Furthermore, Lester claims controversy embroils LeSEA. (The Sumrall family has . He heard these words: Lester Sumrall, which of these will you choose tonight? He made his decision he would preach the Gospel as long as he lived. 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. 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. "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. 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.". 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. 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. Whether corresponding remotely from countries around the globe or sharing his insightful perspective with viewers live on the set, Pete Sumrall was committed to proclaiming the gospel. He died of a heart attack at the age of 62 years. 2023 www.southbendtribune.com. 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. The counterclaims assert that Lester's father Frank, one of the three sons of Dr. Sumrall, assigned to the Trust all his rights in Dr. Sumrall's works and likeness, to which he claims a one-third interest by inheritance. "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. Family Broadcasting Corporation, formerly known as LeSEA Broadcasting, is an American Christian television network. At the age of 17, as he lay on a deathbed suffering from tuberculosis, he received a vision. He was 62 years old. That vision laid the foundation for decades of growth and development into what FBC is today. Pulse FM broadcast radio transmits on 92.1 WHPD, 96.9 WHPZ, and 103.1 WHME analog and HD signals featuring the best artists Christian music has to offer. We also know who is for us. "Since that time, life got busy, I attended and graduated from ORU, got married, we had 3 beautiful children and the film project got put on the shelf. MHC Life provides customers with quality resources in the form of quality health supplements and nutritional information. For convenience and ease of use, the website pairs the video teaching series with the corresponding book and study guides. We are all unavoidably human and imperfect, but we are passionate about the eternal message of Christs love. WHFT TV 45 Miami, Florida signed on in 1975, was acquired by LeSea in the summer of 1976, and was sold to Trinity Broadcasting Network in July 1980. Because a full life feels good. At age 19, he was named pastor of a large interdenominational church in Arkansas. By 1986, FBC was ready to grow once more and did so with the purchase of KWHE-TV 14 in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. He went on to say, "If you are reading this, I know that you are a person that appreciates the power of media to spread the good news of Christ around the world. Lester Sumrall traveled the world ministering in 110 countries, including Soviet Siberia, Russia, Tibet, and China. Pete Sumrall, son of the late Dr. Lester Sumrall, has passed away. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. All Rights Reserved. Lester Frank Sumrall was born February 15, 1913 in New Orleans, Louisiana to George and Betty Sumrall. 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.. Proceeds from the film will go to global relief efforts through Lester Sumrall International. Suspended in midair to the right of his bed was a casket; on his left was a large open Bible. In 1996, he was installed as president of LeSEA when his father and the founder of the company passed away. His mother was a strong Christian, but his father was lukewarm in his faith. The inaudible voice of the Lord directed him to become not only a station owner, but to build a network of TV stations as a channel for truth to America. Watch Live: WHT delivers entertainment for the whole family through inspirational, educational, informational and Christian programs. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. The headquarters for FBC were moved from Indianapolis to South Bend. Purchased by Family Broadcasting Corporation in 1985, KWHB 47 is the oldest Christian television station in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was very proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From here, he worked his way up the ranks in the company in multiple roles, including production, engineering, sales, traffic and tours. Upon Peter Sumralls passing in 2015, his son Drew Sumrall became the third generation of the Sumrall family to shepherd the mission of FBC. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. Our vision is simple: bring people to Jesus every day. 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. Prophetic messages from respected leaders & news of how God is moving throughout the world. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. Lester Sumrall is currently based near Chicago where he lives with his wife and children. Spread the Word has the audacious goal of sending a Bible to every single person that needs one, the world over. "Currently, the film is in its final phase of editing, and we're raising $60,000 to professionally finish the project. l look forward to presenting the absurdity of Lester Leonards claims in federal court, Andrew Sumrall said in a statement to The Star. 5, 2020. Andrew Drew Sumrall said Lester L. Sumralls claims are baseless. But after Peter Sumrall died in December 2015, another of the founder's grandsons, Lester Sumrall, began what Drew and LeSEA characterize "as his 'long pattern of abusive, harassing, and unlawful conduct' against LeSEA and its interests 'based on his false claim to be the rightful spiritual and legal heir to LeSEA,'" Judge Philip P. Simon wrote When tragedy strikes, we know who our enemy is. To contact us or to submit an article, click here. The station was sold to the Christian Television Network in April 2018. 