LeSEA Tours believes that traveling to Israel is an opportunity of a lifetime. In 1982, Sumrall was promoted to general manager of the network, which at the time consisted of two television stations and one FM radio station. His third son, Frank, did not. Lester, who lives in Indiana, said that in 1996, his grandfather, and himself, began work on this film project for about three months prior to his passing. His mother was a strong Christian, but his father was lukewarm in his faith. My journey took me to Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, Israel, England, Sweden and all across North America to interview some of his friends and peers.". Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. After Peter Sumrall's death, his four children - David, Angela (Grabowski), Andrew and Adam - continued to work for LeSEA entities. FBC believes that forward thinking is what shapes history. The station was sold to the Christian Television Network on February 20, 2020. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! Andrew Drew Sumrall said Lester L. Sumralls claims are baseless. Never miss a big news story again. Upon returning from a preaching trip and seeing the devastation of his stations, Lester stated: We are not quitters. Family Movie Classics (FMC) is an American cable and satellite television network owned by the Family Broadcasting Corporation. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The network features classic movies. Lester Sumrall is a third generation minister and visionary. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? February 2015 commemorates 102 years of Dr. Lester Sumrall's life and legacy, and now an inspiring new documentary film about the life of Dr. Sumrall by his grandson, Lester Sumrall, is in production. His mother committed him to God before Lester was born and prayed that he would become a preacher. [13], Originally acquired by Family Broadcasting Corporation in 1972, WHMB-TV 40 is the longest, continually operated Christian television station in the United States. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. In 1996, Dr. Sumrall passed away leaving the broadcast stations and his vision to his son Peter Sumrall. Soon after, he earned a degree from Oral Roberts University School of Business. "For the first time ever, the collected works of our grandfather, Dr. Lester Sumrall, are now available for anyone in the world to access on demand and completely free of charge," said Drew Sumrall, president and CEO of Family Broadcasting, and Angela Grabowski, vice president, in a joint statement. History. "In addition to all his work in Christian media, Dr. Sumrall was respected as a missionary statesman who by the time of his passing (April 28, 1996) had traveled to 119 countries and ministered for 66 years and was well acquainted with his peers like Oral Roberts and Billy Graham," said Lester Sumrall. He joined the US Navy January 2, 1945, at the young age of 17 years and one month to defend his country in WWII, serving on the USS Bagley in the South Pacific. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Lester began with an FM-radio station in South Bend, Indiana. Donations generated by LeSEA support local church-based outreach, a bookstore and World Harvest Bible College in South Bend, and funds a relief arm the organization says has delivered more than $200 million in food and supplies to hungry, hurting people in 92 nations around the world.. With passionate resolve, Peter Sumrall was able to increase the size and outreach of the ministry. When Lester Sumrall awoke the next morning, he was completely healed and served the Lord for sixty-five years. Despite their. A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Andrew Sumrall last year accuses his cousin of pursuing a false claim to be the rightful spiritual and legal heir of LeSEA. It accuses Lester L. Sumrall of engaging in a long pattern of abusive, harassing, and unlawful conduct against LeSEA and his own family members.. Drew has been a part of the FBC family his entire life. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. Stay tuned to Charisma News for a statement from the family. Lester passed away on month day 1996, at age 83 at death place, Indiana. They continue to celebrate their legacy, as they strive to take the next big steps toward reaching the billions yet untold, boldly carrying the torch into the present and future darkness, to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to a dying generation in desperate need of Gods redeeming love. 2023 www.southbendtribune.com. In November of 1972, FBC acquired its first TV station, WHMB-TV 40 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lesters ministry would not perish in the ashes of defeat; but would rise again to be a witness to the faithfulness of the Lord. The broadcast was handled through the equipment at Christian Center Church in South Bend. Fearless Faith is an inspiring upcoming documentary about the life and times of Dr. Lester Sumrall. This website is truly a labor of love and will be a blessing to those looking to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.". The interactive website contains over a thousand videos, more than one hundred books and study guides, hundreds of photographs, and a biographical timeline. Well over one million people throughout central Indiana can enjoy WHMB-TVs family programming and Christ centered message. In 2018, LeSEA Broadcasting changed its name to Family Broadcasting Corporation (FBC). Stay up-to-date with current issues, Christian teachings, entertainment news, videos & more. