"Throughout those faith-filled years he was an inspiration to many around the world. He was the sixth of eight children of the Sumrall family. Together, they were blessed with three children: Frank Lester (born 1946), Phillip Stephen (1950), and Peter Andrew (1953-2015). "Dr. Sumrall had a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold," Sumrall and Grabowski continued. 0% . Answer the prayer of those who cry, Lord give us this day our daily bread. On September 10, 1977, WHME-TV 46 began airing inspirational television to the South Bend area. Furthermore, Lester claims controversy embroils LeSEA. James H. Murphy's bank accounts. He assumed full leadership of LeSEA Ministries and LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry in 2005. 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. He was very proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lesters ministry would not perish in the ashes of defeat; but would rise again to be a witness to the faithfulness of the Lord. He died of a heart attack on Saturday. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. "We are honored to reveal this extraordinary project and carry on the legacy he established over 60 years ago. In addition, he wrote over 130 books. 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. 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. Today, WHME is Family Broadcasting Corporation's headquarters, housing a number of separate divisions. When tragedy strikes, we know who our enemy is. 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. Lester Sumrall Son Death | Grandson Sumrall's son Peter Sumrall, passed away on August 8, 2015. "Dr. Sumrall had a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold," Sumrall and Grabowski continued. Six transmitters are in operation full-time, named the Six Angels. 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. "This website ensures that future generations and people of all nations will have complete access to these timeless materials.". Please open it and confirm your subscription. See what opportunities we have open. He was very proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "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. Charisma News - Informing believers with news from a Spirit-filled perspective, The Legacy of Lester Sumrall Comes to Life in New Film, Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. 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. 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. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. We also know who is for us. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. "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 South Bend came onto the airwaves with mostly religious programming, as well as some family programming. [11] FMC launched on October 28, 2021 on Dish Network to 9 million subscribers. 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. At the age of 17, as he lay on a deathbed suffering from tuberculosis, he received a vision. Family Broadcasting Corporation, formerly known as LeSEA Broadcasting, is an American Christian television network. 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. Program time not filled by televangelists is filled with infomercials; WHT does air some limited entertainment programming, consisting mainly of a block with The Real McCoys and the public-domain episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies in the afternoons, along with non-religious E/I programs and a few syndicated programs such as Sports Stars of Tomorrow and Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford on Saturdays, along with Israeli Basketball Premier League games. 2023 www.southbendtribune.com. [13], Originally acquired by Family Broadcasting Corporation in 1972, WHMB-TV 40 is the longest, continually operated Christian television station in the United States. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! For almost 20 years he has shared a message of destiny, purpose and hope in 40 countries of the world. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. Stay up-to-date with current issues, Christian teachings, entertainment news, videos & more. Drew says he and the company are saddened by the claims. In 1987 he founded the LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry, a humanitarian aid organization, to help desperately poor families. 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. Family Broadcasting Corporation, formerly known as LeSEA Broadcasting, is an American Christian television network. Done! 2022 Family Broadcasting Corporation. God gave Dr. Lester Sumrall a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold and empower believers like you to grow in . The late Lester Sumrall stepped into a pulpit for the first time when he was 17. [1] Founded by Lester Sumrall in 1972, Family Broadcasting Corporation is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and broadcasts Christian and family programming. 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. Lester Sumrall (1913-1996), world-renowned pastor and evangelist, ministered for over fifty-five years in more than 110 countries, including Soviet Siberia, Russia, Tibet, and China. Purchased by Family Broadcasting Corporation in 1985, KWHB 47 is the oldest Christian television station in Tulsa, Oklahoma. WHMB- TV 40 is now the oldest, consecutively running, Christian television station in the United States and was able to celebrate its 50. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Reported! AfghanistanWhere Faith Is a Matter of Life and Death. The station was sold to the Christian Television Network on February 20, 2020. Leveraging its technology with a passion to spread the gospel, LeSEA reaches more than 90 percent of the world's population with the existence of TV, radio and satellite assets. I did not hesitated for the opportunity. Never miss a big news story again. 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. By 1986, FBC was ready to grow once more and did so with the purchase of KWHE-TV 14 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Despite their large number, he never forgot a birthday. . Soon after, he earned a degree from Oral Roberts University School of Business. Stay up-to-date with current issues, Christian teachings, entertainment news, videos & more. 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 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. AfghanistanWhere Faith Is a Matter of Life and Death. Founded in 1996, Pulse FM WHPZ 96.9 broadcasts contemporary Christian music to the Michiana market. 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. Family Broadcasting Corporation was started in 1957. Lester Sumrall's grandson, also Lester Sumrall, claims his grandfather's legacy is being sullied by LeSEA Broadcasting's current president, Drew Sumrall. From here, he worked his way up the ranks in the company in multiple roles, including production, engineering, sales, traffic and tours. Stay tuned to Charisma News for a statement from the family. Lester began with an FM-radio station in South Bend, Indiana. Lester Sumrall is currently based near Chicago where he lives with his wife and children. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. Upon returning from a preaching trip and seeing the devastation of his stations, Lester stated: We are not quitters. He was born the sixth child of what would eventually be a family of . The television station was miraculously back on the air within seven hours. The LeSEA Global Feed The Hungry Program was launched in 1987. 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.".