For over three decades, Cindy Johnston shared a deep friendship with Daystar co-founder Joni Lamb. Now, in the wake of Lamb’s passing, Johnston is opening up about the heartbreaking final text exchange with her longtime friend.
Appearing on a special remembrance segment on Daystar, Johnston admitted she is “still in shock” over Lamb’s death, reflecting on the woman she says believed in her even before she believed in herself.
“I remember probably eight years ago when she called me, and she asked me if I would be a part of Table Talk,” Johnston shared. “And I remember laughing, and I go, ‘Joni, I have absolutely no experience. And there are people that are so much smarter than me.’”
But Lamb immediately corrected her.
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“She said, ‘Don’t say that. That’s not true. You have a story. You need to share your story.’”
According to Johnston, that encouragement became a defining characteristic of Lamb’s life and ministry. Whether spiritually, emotionally or mentally, Lamb constantly pushed those around her to grow stronger and rise higher in their calling.
“She always challenged me to elevate myself,” Johnston said. “And I think she did that for so many people.”
The longtime friendship between the two women stretched across more than 35 years, filled with memories of laughter, prayer and unwavering support through life’s darkest moments.
“When I’ve been through some very dark times, she would always be there to encourage me, to pray and say, ‘Cindy, believe. With God, all things are possible. Keep your head up. Keep your eye on Him. And don’t let all this other stuff get you knocked off track because God does have a plan.’”
Johnston also shared lighter memories of Lamb’s personality, laughing as she described Joni’s competitive spirit during game nights with their husbands.
“She was very, very competitive,” Johnston said. “So, of course, it was she and I against our husbands for any game. And of course we always won.”
But perhaps the most emotional moment came when Johnston revealed the final text message she ever sent to Lamb — a message sent without any idea it would be her last.
“As my last text said to her, and I had no idea that she’d be going to heaven, I said, ‘Oh, I miss you so much. I cannot wait to see your beautiful smile very soon.’”
Fighting back emotion, Johnston added, “I will see her. I hope not real soon, but I will see her and that beautiful face again.”
The moving tribute paints a picture not only of a global Christian broadcaster but also of a faithful friend who consistently lifted others up, spoke life into discouraged hearts, and pointed people back to God’s promises.
Even in grief, Johnston encouraged Joni’s daughters to carry on their mother’s legacy boldly.
“Rise up and go forth,” she said. “God has known this, and He knows that you two are going to carry on.”
The outpouring of testimonies following Lamb’s passing reveals a consistent theme: behind the cameras and ministry platform was a woman deeply committed to encouraging others to walk fully in God’s purpose. And as countless friends now reflect on her life, one truth remains unmistakable — the impact of faith-filled words often echoes far beyond a single moment.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