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. He was 62 years old. I did not hesitated for the opportunity. Ways to honor Lester Sumrall's life and legacy. "LeSEA continues to remain true to its founding principles, the evidence of which is our television and radio signals broadcast across America and around the world," Drew tellsCharisma News. On September 10, 1977, WHME-TV 46 began airing inspirational television to the South Bend area. Family Broadcasting Corporation is the third generation broadcast company that began over fifty years ago through the vision of its founder Dr. Lester Sumrall. Janice is survived by her husband of 36 years, Lester Sumrall, son Christian Nielsen and wife Lita, son Eric Nielsen and wife Sandy, son Jared Nielsen and wife Tanya, son Daren Nielsen and wife. "Dr. Sumrall had a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold," Sumrall and Grabowski continued. He had a great sense of humor! He died of a heart attack at the age of 62 years. Please open it and confirm your subscription. He began his career in education with Houston ISD in 1957, coaching at Marshall Jr High, then serving as Vice Principal at Deady Jr High, and finally, Asst Superintendent for the district before retiring in 1989. The ministry has now grown into a mammoth broadcasting empire with11 television stations, a satellite ministry, three FM radio stations, five shortwave stations and a quarterly magazine. Lester died on 28th April 1996 aged 83. For convenience and ease of use, the website pairs the video teaching series with the corresponding book and study guides. The LeSEA Global Feed The Hungry Program was launched in 1987. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. According to an open letter Lester sent the Christian community. In 1957 Lester Sumrall, with the help and support of his family and friends, founded LeSEA (Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association), a ministry which has subsequently given birth to well over one hundred books and study guides, eleven television stations, a satellite ministry, three FM radio stations, five shortwave stations reaching over ninety percent of the worlds population, and a quarterly magazine. Family Broadcasting Corporation was started in 1957. l look forward to presenting the absurdity of Lester Leonards claims in federal court, Andrew Sumrall said in a statement to The Star. All books and written materials on the website are available to read and download at no cost. It is located in Limassol, Cyprus, and broadcasts to all of Western Asia. Lester Sumrall's grandson, also Lester Sumrall, claims his grandfather's legacy is being sullied by LeSEA Broadcasting's current president, Drew Sumrall. The Healing Revival In 1988, tragedy hit the network, as the headquarters in South Bend, Indiana burned to the ground destroying all of WHME- TV and WHME- FM. After traveling as a missionary for several years, Sumrall became a full-time employee with LeSEA Broadcasting in 1973, according to the company's website. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. 0% . [2] His son, Drew Sumrall, now serves in the same position.[3]. Lester's father, George was born in Mississippi and Lester's mother, Bettie Chandler, was born in Alabama. The radio station, which serves the South Bend, Indiana, area, features a mix of interactive talk, Bible teaching programs, and inspirational music 24 hours a day. Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. Dr. Lester Frank Sumrall was the sixth of eight children born to Betty and George William Sumrall. We use our 40 years of Israel travel knowledge to create an experience you will always remember. Done! You have chosen this person to be their own family member. FETV can be seen on DirecTV, Dish Newtork, AT&T U-verse, Frontier Communications, Xfinity, Spectrum, Sling, Select TV, Vidgo, Frndly, Evoca, Altafiber, Optimim and Philo. If God is for us, who can be against us? Called Fearless Faith - A Journey, A Discovery, An . Since becoming President and CEO of Family Broadcasting Corporation. Together, they were blessed with three children: Frank Lester (born 1946), Phillip Stephen (1950), and Peter Andrew (1953-2015). In 1983, the studio and transmitter for WHME-FM moved into the WHME-TV building. Along with a local church, a daily feeding program for tens of thousands of children, Bible distribution and more, we are continually looking to expand our vision and outreach. "For the first time ever, the collected works of our grandfather, Dr. Lester Sumrall, are now available for anyone in the world to access on demand and completely free of charge," said Drew. FMCs goal is to entertain their audience with quality films featuring the biggest stars in Hollywood history. In 1987, at the age of 74, Dr Sumrall founded LeSEA Global Feed The Hungry, aimed at wiping out hunger among those struggling to survive amidst poverty, famine, disaster, and war. At the age of 17, as he lay on a deathbed suffering from tuberculosis, he received a vision. "If you participate in our crowd-funding campaign you'll also receive some special insider perks. In the early 1990s, Lester gave up a college basketball scholarship to obey God's call on his life, a journey which took him to Scandinavia where he attended Word of Life Bible Institute. Spread the Word has the audacious goal of sending a Bible to every single person that needs one, the world over. Failed Claim Attempts Continue Against Family Broadcasting Corporation Dr. Lester Sumrall Works No Longer Available, WISHTV Announces Statewide Indiana News Network WHME Signs as South Bend Affiliate, Family Broadcasting Corporation Launches New Website Containing Collected Works of Dr. Lester Sumrall. Lester Sumrall explains, "Three months before his passing in 1996, my grandfather and I began working on a film that would highlight his legacy of ministry, media and relief work that had spanned 