Our Founder

A tribute to a victorious life

Few evangelists have seen as much of the world as Lester Sumrall witnessed.

Lester began as a fiery young preacher during the depression, becoming one of the most colourful preachers of the 20th Century. 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.

At the age of 74, he founded a global humanitarian ministry that became Feed The Hungry, aimed at wiping out hunger caused by poverty, famine, disaster and war.

A life-changing vision

Lester entered full-time service for God after experiencing a dramatic and life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ. Sick with tuberculosis at the age of 17, he had a vision. Suspended in midair to the right of his bed was a coffin; on the 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 Lester awoke the next morning, he was completely healed. He went on to serve the Lord for a further 65 years.

World Harvest

Lester travelled the world, ministering in 110 countries including Soviet Siberia, Russia, Tibet and China. He penned over 130 books during his life. In 1957, he founded LeSEA – Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Ministries – which gave birth to many different evangelistic ministries, including radio stations, television stations and a quarterly magazine.

Perhaps the crowning glory of Lester’s work was his ongoing ministry to feed the desperately poor within the body of Christ. Established in 1987, LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry has given over 165 million dollars of food and supplies to those suffering around the globe.

A full life feels good

Here at Feed The Hungry UK, we continue Lester’s missional legacy and heart for the hungry. We, too, are committed to meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people around the globe.