A rising star at a growing Christian TV network, Melanie Contreras thought she had found the perfect fusion of media and ministry. Then she and her husband discovered that Daystar founder Marcus Lamb had a years-long affair. What should they do?
In this podcast, former Daystar insider Melanie Contreras reveals her part in uncovering an affair that consumed the media ministry. Recounting events over a decade ago, her perspective sheds light on the culture and practices at Daystar TV, which is today again mired in scandal.
Melanie shares how her husband, former head of IT at Daystar, discovered the affair between Marcus Lamb and a woman who had worked for a network station. Both were breaking marriage vows, and Melanie and her husband struggled with how to handle the information.
They took it to their then-spiritual mentors, Fred and Anna Kendall, founders of a ministry called Life Languages. Yet Melanie received gaslighting and mistreatment from the ones she sought out to bring accountability to the high-profile ministry.
To be “restored” after his affair, Marcus and Joni received marriage counseling from the Kendalls—yet they had no professional credentials and were not licensed. Melanie, who worked with the Kendalls for years, recounts the unethical practices she observed.
Recently, Melanie heard survivors’ testimonies at the Restore Conference and decided to go public. She is sharing her story to help others find healing from spiritual and emotional abuse.
Her gripping first-hand account reveals a complex web of abuse of power, manipulation, cover-up—and holding on to truth despite broken trust.
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Melanie Contreras
Melanie Contreras, a minister and certified life coach, is the founder of Empowered Ministries International and Communication Matters. She has worked with over 200 churches and three Bible schools, teaching character development and communication principles. Her book, Shadows Under the Light: When Trust is Violated, explores her journey of finding freedom from abuse. A mother of three children, she lives in south-central Texas. Learn more at her website.
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3 Responses
I was familiar with the Kendalls from tv and probably just Daystar. I’ve heard their testimony. He was very controlling when they got married and had their day completely scheduled. The one that stands out to me is how he scheduled sex for 6:30 a.m., or 6:00., whichever. What a man.. Well, as you probably know, she grew to hate him and wanted out. It sounds like he never gave up trying to control things after all, like she was a child and couldn’t order her own food. My guess is he didn’t want her fat so he took control. Poor woman. She has always been my favorite person on Joni’s program. She probably couldn’t think a thought without him signing off on it. I’m 70 yrs old and I tell my son don’t trust people, even Christians. The Bible says to trust God. Every Christian has their shortcomings. There are few that will stand in integrity when their back’s against the wall, sad to say. I had gotten one of their tests for my son and was going to get one for myself. Now, I’m not so sure. It seems the Kendalls made Marcus and Joni feel comfortable with their situation and like Marcus wasn’t that bad. Well, not as bad as Robert Morris, but to have an affair for possibly 10 yrs? I never could stand his fake “anointed” preaching style. Red flag to me. I was right and didn’t know it. I told myself years ago I would do my best never to ignore a red flag. I have done so enough times to my own hurt.
Thank you Melanie for the courage to come forward with the truth. I’m sorry for what you went through. I’m sorry for your pain. I watched the podcast last night, and all my own pain and suffering under the hands of dominating ministry leaders and staff members in church, and in a large international ministry I worked for, came rushing back in. I’m 73 now. I don’t know where God was, in all of it. I tried so hard to serve HIM and do the right thing. Spiritual abuse is rampant and must be stopped! God, please uncover it in ministries and churches and let the Spirit of Truth prevail!
Wow, I am now feeling very sorry for Red Wig. Now I understand her pasted smile like she is happy. I am amazed that she endured her prison and didn’t lose her mind.