WHMB reaches the entire Indianapolis, Indiana television market covering over one million households.[14]. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! In August 2020, it was announced that WHRI was selling its facilities to Allen Weiner, owner of Monticello, Maine-based shortwave station WBCQ, pending FCC approval.[15]. [12] In 2022, streaming services Frndly TV and Philo added the movie service to their offerings. 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.. [1] Founded by Lester Sumrall in 1972, Family Broadcasting Corporation is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and broadcasts Christian and family programming. The Healing Revival Fearless Faith is an inspiring upcoming documentary about the life and times of Dr. Lester Sumrall. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. [11] FMC launched on October 28, 2021 on Dish Network to 9 million subscribers. Lester Sumrall is a third-generation minister and visionary. 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. The LeSEA founders namesake said his grandfather designated him a successor, and that he has a document to prove it. WHMB- TV 40 is now the oldest, consecutively running, Christian television station in the United States and was able to celebrate its 50. KWHE signed on the air in 1986 and serves all of the Hawaiian islands on Oceanic Cable Channel 11, Oahu on KWHE-TV 14, and The Big Island on KWHD-TV 14. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. AfghanistanWhere Faith Is a Matter of Life and Death. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. 530 E Ireland RoadSouth Bend,Indiana46614, (888) [email protected], 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. See what opportunities we have open. Lester Sumrall traveled the world ministering in 110 countries, including Soviet Siberia, Russia, Tibet, and China. "This website ensures that future generations and people of all nations will have complete access to these timeless materials.". Done! He assumed full leadership of LeSEA Ministries and LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry in 2005. Lester began with an FM-radio station in South Bend, Indiana. Through Drew's leadership, FBC has been able to expand FETV into 50 million homes and is considered not only to be one of America's fastest-growing family-friendly networks but is also a top 50 cable channel. 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. "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. 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. The station was sold to Paxson Communications in 1995, being a temporary affiliate of the paid programming network inTV before the August 1998 launch of PAX TV, today's Ion Television. The station is carried on Oceanic Cable channel 11 and on Hawaiian Telcom channel 14. They formed an immediate relationship and traveled the world together as missionaries preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The broadcast was handled through the equipment at Christian Center Church in South Bend. 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. He was very proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. The Legacy Collection of Dr. Lester Sumrall is a 3 volume audio set of 15 CDs (Plus a 2 CD Bonus) or MP3s of never before released messages that will encourage and inspire you in your walk with God. Since its inception, WHME 103.1 FM has continuously blessed the Northern portion of Indiana with quality Christian music and teaching programs. I still have a poem he wrote for me when I left the district. Today, WHME is Family Broadcasting Corporation's headquarters, housing a number of separate divisions. 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 2018, LeSEA Broadcasting changed its name to Family Broadcasting Corporation (FBC). Peter Sumrall, son of Lester Sumrall, served as its president and chief executive officer from 2002 to 2015. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. Lester had 6 siblings: Leona Sumrall, Mary Louise Sumerall and 4 other siblings. 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. AfghanistanWhere Faith Is a Matter of Life and Death. "Dr. Sumrall had a vision to reach the untold billions yet untold," Sumrall and Grabowski continued. In 1997, he founded Lester Sumrall International, and has since continued in the legacy passed to him of missions, ministry and media. 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. The headquarters for FBC were moved from Indianapolis to South Bend. The FM-radio station began transmitting again just four days later. In addition, the website provides a photographic timeline of the faith-filled life of Dr. Sumrall, taking visitors through his childhood, missionary work around the world, the founding of a multimedia organization, and much more. If God is for us, who can be against us? 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. We are more than conquerors through Christ! When tragedy struck, Lester discovered he, his family and the staff had the strength needed to overcome adversity. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. To contact us or to submit an article, click here. Coach Sumrall gave me a chance and I ended up playing all three years at Marshall. . Together, they were blessed with three children: Frank Lester (born 1946), Phillip Stephen (1950), and Peter Andrew (1953-2015). 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. 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. Lester Sumrall is currently based near Chicago where he lives with his wife and children. Never miss a big news story again. Upon returning from a preaching trip and seeing the devastation of his stations, Lester stated: We are not quitters. As one of the most colorful preachers of the 20th century, Lester began as a fiery young preacher during the depression and by the time all was said and done left the world with a legacy of what simple and determined faith in God could accomplish. In 1996, he was installed as president of LeSEA when his father and the founder of the company passed away. FMC can be seen on Dish Network, FrndlyTV, Evoca, Altafiber, Evoca, Xfinity, and Philo right now with more to come. The interactive website contains over a thousand videos, more than one hundred books and study guides, hundreds of photographs, and a biographical timeline. Rev. Lester Frank Sumrall was born on February 15, 1913 in New Orleans, Louisiana to George and Betty Sumrall. We will moveforward with the vision of the company.". [17] In 2017, Pulse FM transitioned to a new concert format named Pulse Summer Series, a series of three summer concerts in downtown South Bend, Indiana, at the Morris Performing Arts Center. AfghanistanWhere Faith Is a Matter of Life and Death. Our people are winners. