I want to take a few minutes to speak from the heart to the Daystar family and friends. Recently, Daystar made the decision to terminate my son Jonathan Lamb’s employment. That decision was not taken lightly. It followed a 15-month review of Jonathan’s performance and his refusal to take any steps to satisfy a detailed Performance Improvement Plan put in place. He also refused my offer to participate in a formal mediation to resolve grievances in a biblical and professional manner.

Rather than take any steps to improve his performance at Daystar, it seems clear now that Jonathan was focused on fabricating a smear campaign. You see, Jonathan was extremely disappointed that he was not named future President of Daystar following the death of his father and my husband, Marcus, despite the fact that Marcus had clearly given a directive to the family and to the Board that I would succeed him as President. His disappointment in not getting his way only deepened when I married Doug Weiss, who has been such a blessing to me, the rest of my family, and Daystar.

Jonathan’s disappointment escalated to the point where he attempted to blackmail his way into becoming the future President of Daystar:

"We remain willing to put this episode behind us, however, we also require security, transparency, and certainty about our futures at Daystar. To achieve this goal, we would suggest that Joni, Daystar, and ourselves enter into a new contract that clearly spells out my future role as President of Daystar, restricts the ability of Joni (or any other officer or director) from taking actions adverse to our employment without good cause (to be clearly defined), and without prior approval of a majority of the board of directors. In exchange for the agreement contemplated above, we will agree not to use, disseminate or otherwise publish any and all audio recordings that could be harmful or embarrassing to Daystar, Joni or our family."

-Email excerpt from Jonathan Lamb to Daystar President, Joni Lamb

I certainly have nothing to hide nor would I ever submit to threats of blackmail. This email from Jonathan, though, reveals what this sad episode is all about: a failed power struggle by Jonathan.

As a mother and grandmother, this situation saddens me deeply, and it grieves my heart, because I love my family. I love all of my children and grandchildren. I love the work we’ve done together for so many years. I had hoped we could have resolved this situation in private, but now he has given me no choice except to speak out.

Everyone knows we have dedicated our lives to spreading the love of Jesus, and to see it attacked by my son Jonathan and his wife is truly heartbreaking.

I want to assure you that all the allegations that are circulating against myself, my late husband, and other members of my family are completely false and we have already begun to take legal steps to defend ourselves and will address the accusations in a God-honoring way.

We stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is with us, and His purpose for Daystar is far greater than any challenge we face.

While this attack is painful and wrong, I know that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against a spiritual enemy who seeks to destroy and divide—no matter what the cost.

We ask for your prayers. Thank you for your continued love and support.

Our team here at Daystar will keep you updated. Again, thank you for your prayers.

~Joni Lamb