History of Dr Sumrall and Hong Kong

When Lester Sumrall was a small boy, his mother, Betty Sumrall, felt a call from God to be a missionary to China. However, with family responsibilities making it impossible for her to go herself, she began to pray that her children would fulfill that call on her behalf. Thus, with this vision and love for China, Dr. Lester Sumrall traveled through Hong Kong in the late 1930’s with fellow minister, Howard Carter. God greatly blessed their meetings with many miracles before they headed into China for more ministry.

In the late 1950’s Dr. Sumrall, along with his wife and 3 sons, moved to Hong Kong. He believed that God had called him to start a church in Hong Kong that did not currently exist. They began by conducting small meetings and a crusade at the South China Football Stadium. It wasn’t long before they were able to purchase property on the 4th floor of the Grand Building, and a church was born. At that time, this building was the tallest in downtown, and was right on the water! It was indeed a long time ago.

When the church was firmly established, God once again called Lester Sumrall back to America. The fulfillment of his dream is realized in the fact that the church continues today and is yet growing a harvest for the Kingdom.

Over the years Bro. and Sis. Sumrall often loved to return to Hong Kong to minister to their beloved congregation. They felt strongly that Hong Kong was (and is) the gateway to ministry in China.

History of Dr Sumrall and the New Life Temple

Rev. Sumrall began his worldwide missionary work in 1934. When he came to Hong Kong he was captured by its vitality and life. He believed he had a calling for the Chinese here. In 1959, after much fasting and prayer, he resigned his pastorate in the US and moved his family to Hong Kong. With the help of the Full Gospel Business Men and other Christians he conducted revivals in the South China Football Stadium that year and brought to birth the New Life Temple. He baptized 68 of those converts who became the founding group of the Church.

Felix Cheung, The New Life Temple
Treasurer / Executive Board Member