulating that fidelity is like gravity, drop it and you’re broken? Or am I off topic?

      Report Post »  
    • Nepalm
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:02pm

      No, I am probably the one who is off topic. These evangelists set me off. Sorry

      Report Post »  
    • Nepalm
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:20pm

      I was trying to say that God speaking to you is like gravity. If you are not hallucinating or mentally ill, then it is fact.

      But if God does not speak directly to you or does not prove himself to you, then it is not a matter of fact but a matter of faith.

      And I was attempting to make a point that you can’t speak in terms of fact and also in terms of faith because that is having it both ways. And these televangelists want to have it both ways. I think this is worse than the cheating or extramarital sex. I don’t care about the cheating. It is really none of my business.

      Report Post »  
  • Dirty Harry
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:31pm

    How could anyone take them seriously? They went public because they fear the gravytrain coming to a stop, not because of any remorse. These people are NOT Christians, they’re charlatans.

    Report Post »  
    • roberja
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:38pm

      You who are w/o sin may cast the first stone!

      Report Post »  
    • Dirty Harry
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:51pm

      You who are without brain, cast the first stupid comment.

      Report Post »  
    • psst
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:23pm

      DT.
      Why did you have to cast the first stone at Roberja’s preacher.:- )
      Give him and his wife a break
      After-all, these two are only in this to make $$.
      Plus they prove the words of PT [Barnum to be true. There’s a sucker born everyminute..
      IMO. Every second.

      Report Post »  
    • dkhartman
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:31pm

      I don‘t think it’s in your place to claim what is in someone else’s heart. Is it a possibility at all that he made a mistake like any human being… Why are Christians supposed to act like robots. Like we don’t make the same mistakes others out there.. Even Jesus was tempted. The only difference between a Christian and non Christian is the Christian is saved and will be forgiven.

      YES, even pastors make mistakes.. Unlike the GAY pastor that some of you defended, he is not STILL living in sin. He is over it and has asked the Lord to forgive him and his wife. No one is perfect, including Christians.

       
    • 338lapua
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:33pm

      When a person presents themself as a leader, they need to understand they are responsible for what they say and do. When they mislead, the blood of others are on their hands. It is simply understood that none of us are without earthly sin. Which is why leadership carries such a heavy load. This man needs to step down. All the “advisors” who told him to keep it secret need to step down. Any questions? Look it up in your Bible.

      Report Post »  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:47pm

      @dkhartman What you suggest is troubling at best if you truly believe it. Are you suggesting that a gay preacher is OK simply because he/she has confessed it? In the bible it clearly states that is not so. Look it up. That would be like a serial killer, who has confessed and asked forgiveness, continuing to murder and that is OK because of his confession. Not so. Repentance and atonement involve ending the behavior and cleaning up the mess. Look in your Bible….it is all there

       
    • dkhartman
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:59pm

      338LAPUA
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:47pm
      @dkhartman What you suggest is troubling at best if you truly believe it. Are you suggesting that a gay preacher is OK simply because he/she has confessed it? In the bible it clearly states that is not so. Look it up. That would be like a serial killer, who has confessed and asked forgiveness, continuing to murder and that is OK because of his confession. Not so. Repentance and atonement involve ending the behavior and cleaning up the mess. Look in your Bible….it is all there

      ——————————————————
      I read my Bible every day of my life, actually. I was saying what you’re saying. You just didn’t get it I guess. I’m not saying what this pastor should do, step down or continue preaching. I was simply saying what dirty harry was saying was wrong and he shouldn’t judge.
      What I intended to get across was that the pastor who claimed to be gay and this pastor are different because the gay pastor is continuing to live in sin and this pastor has stopped his sin, confessed it, and asked the Lord to forgive him. No sin is greater than another some say. However, a true believer knows that it only counts when you repent, meaning you won’t continue that sin. Anyways it seems we are saying the same thing but correct me if I’m wrong.

       
    • angrymob
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:28am

      @ roberja

      Exactly!

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • TruthLover
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 1:32am

      How about instead of focusing on the news of the moment, reflect on what this story says about marriage as a whole? How many marriages can survive what they have? What a testimony of forgiveness and healing. If more couples would put that kind of value on their relationship instead of checking out at the first hint of trouble – more people would be marriage success stories today – instead of statistics. Who cares about their past or why they’re coming out now. It doesn’t hurt any of us here. That’s their life, their shoes to walk in.

      Commitment – it’s not easy, but that is what you sign up for when you get married…not “love” or “security” or “caretaking” or “ego-inflation.” The institution of marriage is under attack by lefties BECAUSE we haven’t taken it seriously for generations.

      Fight for your mate, not with them.

