We are all unavoidably human and imperfect, but we are passionate about the eternal message of Christs love. The late Lester Sumrall stepped into a pulpit for the first time when he was 17. God gave Dr. Lester Sumrall a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold and empower believers like you to grow in . He established Feed the Hungry in 1987. The interactive website contains over a thousand videos, more than one hundred books and study guides, hundreds of photographs, and a biographical timeline. The FM-radio station began transmitting again just four days later. Thankfully, none of the staff had been burned or injured in the fire, which began in the phone lines set-up for that weeks telethon. KWHE offers the very best in family-friendly and inspirational programming across all the islands of Hawaii. 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. Answer the prayer of those who cry, Lord give us this day our daily bread. He was 62 years old. The original Lester Sumrall foundedLeSEA(Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association) in 1957. WHT delivers Christian programs to viewers in millions of homes through DirecTV channel 367, as well as streaming online. Lester Sumrall is currently based in Indiana where he lives with his wife and children. Lester passed away on month day 1996, at age 83 at death place, Indiana. Never miss a big news story again. Sumrall remained married to his wife until his death in 1996. Since 1985 Family Broadcasting Corporation has operated World Harvest Radio International (WHRI), designed to reach the over 200 million shortwave radio receivers in the world. The May 2018 lawsuit claims Lester L. Sumrall even interfered in his cousins divorce proceedings. INDIANAPOLIS Two Indiana cousins are fighting for control of a multimillion-dollar Christian media empire started by their grandfather, trading accusations of deceit, corporate malfeasance, harassment and abuse. Family Broadcasting Corporation, formerly known as LeSEA Broadcasting, is an American Christian television network. Our people are winners. Family Broadcasting Corporation was started in 1957. 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. According to an open letter Lester sent the Christian community. Stay tuned to Charisma News for a statement from the family. With passionate resolve, Peter Sumrall was able to increase the size and outreach of the ministry. Redemption through Jesus Christ changes one precious life at a time. [2] His son, Drew Sumrall, now serves in the same position.[3]. All Rights Reserved. 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. Lester Sumrall is a third-generation minister and visionary. But in 2010 when my mother suddenly passed away at 62 years of age, I realized how short life really is and I decided to get to work on this project. God gave Dr. Lester Sumrall a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold, and empower believers like you to grow in your spiritual walk. . That vision laid the foundation for decades of growth and development into what FBC is today. Family Broadcasting Corporation was started in 1957. On September 10, 1977, WHME-TV 46 South Bend came onto the airwaves with mostly religious programming, as well as some family programming. This website is truly a labor of love and will be a blessing to those looking to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.". "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. He had a great sense of humor! Done! Done! The LeSEA founders namesake said his grandfather designated him a successor, and that he has a document to prove it. [1] Founded by Lester Sumrall in 1972, Family Broadcasting Corporation is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and broadcasts Christian and family programming. Lester Sumrall was a man who threw himself at the feet of Jesus Christ, possessing a zeal and commitment to God that still amazes those who knew him. Throughout the years there have been various pioneers who wanted to reach the masses and utilized media for the advancement of God's kingdom. His mother committed him to God before Lester was born and prayed that he would become a preacher. Radio Insight: "Station Sales Week Of 8/14", August 14, 2020. The station was sold to Lilly Broadcasting in 2020. "This website ensures that future generations and people of all nations will have complete access to these timeless materials.". [12] In 2022, streaming services Frndly TV and Philo added the movie service to their offerings. Harvest 103.1 FM, or WHME (FM), began broadcasting in 1968. In the early the 1990's, Lester gave up a college basketball scholarship to obey Gods call on his life, a journey which took him to Scandinavia where he attended Word of Life Theological School in Sweden. All books and written materials on the website are available to read and download at no cost. LeSEA Tours is a ministry under the much larger worldwide outreach of Family Broadcasting Corporation which exists to reach out to the lost across the globe and to provide families with an alternative to secular television. 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. "It goes without saying that Pete Sumrall cannot bereplaced, just as his father before him, Dr. Lester Sumrall, could not be replaced. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. Prophetic messages from respected leaders & news of how God is moving throughout the world. He also used local television from the late 1940s onward. Upon graduation, Lester travelled alongside his grandfather, Dr. Lester Sumrall, doing ministry and relief work around the world. With the purchase of WHME-TV, studio facilities were now available within a few minutes of Christian Center Church making it easier for the ever-busy Lester Sumrall to produce his programs. 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. Lester Sumrall's grandson, also Lester Sumrall, claims his grandfather's legacy is being sullied by LeSEA Broadcasting's current president, Drew Sumrall. Family Broadcasting Corporation, formerly known as LeSEA Broadcasting, is an American Christian television network. Family Broadcasting Corporation is the third generation broadcast company that began over fifty years ago through the vision of its founder Dr. Lester Sumrall. 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. 5, 2020. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. Lester married Florence Margret Louise Sumrall (born Layman). "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. "We are honored to reveal this extraordinary project and carry on the legacy he established over sixty years ago. The channel is focused on providing entertainment to its audience through quality TV shows and movies that provide real family entertainment. Upon Peter Sumralls passing in 2015, his son Drew Sumrall became the third generation of the Sumrall family to shepherd the mission of FBC. The LeSEA Global Feed The Hungry Program was launched in 1987. Lester had 6 siblings: Leona Sumrall, Mary Louise Sumerall and 4 other siblings. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. 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 . "Dr. Sumrall had a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold," Sumrall and Grabowski continued. In response, Lester L. Sumrall accuses Andrew Sumrall, who runs the evangelist nonprofit organization, of deceiving donors and being involved in corporate malfeasance while overseeing LeSEA. FMCs goal is to entertain their audience with quality films featuring the biggest stars in Hollywood history. Its programming is a blend of religion, local sports, and family entertainment. Watch Live: WHT delivers entertainment for the whole family through inspirational, educational, informational and Christian programs. On September 10, 1977, WHME-TV 46 began airing inspirational television to the South Bend area. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. His mother was a Christian, she dedicated the child to God before he was born and prayed that he would become a preacher. In 2018, LeSEA Broadcasting changed its name to Family Broadcasting Corporation (FBC). Some of that growth includes the cable channels Family Entertainment Television or FETV, and World Harvest Television. Through Drews leadership, FBC has been able to expand FETV into 50 million homes and is considered not only to be one of Americas fastest-growing family-friendly networks but is also a top 50 cable channel. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. Despite their large number, he never forgot a birthday. Stream Live: Pulse FM broadcast radio features the best artists in Christian music with entertaining radio hosts that are guaranteed to put a positive spin on your day. 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. "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. 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 of their grandfather, Lester Sumrall, in 1996, The Indianapolis Star reported. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. See what opportunities we have open. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. [1] Founded by Lester Sumrall in 1972, Family Broadcasting Corporation is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and broadcasts Christian and family programming. Help us continue this effort! Fearless Faith is an inspiring upcoming documentary about the life and times of Dr. Lester Sumrall. FETV is a satellite and cable network featuring classic and inspirational programming the whole family can enjoy. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! In 2018 LeSEA changed its name to Family Broadcasting Corporation (FBC. 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. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. During the 1980s and '90s he advanced into satellite television and shortwave radio ownership that allowed him to reach a broader audience with the gospel. 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