66 years in 119 countries.". Lester Sumrall went home to be with the Lord in 1996, but his legacy continuesand his God-breathed prophetic words are still alive. Communication through media wasn't a new thing to Dr. Sumrall when he opened WHMB in 1972, because he'd used shortwave radio as early as 1943. He was founder of Lester Sumrall Evangelical Association, Feed the Hungry, LeSEA Publishing and LeSEA Broadcasting, which included 11 television and radio stations, and he served as pastor of Christian Center Cathedral of Praise. By joining us on a LeSEA Israel Tour, you are participating in a tradition that dates back to the 1960's, when Dr. Sumrall began officially hosting tours to the Holy Land. Lester Sumrall and Billy Graham ( Courtesy/Sumrall Family) February 2015 commemorates 102 years of Dr. Lester Sumrall's life and legacy, and now an inspiring new documentary film about the life of Dr. Sumrall by his grandson, Lester Sumrall, is in production. Lester Sumrall is a third-generation minister and visionary. In December 2004, Family Broadcasting Corporation purchased WDOW 92.1 FM to increase Pulse FM's listening base,[16] and the call letters are now WHPD 92.1. Answer the prayer of those who cry, Lord give us this day our daily bread. Lester Sumrall, with the help and support of his family, and many friends, founded LeSEA (Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association) in 1957: A ministry which has subsequently given birth to well over one hundred books and study guides, eleven television stations, a satellite ministry, an FM radio station, three short-wave radio stations reaching over ninety percent of the world's . At age 19, he was named pastor of a large interdenominational church in Arkansas. [1] Founded by Lester Sumrall in 1972, Family Broadcasting Corporation is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and broadcasts Christian and family programming. Lester Sumrall (1913-1996) was a world-renowned pastor and evangelist, entering full-time service for God after experiencing a dramatic and life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ. Called Fearless Faith A Journey, A Discovery, An Inspirational, the film will include interviews and testimony from Pat Robertson, Kenneth Copeland, Morris Cerullo, Steve Sumrall, Rod Parsley and Joel Osteen along with many others whose lives were touched by Dr. Lester Sumrall. WHMB- TV 40 is now the oldest, consecutively running, Christian television station in the United States and was able to celebrate its 50th year of broadcasting in November of 2022. His ministry led him to South Bend in 1947. "We all loved my father," said Drew Sumrall. Charisma News - Informing believers with news from a Spirit-filled perspective, Pete Sumrall, Son of Lester Sumrall, Dies of Heart Attack, Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. [17] In 2017, Pulse FM transitioned to a new concert format named Pulse Summer Series, a series of three summer concerts in downtown South Bend, Indiana, at the Morris Performing Arts Center. In the early the 1990's, Lester gave up a college basketball scholarship to obey God's call on his life, a . "It goes without saying that Pete Sumrall cannot bereplaced, just as his father before him, Dr. Lester Sumrall, could not be replaced. He assumed full leadership of LeSEA Ministries and LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry in 2005. Six transmitters are in operation full-time, named the Six Angels. Radio Insight: "Station Sales Week Of 8/14", August 14, 2020. Upon graduation, Lester traveled alongside his grandfather, Dr. LesterSumrall, doing ministry and relief work around the world. Founded in 1996, Pulse FM WHPZ 96.9 broadcasts contemporary Christian music to the Michiana market. Lester L. Sumrall and Andrew Sumrall both want control of what one lawsuit claims could be $1 billion in donations that have flowed into the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association since the death . Listen Live: Harvest FM broadcast radio offers a mix of interactive talk, Bible teaching programs and a light mix of inspirational music, 24 hours a day. Sumrall was president and CEO of LeSEA Broadcasting, a network that exists to reach out to the lost across the world and offer families with an alternative to secure television programming. WHMB reaches the entire Indianapolis, Indiana television market covering over one million households.[14]. "Moreover, the ministry of the late Dr. Lester Sumrall is as strong as it has ever been, and we are so very thankful for the opportunity to tell millions of people about the saving of love of Jesus Christ. For many years, the radio station hosted World Pulse Festival, a one-day Christian music festival. Our vision is simple: bring people to Jesus every day. "From the unique perspective of being his oldest grandson and namesake, I wanted to go on a journey to hear the stories of some of the lives he impacted and the difference that they continue to make. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. He was the sixth of eight children of the Sumrall family. Stay up-to-date with current issues, Christian teachings, entertainment news, videos & more. Lester married Florence Margret Louise Sumrall (born Layman). In August 2020, it was announced that WHRI was selling its facilities to Allen Weiner, owner of Monticello, Maine-based shortwave station WBCQ, pending FCC approval.[15]. . He traveled the world on the verge of WWII, missionary statesman, author, broadcast pioneer and global philanthropist sharing the Gospel in 119 countries, impacting lives forever. "Dr. Sumrall had a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold," Sumrall and Grabowski continued. 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