In Memory of Joe Marton, Sustainable Business Manager
Our team in Zambia and around the world mourns the loss of Joe Marton.
Joe served as the Sustainable Business Sales Manager, faithfully leading the sales of products produced by Lifesong Zambia’s sustainable business initiatives, which have impacted hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children over the years.
Joe passed away from a sudden heart attack on March 17, 2025.
We remember Joe fondly as someone who lived out his faith in Jesus every day. As Lifesong Zambia Director, Dennis Delic shares—
“Joe was full of life and full of joy. His source of joy did not come from within; it came from Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord deeply and dearly.”
In 2005, Joe left the comforts of California to serve with Christ Hope International in Kenya, dedicating his life to ministry and caring for children. Then, in 2022, he joined the Lifesong team where he continued to make a difference for children in need.
Known to countless children as “Uncle Joe,” he invested in their lives with a heart full of love, laughter, and competition. Joe never married, yet he had more than 1,000 orphaned children whom he loved as his own.
Joe cared deeply for his family, friends, and the people around him, always present and fully engaged, no matter who he was with. His brother, Robert shared—
“Joe loved as Jesus loved: lavishly, sacrificially, and unconditionally no matter who someone was, what they had done, or what had been done to them.”
At Lifesong, our team equips followers of Jesus to reach orphans: some to adopt, some to care, and some to give. All of us have a role to play when it comes to caring for orphaned and vulnerable children. And Joe embraced his role when he followed God’s call to bring the hope of Jesus to children in Africa. Robert also shared—
“When Joe saw a need, he didn’t just acknowledge it; he acted. When he learned of the needs of children in Africa, he didn’t just send money; he moved to Zambia, and it became his mission, his passion, and his home.”
Now, Joe is with Jesus. And on earth, God continues to accomplish great things for His kingdom through ordinary people, like Joe, who open their hands to God’s will.
In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family asks that donations be made to Lifesong Zambia. You may also visit Joe’s online tribute to view and upload special photos and memories.