Lesea Global Feed The Hungry

Pete Sumrall

President of LeSEA Broadcasting, LeSEA Ministries and LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry; Peter Andrew Sumrall has a rich legacy of missions and ministry.

Born on the mission field in 1953, Peter became the youngest son of world evangelists Dr. Lester Sumrall and Louise Sumrall as they endeavored to plant a thriving church in Manila, Philippines-- a church which currently serves 20,000 in its weekly services today.

Being the son of missionaries, Peter's upbringing always focused on the goal of winning lost souls for Christ. His formal education took him to schools in Manila, Hong Kong, Jerusalem and South Bend, Indiana.

After attending classes at Bethel College, Peter traveled in the early 1970's throughout Asia. He returned to work full time for LeSEA Ministries in 1973. Pete worked exclusively for the broadcasting division for 9 years, learning every aspect of the ministry and business of Christian mass media. In 1982, Peter became the general manager and later named COO of LeSEA Broadcasting in 1997.

Through the years of his leadership, LeSEA Broadcasting has grown to own and operate thirteen television stations and three FM radio stations in the U.S. and Middle East TV located in Limassol, Cyprus as well as five international short wave radio stations, and two satellite channels covering all of Africa, Asia and Europe. The flagship channel for the network is World Harvest Television (WHT) which can be seen across America on DirecTV Channel 321.

In 1996, Dr. Sumrall passed away leaving the leadership of the ministry in the hands of his sons. Peter assumed the leadership of LeSEA Ministries and LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry in February of 2005.

All three ministries of LeSEA continue to demonstrate Dr. Lester Sumrall's passion of winning a millions souls to Jesus every day.

Stefan Radelich

During his last semester at Cornell University in 1986, Stefan experienced a personal and spiritual transformation through Jesus Christ.  Immediately he knew everything in his life would change: ambitions, dreams, goals... a desire was born to follow God and serve his people.
 
After a year-long missionary internship in southern Africa in 1988, where he met his wife Alta, Stefan returned to the United States and became an assistant pastor at his local church, serving in that capacity for four years.  The Lord then called Stefan, Alta, and their growing family to Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma to sit and study under the leadership of Pastors Billy Joe and Sharon Daugherty.  After a time of intensive training, the Radelich's moved to South Bend, Indiana in 1995 to serve the ministry of Dr. Lester Sumrall.
 
Stefan's responsibilities at LeSEA have been diverse over the years, formally serving as an associate pastor at Christian Center Cathedral of Praise and as director of World Harvest Ministers Network.  In addition to enjoying "an hour with the world" on the Harvest program daily, Stefan's present role as the Executive Director of LeSEA Global Feed The Hungry brings a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
 
"I'm often overcome by the goodness of God... to see firsthand how he works through his people to touch the lives of so many around the world each and every day through Feed The Hungry is a dream come true.  We're going to see this ministry increase and explode in impact... it is evident that the Lord has positioned FTH to reach multitudes with the gospel in this generation."

Bob Boucek

Bob joined Feed the Hungry in 1995 when the ministry acquired the ocean-going freighter EVANGELINE.

Fighting hunger has always been a concern for Bob; in fact, he was serving as President of the Board of the Second Harvest Food Bank in Savannah, GA when he joined Feed the Hungry.  After hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he began to search for ways to serve in vocational ministry.

A friend mentioned that Feed the Hungry was acquiring a ship and might be in need of some help.  A graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Bob had worked in commercial shipping for fifteen years.  Answering the call to serve at Feed the Hungry united his desire to feed hungry people with his expertise in shipping.

Now serving in the role of Logistics Director, Bob oversees the delivery of food from origin to the final recipients.  "The geographies, bureaucracies, and circumstances of the countries served present a variety of challenges, but the reward is great," says Bob.  "When the disciples asked Jesus what to do about the hungry crowd, He said, 'You give them something to eat' (Luke 9:13).  That's what I think the Christian response to hunger should be."

Bob and his wife Cindy live in Elkhart, IN with the youngest of four sons.

Gene Donahue

Gene is the Food Aid Coordinator for Feed the Hungry. He comes to FTH with an extensive and successful background as a sales and real estate professional. Fueled by his desire to reach the lost, grow God's Kingdom, and offer compassion to his fellow brother and sister in Christ, Gene felt called to join our ministry.
 
One of nine children, Gene was taught at an early age to sacrifice for, give care to, and share with others the many blessing he was afforded. In doing his part, he would help his mother clean, fold, pack, and ship clothes donated to his family to those with greater needs here in the United States. His childhood home was always a welcoming place; a safe haven for single mothers, neglected older adults, or those individuals unable to live on their own. Gene always believed in God's faithfulness that He will provide.
 
Gene and his wife, Kristiana, have three children: Connor, Carter, and Monique. They are actively a part of their church and community. God brings people into our lives so that He may spread His blessings. Gene seeks to be used and changed by God through the ministry at Feed the Hungry.

Chuck Strantz

In 1971 I made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ and to honor Him by living for Him. At that point in my life, I was studying commercial art at a vocational college in South Bend, Indiana. My daily prayer was that any gifting in art that I possessed would be used for God's Kingdom.

The "Jesus Movement" of the seventies was in full swing – and it was exciting to be a part of it.   As an expression of my faith, I began publishing a "street Jesus paper", entitled " Omega Times".  The first few issues were entirely produced and published at my own expense.

A few friends and I would give them away at schools, concerts, parks, etc. – anywhere people were gathered.

