Marcus Lamb

Marcus Lamb

In 1980, Marcus Lamb founded Word of God Fellowship which later became Daystar Television Network. He married Joni Trammell in 1982, and she began to travel full time with him as they ministered in more than 20 states. In 1985, Marcus built WMCF-TV 45 in Montgomery, AL, which was the first Christian TV Station in the state.

Marcus Lamb, Co-Founder of Daystar Television Network

When people watch Daystar today, they might not realize the humble way the network began. Like so many things, Daystar, founded by Marcus Lamb and his wife, Joni Lamb, started small. Only through the provision of God – and plenty of hard work – has it grown into what you see today.

In the early 1980s, Marcus Lamb was a successful evangelist, speaking in churches all over the country. He had no intention of changing his ministry focus, but God had other plans. While on a trip to Israel with his bride of seven months, Marcus heard God speak to him, “Go to Montgomery, Alabama and build a Christian TV station.” After fasting and praying with Joni, Marcus knew God had indeed spoken to him, and that they must go to Alabama.

Marcus Lamb’s beginning in Montgomery was not easy. People were not receptive to what he and Joni were doing. It was expensive, and the facilities weren’t good. Things were tough, but God provided and they pressed on toward their goal. On October 12, 1985, with outdated equipment and a volunteer staff, Channel 45 went on the air.

Even though they were live, the problems for the station weren’t over. One night, due to a clerical error, the electricity was cut off in the middle of a broadcast. Another time, all three of the cameras went out, leaving Marcus Lamb to try to conduct a show with audio only. However, each time something went wrong, God provided the means to fix it – and to make things better than they were before.

After seven years in Montgomery, the Lambs felt God call them to sell Channel 45 to another Christian group and move to the Dallas area. Marcus Lamb didn’t want to start all over with a new station, but he and Joni knew they had to follow God.

The Lambs sold what they could and moved to Dallas/Fort Worth. God once again rewarded their sacrifices and helped them buy KMPX Channel 29. With a rented set, they went on the air in 1993. Doors opened and the station succeeded and grew quickly.

Marcus Lamb never intended to have a Christian TV network, but God provided. They were able to buy stations in Denver and Macon, Georgia, and Daystar Television Network officially went on the air on December 31, 1997.

Today Daystar has expanded to be the fastest growing, and one of the largest, Christian television networks in the world. It broadcasts in every country in the world and every state in the U.S. The mission of Daystar is the same as it has always been for Marcus Lamb, reach as many people as possible, through every means available, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.