Who was Lester Sumrall and what were his primary roles in ministry?

Lester Frank Sumrall was an American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, teacher, and missionary. Pentecostalism is a branch of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the experience of the Holy Spirit, and Sumrall was a prominent figure within this tradition, known for his extensive evangelistic work and founding of several significant organizations.

What major organizations did Lester Sumrall establish during his career?

Lester Sumrall established the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association (LeSEA). This association later expanded to include humanitarian efforts through LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry, broadcasting via World Harvest Radio International, and educational institutions like World Harvest Bible College. Evangelistic associations often serve as umbrella organizations for various ministries, including humanitarian aid and media outreach.

When and where was Lester Sumrall born, and to whom?

Lester Frank Sumrall was born on February 15, 1913, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. His parents were George Sumrall and Betty (née Chandler) Sumrall.

What event prompted Lester Sumrall to begin preaching at a young age?

Lester Sumrall began preaching at the age of 17, shortly after recovering from tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that typically affects the lungs, and recovery from such an illness can often lead to profound life changes or a sense of calling, which appears to have been the case for Sumrall.

Where did Lester Sumrall found his first church, and what was his affiliation at the time?

At the age of 19, Lester Sumrall founded a church in Green Forest, Arkansas. He was ordained by the Assemblies of God, a prominent Pentecostal denomination, indicating his early alignment with established Pentecostal leadership.

When did Sumrall begin his international travels, and what regions did he visit early in his ministry?

Sumrall commenced his international travels in 1934. Initially, he preached in Tahiti and New Zealand, and he also established a church in Brisbane, Australia, demonstrating an early commitment to global evangelism.

With whom did Lester Sumrall travel across Eastern Asia and Europe?

Lester Sumrall traveled with Howard Carter, a notable Pentecostal pioneer, throughout Eastern Asia and Europe. This collaboration likely expanded Sumrall's exposure to different cultures and ministry contexts.

How did Lester Sumrall meet his wife, Louise Layman?

Lester Sumrall met Louise Layman while he was ministering in South America. Their meeting eventually led to their marriage, uniting them in ministry and family.

When did Lester Sumrall and Louise Layman get married, and how many children did they have?

Lester Sumrall married Louise Layman on September 30, 1944. Together, they had three children: Frank Lester, Phillip Stephen, and Peter Andrew.

What impact did Sumrall's writings on deliverance have within Pentecostal circles?

Sumrall's writings detailed his experiences with deliverance from demons, significantly influencing the concept of demons residing in what were considered 'dark' or non-Christian regions of the world. This contributed to a particular theological perspective on spiritual warfare, a concept in some Christian traditions involving combating demonic forces.

What significant event occurred in Manila, Philippines, that Sumrall addressed in 1953?

In 1953, Sumrall traveled to Manila, Philippines, in response to the reported possession of Clarita Villanueva. He claimed to have delivered her from two demonic entities, an event that became a notable part of his ministry narrative.

What major church did Sumrall establish in the Philippines, and what is its significance?

Sumrall's evangelistic work in the Philippines culminated in the establishment of the Cathedral of Praise in Manila. This church became the largest congregation in the Philippines, boasting over 24,000 members, highlighting the significant impact of his ministry there.

When did Sumrall establish the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association (LeSEA)?

Lester Sumrall established the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association (LeSEA) in 1957. This organization served as the primary vehicle for his extensive evangelistic and missionary activities.

Besides LeSEA, what other educational and media institutions did Sumrall found?

In addition to LeSEA, Sumrall founded World Harvest Bible College, which is now known as Indiana Christian University, and also published *World Harvest Magazine*, expanding his reach into education and media.

In what year and city did Sumrall move to pastor a church, and what was the church's original name?

In 1963, Sumrall moved to South Bend, Indiana, to pastor the Christian Center Cathedral of Praise. This church is now known as Christian Center Church.

What denominational affiliation did Sumrall withdraw from, and approximately when did this occur?

Lester Sumrall withdrew from the Assemblies of God denomination around the time he moved to South Bend, Indiana, in 1963. This withdrawal marked a shift in his formal denominational ties.

What initiative did Sumrall begin in 1968 that contributed to his reputation in Christian media?

In 1968, Sumrall began what would become World Harvest Missionary Evangelism (WHME-FM). This venture was a significant step in his involvement with Christian broadcasting, contributing to his later recognition in Christian media.

What title or recognition has Lester Sumrall received regarding his work in Christian media?

Lester Sumrall has been recognized as the 'father of Christian television' for his pioneering work in establishing and expanding Christian broadcasting networks. Being called the 'father' of a field implies being one of the earliest and most influential figures in its development.