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Never miss a big news story again. "He was very excited about the project and its potential to share his story with a new generation," he stated. Lesters ministry would not perish in the ashes of defeat; but would rise again to be a witness to the faithfulness of the Lord. 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. 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. He was very proud of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lester Sumrall is a third generation minister and visionary. 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. Family Broadcasting Corporation is the only Christian broadcaster currently operating a global network of shortwave radio transmitters. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. KWHE TV 14 covers the major population centers of Hilo, Maui, Kona, and Honolulu, with Christian and family programming. A lawsuit filed last year in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana alleges Frank Sumrall's son, Lester L. Sumrall who is not affiliated with his grandfather's. In the early the 1990's, Lester gave up a college basketball scholarship to obey God's call on his life, a . On September 10, 1977, WHME-TV 46 South Bend came onto the airwaves with mostly religious programming, as well as some family programming. Lester Sumrall recalled: The family wishes to thank Felicia, Debra, and Stuart who watched over Les as guardian angels in his final days. Founded in 1996, Pulse FM WHPZ 96.9 broadcasts contemporary Christian music to the Michiana market. 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. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! 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. FMC is a satellite and cable network featuring classic movies the whole family can enjoy. "We are honored to reveal this extraordinary project and carry on the legacy he established over sixty years ago. Upon graduation, Lester traveled alongside his grandfather, Dr. LesterSumrall, doing ministry and relief work around the world. Its programming is a blend of religion, local sports, and family entertainment. Please open it and confirm your subscription. In 1996, Dr. Sumrall passed away leaving the broadcast stations and his vision to his son Peter Sumrall. "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. "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. In addition, he wrote over 130 books. When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type. The Spread the Word campaign was launched in 2000 with the goal of giving a Bible to any individual who requested one. I did not hesitated for the opportunity. 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 Movie Classics (FMC) is an American cable and satellite television network owned by the Family Broadcasting Corporation. FBC believes that forward thinking is what shapes history. 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. 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. World Harvest Television (WHT), channel 367 on DirecTV,[4][5] focuses mostly on direct televangelism, carrying hosts such as Sid Roth, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, and James Robison. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. "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. 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. When Lester Sumrall awoke the next morning, he was completely healed and served the Lord for sixty-five years. 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. 2022 Family Broadcasting Corporation. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. He was born the sixth child of what would eventually be a family of . Stay up-to-date with current issues, Christian teachings, entertainment news, videos & more. These actions are plainly frivolous attempts to create controversy by individuals who have absolutely no affiliation to LeSEA.. He was a very nice man even though he did bust my butt a few times. Ways to honor Lester Sumrall's life and legacy. Lester married Florence Margret Louise Sumrall (born Layman). He was founder of Lester Sumrall Evangelical Association, Feed the Hungry, LeSEA Publishing and LeSEA Broadcasting, which included 11 television and radio stations, and he served as pastor of Christian Center Cathedral of Praise. 5, 2020. 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. 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 went home to be with the Lord in 1996, but his legacy continuesand his God-breathed prophetic words are still alive. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. James H. Murphy's bank accounts. He died of a heart attackon Saturday. "To celebrate his life and legacy we are asking those who were touched by his life and ministry to join us in finishing the Fearless Faith Film Project by making a donation. 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. Lester Sumrall, with the help and support of his family, and many friends, founded LeSEA (Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association) in 1957: A ministry which has subsequently given birth to well over one hundred books and study guides, eleven television stations, a satellite ministry, an FM radio station, three short-wave radio stations reaching over ninety percent of the world's . Six transmitters are in operation full-time, named the Six Angels. Lester, who lives in Indiana, said that in 1996, his grandfather, and himself, began work on this film project for about three months prior to his passing. 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