Dr Lester Sumrall Biography

Few evangelists have seen as much of the world as Dr. Lester Sumrall witnessed. As one of the most colourful preachers of the 20th century, Dr. Sumrall began as a fiery young preacher during the Depression, and by the time all was said and done, he left the world with a legacy of what simple and determined faith in God could accomplish. Dr. 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.

Lester Sumrall (1913-1996) was a world-renowned pastor and evangelist, who entered full-time service for God after experiencing a dramatic and life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ.

At the age of 17, as he lay on a deathbed suffering from tuberculosis, he received a vision. Suspended in midair to the right of his bed was a casket; on his left was a large open Bible. 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. When he awoke the next morning, he was completely healed. He served the Lord for sixty-five years, travelling the world and ministering the Gospel in 110 countries, including Soviet Siberia, Russia, Tibet, and China.

During his life, he penned over 130 books, including titles, some of which are still in print, such as; Faith Can Change Your World, The Names of God, Spirit Soul & Body, The Gifts and Ministries of the Holy Spirit, etc.

In 1957, Dr. 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 world’s population, and a quarterly magazine. In 2018, LeSEA Broadcasting changed its name to Family Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).

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. Now there are branches of his ministry across the world. What started because of one man's obedience to the call of God to feed the hungry and spread the gospel, Feed The Hungry has spread to Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia and beyond!