How did Sumrall's broadcasting activities evolve between 1972 and 1997?

From 1972 to 1997, Sumrall acquired television stations across the United States as part of his World Harvest Television network, also known as LeSEA Broadcasting. This expansion significantly broadened his media influence and reach.

What humanitarian aid organization did Sumrall establish, and in what year?

In 1987, Lester Sumrall established LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry, a humanitarian aid organization dedicated to addressing global hunger and providing assistance to those in need.

What were the general themes of Lester Sumrall's extensive writings?

Sumrall's writings covered a wide range of theological and practical topics, including evangelism, miraculous healing, the nature of demons and exorcism, and the role of angels. His work often focused on spiritual experiences and supernatural phenomena.

Did Sumrall's writings include any polemical works, and if so, what were some of their targets?

Yes, some of Sumrall's writings were polemical in nature. He wrote critically about the perceived dangers and detrimental effects of movies and also authored works specifically targeting Roman Catholicism, indicating a critical stance on certain cultural and religious elements.

Can you name some of Lester Sumrall's autobiographical works?

Lester Sumrall authored several autobiographical works, including *Adventuring with Christ*, *The Life Story of Lester Sumrall: The Man, the Ministry, the Vision* (as told to Tim Dudley), *Through Blood and Fire in Latin America*, and *My Three Sons*. These books offer insights into his personal journey and ministry.

When and at what age did Lester Sumrall pass away, and what was the cause of his death?

Lester Sumrall died on April 28, 1996, at the age of 83. His death occurred in South Bend, Indiana, a week after he was admitted to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center for spinal meningitis.

What is the significance of the image caption provided in the source material?

The image caption states 'Sumrall in 1996,' which serves to identify the subject of the photograph and provide a temporal context, indicating that the image depicts Lester Sumrall later in his life.

What are some of the specific titles of books authored by Lester Sumrall mentioned in the 'Works (selected)' section?

The 'Works (selected)' section lists titles such as *Adventuring with Christ*, *Dominion is Yours!*, *Ecstasy: Finding Joy in Living*, *The Gifts and Ministries of the Holy Spirit*, *Roman Catholicism Slays*, *The Will, The Potent Force of the Universe*, and *Worshipers of the Silver Screen*. These titles cover various aspects of his ministry and theological interests.

What is the publication information for Sumrall's book *Ecstasy: Finding Joy in Living*?

*Ecstasy: Finding Joy in Living* was published by Thomas Nelson in 1980 and is 151 pages long. This book likely explores themes of spiritual joy and fulfillment.

What is the ISBN for Lester Sumrall's book *The Life Story of Lester Sumrall: The Man, the Ministry, the Vision*?

The ISBN for *The Life Story of Lester Sumrall: The Man, the Ministry, the Vision*, published by New Leaf Press in 2003 (originally 1993), is 0-89221-532-1. This book provides a comprehensive account of his life and work.

What is the title of a work about the Sumrall family and miracles, and who authored it?

The work titled *Miracles and the Sumrall Family* was authored by Leona Sumrall Murphy and published by Praise Books in 1984. This book likely details supernatural events experienced by the Sumrall family.

What is the purpose of the 'Bibliography' section in the provided text?

The 'Bibliography' section lists specific published works related to Lester Sumrall, including his own writings and a book about his family, providing citation details such as ISBNs and publishers. This section serves to document the sources used and suggest further reading material for interested individuals.

What does the reference to *The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements* indicate about Sumrall's place in religious history?

The reference to *The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements* indicates that Lester Sumrall is considered a notable figure within Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, as his biography is included in this comprehensive dictionary, attributed to author S. Strang.

What is the significance of the 'External links' section?

The 'External links' section provides a direct link to Lester Sumrall's official website, allowing readers to access more information directly from his organization and potentially learn about current activities or resources.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section?

The 'Authority control' section lists various identifiers from international and national databases (like ISNI, VIAF, Library of Congress, etc.) that uniquely identify Lester Sumrall. Authority control is a library and archival science technique used to organize and standardize information, ensuring consistency and accuracy when referencing individuals or subjects across multiple databases.

What specific claim is made about Sumrall's work in relation to 'demon powers'?

Sumrall authored a book titled *101 Questions and Answers on Demon Powers*, published in 1983 by Harrison House (OK) with ISBN 0-89274-261-5, indicating his significant focus on theological topics related to demonic influence and spiritual warfare.

What does the reference to *Roman Catholicism Slays* suggest about Sumrall's theological stance?

