Lester Sumrall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lester Sumrall
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Sumrall in 1996
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Lester Frank Sumrall
February 15, 1913 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
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| Died | 28 April 1996 (aged 83) |
| Resting place | Palmer Prairie Cemetery |
| Occupation | Clergyman, Teacher, Philanthropist |
| Movement | Pentecostalism |
| Spouse(s) | Louise Layman |
| Children | 3 |
Lester Frank Sumrall (born February 15, 1913 – died April 28, 1996) was an American religious leader. He was a pastor, a teacher, and a missionary who traveled to many countries. He started several important organizations. These include the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association (called LeSEA) and its charity, LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry. He also founded World Harvest Radio International and World Harvest Bible College.
Contents
Lester Sumrall's Life and Work
Early Life and Beginnings
Lester Sumrall was born on February 15, 1913, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His parents were George and Betty Sumrall. When he was 17, he became very sick with tuberculosis. After he recovered, he decided to start preaching. At 19, he founded his first church in Green Forest, Arkansas. He was officially recognized as a minister by the Assemblies of God.
Traveling the World
In 1934, Sumrall began traveling outside the United States. He shared his message in places like Tahiti and New Zealand. He also started a church in Brisbane, Australia. He traveled through eastern Asia and Europe with another religious leader named Howard Carter.
While in South America, Lester Sumrall met Louise Layman. They got married on September 30, 1944. They had three sons: Frank Lester, Phillip Stephen, and Peter Andrew.
Work in the Philippines
The Sumrall family lived in the Philippines for many years during the 1950s. Lester Sumrall went to Manila, Philippines, after hearing about a young woman named Clarita Villanueva. He said he helped her overcome spiritual troubles in 1953. His work in the Philippines led to the creation of the Cathedral of Praise in Manila. This church grew to be the largest in the Philippines, with over 24,000 members.
Starting New Organizations
In 1957, Lester Sumrall created the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association. He also founded World Harvest Bible College, which is now called Indiana Christian University. He started a magazine called World Harvest Magazine. In 1963, Sumrall moved to South Bend, Indiana. There, he became the pastor of Christian Center Cathedral of Praise, now known as Christian Center Church. Around this time, he left the Assemblies of God group.
In 1968, Sumrall began what would become World Harvest Missionary Evangelism (WHME-FM)l. Many people called him the "father of Christian television." From 1972 to 1997, he bought television stations across the United States. These stations became part of World Harvest Television, also known as LeSEA Broadcasting. In 1987, Sumrall started a charity organization called LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry. This group helps people in need around the world.
Books and Writings
Lester Sumrall wrote many books during his life. His books covered topics like sharing his faith, amazing healings, and angels. He also wrote some books about his own life. These include "Adventuring with Christ" and The Life Story of Lester Sumrall: The Man, the Ministry, the Vision.
Lester Sumrall passed away on April 28, 1996, at the age of 83. He died in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Selected Works
- Adventuring with Christ
- Dominion is Yours!
- The Will, The Potent Force of the Universe
- The Gifts and Ministries of the Holy Spirit
