Shortly after the one-year honeymoon/mission trip, Louise discovered that she was expecting her first child. Even though missionary work would always be their hearts’ desire, the Sumralls decided to settle down in the United States for a while. They moved to Springfield, Missouri, where their first son, Frank, was born in 1946.
Because the war in Europe was finally over, Lester made a much welcomed trip back to England. There, he was joyously reunited with Howard Carter and personally viewed the devastation of the bombed countries of England and France. It was while ministering in Europe that he heard the Lord begin to speak to him about a new work of ministry.
Lester realized that the way to reach most countries for Christ was through their large cities. In many countries, 60 percent of the population resided in the major metropolitan areas. The Lord gave Lester a clear vision of reaching countries with evangelistic centers set up in cities like Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Manila, Philippines.
Roberts Liardon tells us that when he returned home back to Louise and Frank in the United States, he excitedly shared his ideas with the mission boards of several denominations, but none of them thought that his vision was possible. They deemed the task too large and far-reaching and therefore withheld their support.
Not possible?! What is not possible with God? Lester was amazed and frustrated by the lack of faith in those who could not catch his vision. Perhaps, it just wasn’t God’s time yet….
Why South Bend, Indiana?
There was a burning in Lester’s heart to reach the lost of the world, but the Lord’s call came loud and clear from an unexpected place. A small church in South Bend, Indiana, prayed and believed that God had called Lester Sumrall to pastor their congregation.
