D.L. Moody (1837-99) was born into a poor family of nine children with a father who loved whiskey and who died when Dwight was just four. His mother sent him to a school where he
learnt very little. At 17 years old this stout young Yankee decided to leave home and head for Boston where he became a shoe salesman. Over the next year as he attended church the convicting message prepared his heart. In April 1855 Edward Kimball, his Sunday school teacher, who was deeply burdened for him made his way fearfully to the shoe shop where Moody worked with the intention of confronting him about his salvation. With what he later thought was a very weak plea with tears in his eyes he challenged Moody. Within minutes Kimball returned home but that day in the back of the shop Moody accepted Christ. Later that year he moved to Chicago for business in search of success but his heart increasingly burnt for the souls of men.
The years passed as he faithfully served in Sunday school work leading children to Christ. People thought him radical in his zeal to win souls so they nicknamed him ‘Crazy Moody.’ He pastored a church for several years
before being mightily baptised in the Holy Ghost. In 1872 he made a visit to Britain and Ireland. While in Dublin he spent a whole night in fervent prayer with about 20 young men. That next morning as they walked down a street one of them, Henry “Butcher” Varley, said to him: “Moody, the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” This one statement was to make a marked impact on his live. By God’s grace he would be that man.
In June 1873 he arrived back in Liverpool, England, accompanied by his wife and song leader Ira Sankey. He was penniless, totally unknown and had no invitations to preach bar one. At first it was hard going but soon the fire fell which led to six weeks of powerful soul winning ministry. Next there came an invitation to Edinburgh, Scotland. On the first night at the first meeting 2,000 people had to be turned away from the already filled building. This great city was startled out of its sleep and stirred to its depths. Educated theologians sat at the feet of this untrained fire-brand. He left but revival continued. Next he moved to Belfast, then to Dublin for a month where several thousand responded to the gospel. These were some of the most remarkable meetings ever held in Ireland. In March 1875 he moved to London to start a four month campaign. Initially meetings were attended by about 16,000 people. It is estimated that a million and a half people heard him in this city. His whole life from beginning to end proves to what the Lord can accomplish through a weak, foolish, chosen vessel who utterly depends upon the Holy Spirit and who places rugged faith in the God of the
Bible.
learnt very little. At 17 years old this stout young Yankee decided to leave home and head for Boston where he became a shoe salesman. Over the next year as he attended church the convicting message prepared his heart. In April 1855 Edward Kimball, his Sunday school teacher, who was deeply burdened for him made his way fearfully to the shoe shop where Moody worked with the intention of confronting him about his salvation. With what he later thought was a very weak plea with tears in his eyes he challenged Moody. Within minutes Kimball returned home but that day in the back of the shop Moody accepted Christ. Later that year he moved to Chicago for business in search of success but his heart increasingly burnt for the souls of men.
The years passed as he faithfully served in Sunday school work leading children to Christ. People thought him radical in his zeal to win souls so they nicknamed him ‘Crazy Moody.’ He pastored a church for several years
before being mightily baptised in the Holy Ghost. In 1872 he made a visit to Britain and Ireland. While in Dublin he spent a whole night in fervent prayer with about 20 young men. That next morning as they walked down a street one of them, Henry “Butcher” Varley, said to him: “Moody, the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” This one statement was to make a marked impact on his live. By God’s grace he would be that man.
In June 1873 he arrived back in Liverpool, England, accompanied by his wife and song leader Ira Sankey. He was penniless, totally unknown and had no invitations to preach bar one. At first it was hard going but soon the fire fell which led to six weeks of powerful soul winning ministry. Next there came an invitation to Edinburgh, Scotland. On the first night at the first meeting 2,000 people had to be turned away from the already filled building. This great city was startled out of its sleep and stirred to its depths. Educated theologians sat at the feet of this untrained fire-brand. He left but revival continued. Next he moved to Belfast, then to Dublin for a month where several thousand responded to the gospel. These were some of the most remarkable meetings ever held in Ireland. In March 1875 he moved to London to start a four month campaign. Initially meetings were attended by about 16,000 people. It is estimated that a million and a half people heard him in this city. His whole life from beginning to end proves to what the Lord can accomplish through a weak, foolish, chosen vessel who utterly depends upon the Holy Spirit and who places rugged faith in the God of the
Bible.
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