The title *Roman Catholicism Slays*, published in 1940 by Zondervan, suggests that Sumrall held a critical or polemical view of Roman Catholicism during his early ministry. This indicates a strong theological divergence from Catholic doctrines.

What information is provided in the 'birthplace' div within the infobox?

The 'birthplace' div specifies that Lester Sumrall was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., providing geographical context for his origins and early life.

What does the 'deathplace' div in the infobox indicate?

The 'deathplace' div states that Lester Sumrall died in South Bend, Indiana, U.S., specifying the location of his passing and the city where he spent later years of his ministry.

What is the significance of the 'nickname' div in the infobox?

The 'nickname' div contains Lester Sumrall's full given name, Lester Frank Sumrall, distinguishing it from any potential nicknames he might have had and providing his complete legal or commonly known name.

What does the 'infobox-caption' div contain?

The 'infobox-caption' div contains the text 'Sumrall in 1996,' which serves as a caption for the photograph displayed in the infobox, providing context about the image and indicating the approximate time it was taken.

What does the 'infobox-label' and 'infobox-data' structure signify within the table?

The 'infobox-label' class is used for the descriptive text (like 'Born', 'Died', 'Occupation(s)'), while the 'infobox-data' class holds the corresponding information. This structured approach clearly separates labels from their data points, making the infobox easy to read and parse for key biographical details.

What was the nature of Sumrall's ministry in the Philippines during the 1950s?

During the 1950s, Sumrall spent many years in the Philippines, focusing on evangelistic work. A notable event during this period was his involvement in addressing the possession of Clarita Villanueva, whom he claimed to have delivered from demonic entities.

How did Sumrall's early recovery from tuberculosis influence his ministry?

After recovering from tuberculosis, Sumrall felt called to preach at the age of 17. This personal experience with a serious illness and subsequent recovery likely shaped his ministry, potentially influencing his later focus on themes of healing and divine intervention.

What is the role of the 'cite-ref' tags in the text?

The 'cite-ref' tags, followed by numbers in brackets (e.g., [1]), indicate footnotes or references within the text. These tags point to the sources used to verify the information presented, ensuring accuracy and allowing readers to consult the original material for further details.

What does the presence of '[citation needed]' tags imply about certain statements in the text?

The '[citation needed]' tags indicate that specific claims or statements within the text require supporting references from reliable sources. This is a standard Wikipedia practice to ensure factual accuracy and verifiability, prompting editors to add evidence where it is missing.

What is the purpose of the 'mw-file-description' and 'mw-file-element' classes associated with the image?

These classes are part of Wikipedia's MediaWiki software. 'mw-file-description' likely relates to the caption or metadata of the image file, while 'mw-file-element' refers to the image itself, ensuring it is displayed correctly within the article layout and structure.

What does the 'srcset' attribute in the image tag suggest about the image display?

The 'srcset' attribute (e.g., `srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/64/Lester_Sumrall.jpg 1.5x"`) indicates that the image is provided in multiple resolutions or sizes. This allows the browser to select the most appropriate version for the display, optimizing image quality and loading speed for different devices and screen resolutions.

What is the significance of the 'fn' class in the infobox, and what name does it associate with Lester Sumrall?

The 'fn' class in the infobox typically denotes the 'famous name' or primary name of the subject. In this case, it associates the name 'Lester Sumrall' with the individual, clearly identifying the article's subject.

What is the significance of the 'vcard' class on the infobox?

The 'vcard' class indicates that the infobox is structured using the hCard microformat, a standard for representing people and organizations on the web. This makes the biographical data machine-readable and easier to integrate with other data sources.

What is the significance of the 'nickname' div in the infobox?

The 'nickname' div contains Lester Sumrall's full given name, Lester Frank Sumrall, distinguishing it from any potential nicknames he might have had and providing his complete legal or commonly known name for clarity.

What is the significance of the 'infobox-label' and 'infobox-data' structure within the table?

The 'infobox-label' class is used for the descriptive text (like 'Born', 'Died', 'Occupation(s)'), while the 'infobox-data' class holds the corresponding information. This structured approach clearly separates labels from their data points, making the infobox easy to read and parse for key biographical details.

What is the significance of the 'infobox-caption' div?

The 'infobox-caption' div contains the text 'Sumrall in 1996,' which serves as a caption for the photograph displayed in the infobox, providing context about the image and indicating the approximate time it was taken.

