Lester Sumrall
Years of Ministry: 1930-1996 (65 years)
Global Reach: 110 countries, 130+ books, multiple media ministries
Focus: Divine guidance, supernatural ministry, world evangelism, humanitarian aid
What Motivated His Devotion to Christ
At age 17, Lester Sumrall was dying from tuberculosis, weighing only 93 pounds. On his deathbed in 1930, he received a dramatic vision: suspended in midair to his right was a casket; on his left was a large open Bible. He heard these unmistakable words: "Lester Sumrall, which of these will you choose tonight?"
Initially agreeing to preach to save his life, God dealt with his motives through a second vision in 1931. During a church service in Tennessee, he saw "all the people of the entire world" walking down a highway that ended at a precipice above hell. "As men and women of all nations plunged into that awful chasm, I could see their faces distorted with terror." God spoke: "You are responsible for these people. Go preach to them or their blood will be on your hands."
This vision transformed his heart from self-preservation to genuine concern for the lost worldwide. When he awoke from his deathbed encounter completely healed, he committed to serve the Lord for life.
How He Thrived While Keeping God First
Complete Obedience to Divine Guidance: When God instructed him to leave a successful revival meeting to travel to Arkansas with no money, Sumrall obeyed despite harsh criticism. There he met British evangelist Howard Carter, who had received a prophetic word two years earlier about a young man who would say the exact words Sumrall spoke. This divine appointment launched a global ministry partnership.
Faithfulness in Small Things: Before major breakthroughs, God taught Sumrall faithfulness through humble circumstances. Working as a pig farmer, crying out in desperation, he heard: "If you will be faithful to Me, Lester, in these little things, I will give you much greater things."
Supernatural Ministry Results: In 1950, God called him to Manila, Philippines, where his obedience produced one of the 20th century's most dramatic revivals. After three days of spiritual warfare to deliver demon-possessed Clarita Villanueva, the breakthrough opened the entire nation to the Gospel. Revival meetings drew 60,000 people with 150,000 saved in six weeks.
Prophetic Accuracy: In the 1950s, God gave him seven specific prophecies about America's future that continue unfolding with remarkable accuracy, including America's departure from faith, the information age explosion, and rising occult manifestations.
Media Pioneer: God used him to reach millions through television and radio ministry, fulfilling one of his prophetic revelations about using media for global evangelism.
Humanitarian Vision: At age 74, while in Jerusalem, God awakened him with a vision about caring for "God's hungry" in the third world. This led to founding LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry, which has distributed over $165 million in aid worldwide.
Principles for Hearing God's Voice
Spiritual Sensitivity: He cultivated the ability to distinguish God's voice from his own thoughts. "What is faith? It is hearing the voice of God. God spoke and Abraham heard."
Immediate Obedience: When God spoke, Sumrall responded without delay, believing hesitation indicated lack of true spiritual discernment.
Testing Through Scripture: While emphasizing supernatural guidance, he always tested revelations against biblical truth.
Living in God's Presence: He maintained constant fellowship through prayer, fasting, and meditation, creating atmosphere for divine communication.
Legacy & Learn More
Sumrall's life demonstrates that extraordinary ministry flows from ordinary people who learn to hear and obey God's voice. Through 65 years of following divine direction, he touched 110 countries, wrote over 130 books, and created ministries that continue worldwide impact.
- LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry: feedthehungry.org
- Teaching Resources: drlestersumrall.com
- Biography & Timeline: Multiple documented supernatural encounters and prophetic fulfillments