      Report Post » TruthLover  
    • darlene1waters
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 10:59am

      dkhartman and lapua (a bible thumper with a weapons manufacturer name… scary),
      You are both following your bible well by contradicting yourselves and speaking hypocrisy. The bible itself is also full of self-contradictions and hypocrisy.
      This scammer is no more likely to never again commit a particular “sin” than the gay preacher. You don‘t know that he hasn’t done it again already. And, you make it sound like a person only gets forgiveness for a particular sin once, and if they do it again they’re damned. Or is that just a double standard reserved only for the sin of being gay? Your bible says that everybody is still a sinner, even after they’ve asked for forgiveness, whether or not they do it again.
      You’re obviously using your ridiculous religion as an excuse for bigotry. I’ve reported your gay-bashing comments for being hate speech.
      The point is, you can’t even talk about your bible without sounding like idiots, because your bible makes no sense.
      Like 99% of Christians, you probably haven’t actually read it, anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • dkhartman
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 3:05pm

      darlene1waters

      I’d be happy to speak with you about these Biblical contradictions. Of course, you’ll probably not care one bit because you probably know nothing of the Bible at all. I actually do read my Bible, as I’ve said, on a daily basis sometimes multiple times a day. I have a personal relationship with Christ which is not a religion but I‘d fall under the religious name ’Christianity’.

      Instead of judging me when you have no clue who I am or what I‘ve read and what I know about what I’ve read, maybe you’d like to have a real conversation about what I know. And if you were willing to listen, I‘m sure you’d be stumped and realize that you actually didn‘t know as much as you thought about a book that you don’t even believe in. It’s funny that you reported me I guess. I don’t care at all. And clearly by your post you missed my point. A gay person by being gay is continuing to sin on a daily, hourly, minute by minute basis. Do you have affairs 24 hours a day? No. And unless you intend to and that sin is forgiven then your slate is clean. You can’t be gay, a sinful act that is continuous throughout your every day life, and be forgiven of your sins. Are you going to let someone punch you in the face multiple times, continuously WHILE apologizing and let it be okay? I guess probably not. So, I don’t think you should expect the same thing from our savior. I’m not a hypocrite, I know what my Bible says, and what you think are contradictions, however, they are not. And if you’d like to be more open minded about it and speak with me thats fine. Otherwise, I have nothing left to say.

      Report Post »  
    • TakeBackAmerica
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 3:58pm

      Nice post Dhartman. It’s hard dealing with ignorant, clueless, living in darkness posters sometimes. Gotta feel sorry for them, though. They know not what they say…..

      Report Post »  
  • Dirty Harry
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:30pm

    Fraud.

    Report Post »  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:13pm

      Absolutely, goes without saying. Glad you did though.

      Report Post »  
  • Lesterp
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:27pm

    Jeez, I’m glad he takes 100% of the blame!

    Report Post » Lesterp  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:53pm

      The sins, errors, and indiscretions of men and women have always caused disasters of one kind or another. We cannot escape the consequences of our sins, they ALWAYS catch up to us, and in the end, is death dealing. “The wages sin pays is death”. Romans 6:23, 5:27

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
  • ME
    Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:21pm

    Suffering for Jesus, not that he was a perv but they are greedy not that he should have said it years ago but it black mail. Yes I feel the pain he was caught and now its there fault this is not a private matter.

    Report Post » ME  
    • ->Click For Brain Enema<-
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:44pm

      Sounds like he took a play out of the David Letterman book.

      -&gt;How To Work From Home Site&lt;-  
    • pajamash
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 6:44pm

      Gag me with a spoon! Can you say plastic?!

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:43pm

      He has admited and owned up to having the affair; yet the damage has been done, the peope of his flock and outreach ministry will be the one to decide his future in the pastorage.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:08pm

      People struggle. But it is time for his followers to realize they do not follow men, they follow God. When they all understand that the healing can begin.

      Report Post »  
    • dkhartman
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:03pm

      This isn’t new. Kinda curious why it’s coming out now…?

      Report Post »  
    • BizPublisher
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:58pm

      My concern is that it was hidden from his congregation by not only the preacher and his wife, but by church leaders as well. Too much to lose in power and money for all of them I would gather? This guy should run for Congress!

      Report Post »  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:05pm

      Well, I will cast the first stone. Get your butt off the tv, The Bible says those who are Christians and commit sexual sin are not fit to eat with. The road is narrow and few will find it. Clearly by his actions he wouldn’t recognize Jesus for his Truth made the “righteous” angry.

      Libertyluvnmomma  
    • Russman
      Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:47am

      What the guy has shown is that he is unworthy to serve pastorally and he must step down….

      Report Post » Russman  
    • SemperCivis4Ever
      Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:49pm

      Gotta love these evangelists :)

      If you want a true history of the world, read “Finding Noah” at http://www.marcrubin.com/noah-index.ivnu
      This is what happens when an artist has to know what Abraham and Noah’s clothing looked like in order to paint a biblical exhibition of the Old Testament at the request of Holocaust survivors. He discovers them in archeology. Rubin is the only person who has pieced history together. He shows us all our common humanity as well as who the bad guys are and how they got started in 3123 BCE, after a documented meteor event which changed weather patterns and wreaked havoc on a world that had been peaceful for 7000 years.

      Report Post » SemperCivis4Ever  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love