Lester Sumrall Wiki: Lester Sumrall: Architect of Global Evangelism

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Overview

Personal Foundation

Lester Frank Sumrall (February 15, 1913 – April 28, 1996) was a prominent American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, teacher, and missionary. His early life was marked by a significant recovery from tuberculosis, which profoundly influenced his spiritual path, leading him to begin preaching at the age of 17. By 19, he had founded a church in Green Forest, Arkansas, and was ordained by the Assemblies of God, establishing the foundational elements of his lifelong ministry.

Institutional Legacy

Sumrall's organizational impact was substantial. He founded the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association (LeSEA), a multifaceted organization that included its humanitarian arm, LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry. Furthermore, he established World Harvest Radio International and World Harvest Bible College, institutions that amplified his message and extended his reach globally. These entities underscore his commitment to both spiritual dissemination and practical humanitarian aid.

Theological Stance

As a key figure in Pentecostalism, Sumrall's ministry was deeply rooted in the belief in spiritual gifts and divine intervention. His experiences and teachings often focused on themes such as miraculous healing, the operation of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual warfare, including deliverance from demonic influences. His writings and public addresses frequently addressed these theological concepts, shaping the perspectives of many within the Pentecostal movement.

Global Ministry

International Evangelism

Sumrall's ministry extended far beyond the United States. Beginning in 1934, he embarked on extensive international travel, preaching in diverse regions including Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia. He collaborated with fellow evangelist Howard Carter, traversing Eastern Asia and Europe. His work in South America led to his marriage to Louise Layman, who became his partner in ministry.

Ministry in the Philippines

A significant chapter of Sumrall's career unfolded in the Philippines during the 1950s. He gained renown for his ministry related to spiritual deliverance, notably his account of delivering Clarita Villanueva from demonic possession in 1953. This period culminated in the establishment of the Cathedral of Praise in Manila, which grew to become one of the largest congregations in the Philippines, demonstrating the profound impact of his evangelistic efforts.

Media and Broadcasting

Sumrall is often recognized as a pioneer in Christian television. Through World Harvest Television (LeSEA Broadcasting), he acquired numerous television stations across the United States from 1972 to 1997. This strategic expansion allowed his ministry and message to reach a vast audience, solidifying his reputation as a foundational figure in leveraging media for religious outreach.

Prolific Writings

Thematic Focus

Lester Sumrall authored numerous works throughout his life, covering a wide spectrum of theological and practical subjects pertinent to his ministry. His writings frequently explored themes such as evangelism, the nature of miraculous healing, the dynamics of demons and exorcism, and the role of angels. These texts served to articulate his theological framework and provide guidance to his followers.

Spiritual Warfare: Detailed accounts and theological discussions on confronting demonic forces and the practice of deliverance.
Divine Healing: Teachings and testimonies related to miraculous healing through faith and prayer.
The Holy Spirit: Explanations of spiritual gifts and their operation within the Christian life.
Autobiographical Accounts: Personal narratives detailing his life experiences, ministry challenges, and visions.
Polemical Works: Critiques of societal influences such as cinema and theological stances, notably concerning Roman Catholicism.

Selected Titles

Sumrall's literary contributions include influential books that have shaped discourse within Pentecostal circles. Notable works include:

Adventuring with Christ
Dominion is Yours!
Ecstasy: Finding Joy in Living
The Gifts and Ministries of the Holy Spirit
Roman Catholicism Slays
The Will, The Potent Force of the Universe
Worshipers of the Silver Screen

His autobiographical works, such as The Life Story of Lester Sumrall: The Man, the Ministry, the Vision, offer direct insight into his personal journey and ministerial philosophy.

Bibliography

Published Works

The following is a selection of Lester Sumrall's published works, reflecting the breadth of his literary output and theological interests:

101 Questions and Answers on Demon Powers, 1983
The Life Story of Lester Sumrall: The Man, the Ministry, the Vision, 1993 (republished 2003)
Miracles and the Sumrall Family, 1984 (by Leona Sumrall)

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Lester Sumrall: Architect of Global Evangelism

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

👤 Personal Foundation

🏛️ Institutional Legacy

🕊️ Theological Stance

Global Ministry 🌍

✈️ International Evangelism

🇵🇭 Ministry in the Philippines

📺 Media and Broadcasting

Prolific Writings ✍️

📚 Thematic Focus

📖 Selected Titles

Bibliography 📜

📖 Published Works

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Personal Foundation

Institutional Legacy

Theological Stance

Global Ministry

International Evangelism

Ministry in the Philippines

Media and Broadcasting

Prolific Writings

Thematic Focus

Selected Titles

Bibliography

Published Works

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice