Marcus Lamb, ministry leader and founder of the Daystar Television Network, has passed away at the age of 64 after contracting COVID-19.

"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," the TV Network shared across social media platforms on Tuesday.

According to his bio on Daystar's website, Lamb was born on October 7, 1957, in Cordele, Georgia. Lamb was raised in Macon, Georgia, where, at the young age of 15, he began preaching as an evangelist. The following year, Lamb decided to skip his senior year of high school and at just 16 years of age, he enrolled in Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, on full scholarship.

After graduating with honors at the age of 19, Lamb would go on to found his first ministry, Word of God Fellowship, in 1981. Then, in 1982, Lamb would marry his wife, Joni. Together the two traveled across the United States, sharing the Gospel.

Lovingly called the "Walking Bible" because of his immense knowledge of Scripture, Lamb would travel to Israel in 1983, where he says God told him to found a Christian television station in Montgomery, Alabama.

In 1985, that Montgomery-based Christian television station would come to fruition when Lamb created WMCF-TV, "45 Alive," a full-power television station. WMCF-TV was Alabama's first Christian television station.

In 1990, Lamb would move to Dallas, Texas, to start KMPX-TV 29, or TV 29, which would also become a full-power station in 1993. Daystar Television was born four years later.

Today, Daystar Television reaches over 108 million U.S. households and more than 2 billion people worldwide.

The news of Lambs passing has left many in the evangelical community grieving.

Evangelist Franklin Graham took to Facebook, noting that he was "shocked" to learn of Lamb's death. He wrote, "I was shocked to learn today that Marcus Lamb passed away early this morning from complications due to COVID-19. Marcus was the founder of Daystar Television Network, located outside of Dallas. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his wife Joni and their children.

"For all those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have that assurance of being with God for eternity in heaven. Marcus is now in the presence of His Lord and Savior. He had preached about heaven, taught about heaven, and now he is experiencing heaven," he continued.

"I know that Marcus would want each and every one of you to examine your own lives, and if there is sin in your life that is holding you back, confess it to God and ask His forgiveness. Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ today. None of us know when we will step into eternity," Graham concluded.

Author and Ministry leader Matt Sorger called Lamb's passing a "great loss," noting that the evangelist had always "encouraged [his] life and ministry."

Pastor Jentezen Franklin also offered his condolences following the announcement of Lamb's passing, writing, "So heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend Marcus Lamb. The impact of his life will carry on forever. Marcus was one of the greatest visionaries and evangelists of our time."

He continued, "Daystar Television Network shares the Gospel with over 200 nations and 680 million homes globally every day. Please join us in prayer for God's peace and comfort for Joni Lamb and the entire Lamb family during this difficult time."

Lamb is survived by his wife Joni and their three children, Jonathan, Rachel, and Rebecca.

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