FROM THE ASHES OF OPPRESSION,
HOPE RISES IN SOUTH AFRICA
A personal blog from Marcus Lamb | Posted July 14, 2017

Those who know me best know that I am a total history buff, a constant consumer of events both past and present that have helped shape the world we live in today. In fact, if you were to ask my Joni how often she finds me with my reading glasses positioned squarely on my nose as I soak in new information, she’d probably laugh thinking about how often that scene plays out in our lives. I honestly think God wired me that way, knowing I would need this information in order to make good decisions for the future of Daystar and those who were destined to be impacted by it.
A few years ago, I was in the middle of one these marathon-reading moments and something caught my eye. A 2013 financial publication had named South Africa the leading “African Country of the Future” based on the “potential” found within its economy, infrastructure, environment, and more. “Wow,” I thought. I had clearly underestimated this great nation, having no idea the vast resources God had blessed them with in the decades since Apartheid ended.

In the years following that moment, I’ve kept my eye on South Africa. In spite of nationwide protests, high unemployment, and growing poverty, will this country with so much so-called “potential” emerge as the world leader we all hope and pray for? I believe so, and here’s why.
After seeing that article, God began to stir something inside of me. A love and passion for the nation of South Africa began to take shape in my heart. For too long the enemy has had his way in this land through racial oppression, economic challenges, and other issues. But I believe what’s happened in the past in no way reflects the truth about these people, this land, or their future.

On July 4, 2017, Daystar launched into nearly 5 million homes through Multichoice DStv in South Africa, impacting approximately 15 million people! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed for this day to come, and I’m in awe at what the Lord has done in making it possible.
You see, I believe that article was prophetic. God was speaking to me through facts, figures, and economic projections to say, “Get ready. I am about to do something in this nation that will illuminate the entire African continent.” From that day on, I’ve trusted that, indeed, the door would be opened to the message of the Gospel in a way that would transform South Africa, and the many struggling nations around it.
How do I know? I’ve seen it time and time again in other areas of the world. Despair, conflict, and division cannot rule and reign in places where it’s driven out by a bigger belief in Jesus. The blessings that have been on this nation will go from simply being the “potential” for greatness to fact and reality as divine connections are created and lives are forever changed through Christian television.

From the ashes of an old, oppressive system, South Africa will begin to soar on the wings of truth, freedom, peace, and salvation that can only be found in the Gospel. A light has truly turned on in this nation, one that will shine for all the world to see. And as my friend and fellow evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, would say, “From Cape Town to Cairo, Africa shall be saved!”
My hope and prayer in the days ahead is that you would join me in believing for what I think will be a mighty move of God that sweeps across this land to bless the world. It’s so exciting when you consider what happens in families, communities, and nations when their hearts and lives are surrendered to Jesus. And because of that, I am absolutely certain that the best is yet to come for South Africa. Praise God!
Sincerely,
Marcus Lamb