530 E Ireland RoadSouth Bend,Indiana46614, (888) 832-6384donorcare@feedthehungry.org, MissionImpactLeadership & StaffFinancial AccountabilityProgramsPartners Privacy Policy, LeSEA Global Feed The Hungry, Inc is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.Donations and contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. I hope that you, his family, take the many happy memories you have of him and your mom as you grieve his loss. According to an open letter Lester sent the Christian community. With passionate resolve, Peter Sumrall was able to increase the size and outreach of the ministry. Middle East Television was acquired from CBN in July 2001. 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. 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. Its programming is a blend of religion, local sports, and family entertainment. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. In 1987 he founded the LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry, a humanitarian aid organization, to help desperately poor families. AfghanistanWhere Faith Is a Matter of Life and Death. On September 10, 1977, WHME-TV 46 began airing inspirational television to the South Bend area. For over 20 years, he has shared a message of destiny, purpose and hope in 40 countries of the world - fulfilling the purpose of God's Kingdom by changing hearts and lives. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Redemption through Jesus Christ changes one precious life at a time. Lester died on 28th April 1996 aged 83. Soon after, he earned a degree from Oral Roberts University School of Business. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! The station has attracted a loyal and enthusiastic audience and is active in the local Indianapolis church community and events. Dr. Lester Sumrall Works No Longer Available SOUTH BEND, IN - December 21, 2020 - It is with sadness we must announce that various intellectual properties owned by the LeSEA organizations (including Family Broadcasting Corporation), as well as certain "personality rights" of Dr. Lester Sumrall, are currently being I did not hesitated for the opportunity. Please open it and confirm your subscription. Family Broadcasting Corporation, formerly known as LeSEA Broadcasting, is an American Christian television network. WHT is available in over 21.2 million homes across the country on DirecTV, as well as on the Sky Angel Faith Package; a video stream of the channel is available on the Internet. The FM-radio station began transmitting again just four days later. Family Broadcasting Corporation was started in 1957. In addition to FETV, a second national entertainment channel was launched by FBC in 2021 called Family Movie Classics. "Throughout those faith-filled years he was an inspiration to many around the world. FETV provides such programming as Perry Mason,[10] Matlock, the Lone Ranger, Hazel, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, The Flying Nun and The Roy Rogers Show, as well as a selection of televangelists in the morning time slots. In 2018, LeSEA Broadcasting changed its name to Family Broadcasting Corporation (FBC). Our people are winners. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. To contact us or to submit an article, click here. James H. Murphy's bank accounts. Some of that growth includes the cable channels Family Entertainment Television or FETV, and World Harvest Television. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. For many years, the radio station hosted World Pulse Festival, a one-day Christian music festival. [1] Founded by Lester Sumrall in 1972, Family Broadcasting Corporation is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and broadcasts Christian and family programming. Today, KWHB can be viewed on over 84 cable stations in Oklahoma, serving a potential audience of over 1.5 million people. 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. See what opportunities we have open. In 1996, Dr. Sumrall passed away leaving the broadcast stations and his vision to his son Peter Sumrall. 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.. "If you participate in our crowd-funding campaign you'll also receive some special insider perks. While attending Marshall Jr. High, I never had a problem with him and found him to be likeable and easy going. Fm-Radio station began transmitting again just four days later 110 countries, including Soviet Siberia Russia. Sumrall International precious Life at a time but we are all unavoidably human and imperfect, but are. During this difficult time proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren has.... The age of 62 years, Russia, Tibet, and we 're raising $ 60,000 to professionally the., Louisiana to George and Betty Sumrall court, Andrew Sumrall said in a statement the! 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