During that time I decided to visit the church where Lester Sumrall was the pastor - even though I had been cautioned and warned by several religious folks about Lester's "devil chasing and exorcisms".  While there, I was immediately drawn to this "man-of- God's" boldness and no-nonsense approach to the Christian faith.  I also had what I thought was a great idea beginning to form.

Within days of my visit I approached him with "my plan".  I understood that his ministry owned printing presses.  I had some printing background and some art talent.  I made a proposal:  "I'll pay for the materials, do the layout, etc., and you'll let me use your printing press which I'll run myself."

Simple enough and it's for the Kingdom, right?

Well, he reviewed the past issues of the publication for a few days and at our next meeting he inquired about the artwork and layout.

When he discovered that it was my handiwork he said, "Young man, would you like a job?"

Now you have to understand that I had long, thick, bushy hair that was past my shoulders…that sort-of "wild look".  I wasn't a very likely candidate for employment at a traditional Pentecostal ministry!  Even though I was always praying that God would use my art gifting for his kingdom, when I asked to use the printing presses that day, I had no idea that I would be offered a job – nor how this connection would affect almost my entire adult life.  I just wanted to communicate about Jesus and the good news.  But on August 21, 1972, I began what would become more than 36 years of using my talents as an employee of the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association.

As I look back over the years, one of the times I remember so clearly was the day Dr. Sumrall spoke to the employees after having returned from Israel where God had spoken to him regarding feeding His starving children. As Dr. Sumrall shared with the staff what he believed God had communicated to him, I found myself holding my breath, not wanting to miss a single word.  This mandate from God had already begun to change Dr. Sumrall and the direction of his ministry. He said, "After fifty years of intense world evangelism, God has set me on target in Jerusalem."

As he talked, I wanted to remove my shoes.(like Moses before the burning Bush)  It was so obvious to me that God had revealed His heart directly to Lester Sumrall, and those hearing it were a privileged group.  What would happen next?  How would we respond?  How would our friends and ministry partners react?

More than twenty years have passed since that day when Feed the Hungry was born, and we continue to experience the faithfulness of God and the generous compassion and support of His people.  I am fully confident that God will continue to guide and provide as we trust Him in this great work that He has called us to.   I count it an honor to have been, and continue to be, involved with this ministry, and  I'm very grateful that He answered my prayer over 36 years ago by allowing me to use my talents for His Kingdom in such a practical way.

Kenny Prawat

Kenny studied film and television at Savannah College of Art and Design. At Feed The Hungry he shoots and edits videos and commercials for television and web.

Sarina Williams

Development Assistant

Lamar Austin

Fourteen years ago Lamar Austin began his journey with the LeSEA family of ministries serving as an assistant producer and field photographer for LeSEA Broadcasting. During that same time Lamar was also applying himself at Indiana Christian University. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies, later went on to receive credentials through the Missionary Church.

By 2000, Lamar was utilizing his skills and education to develop partner communications, organize short-term mission trips, and serve as a field assistant with LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry. Then, after a total of eight years with LeSEA Lamar, his wife and children sensed a call to serve the Lord as full-time missionaries in the eastern European nation of Bulgaria. There they worked with and supported national pastors.

Today, Lamar has come full circle. He and his family have followed the Lord's leading once again, returning to the United States to serve again with LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry.

"I am excited about the opportunity to once again serve the Lord through the ministry of Feed the Hungry. Through the years we've spent overseas, I have seen firsthand the impact made by the teaching ministry of Dr. Lester Sumrall and work undertaken by Feed the Hungry. It my privilege to continue running with the vision---bringing hope to the hungry, encouragement to the body of Christ, and the message of the Gospel to those who have ears to hear."

Dave Flowers

"It was a real step of faith.  I had to completely rely on God to help me." That is what Dave Flowers recalls about joining Feed the Hungry. "I accepted the new opportunity and challenge, and my family and I have no regrets. I am thankful everyday for the terrific FTH team that surrounds us."
 
Although only with FTH for a little over three years, Dave has been with its parent, LeSEA Ministries, for twenty-five years. He first came to LeSea to attend World Harvest Bible College after a life changing encounter with Christ at Vincennes University. He then joined the staff as an associate pastor at Christian Center, under Dr. Sumrall.  He had served in numerous capacities over the years, before accepting the position with FTH in procurement. "My job supplies me with immense satisfaction. Every day I am blessed to play a part in helping men, women and children all over the world who are in great need.  In addition, we have the pleasure of providing a service to companies who help us with this cause."

 Outside of the many roles he had at Christian Center, some of which were children and youth pastor, director of Christian Education, and assistant director of WHMN, Dave's professional background includes teacher, assistant principal and principal. Dave holds degrees in school administration, teaching, human resources and Christian ministry. He is married to Lisa, his wife of 24 years, and together they are raising their three children, Ashley, Allisa and David.

"I look ahead with great excitement and anticipation, knowing God will continue to use FTH to show His love to a hurting world…and I am grateful to be a part of it."

Donna Belding

Terry Imhoff

Since 2003, Terry has been a vital and integral part of the LeSEA Family of ministries. In 2010, he assumed responsibilities as the warehouse manager of Feed The Hungry's South Bend, Indiana warehousing facility. Terry coordinates all foodstuff and product shipment in/out of the facility and accurate manages a large inventory of all donated in-kind products before they are redistributed to our ministry partners around the world. January 2003 Terry began working for the LeSEA family of ministries.

Larry Shultz

Logistics