“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.” Psalm 105:1 NKJV
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
In “A Passion for Souls,” Lyle Dorsett detailed the life of Dwight L. Moody.
Dwight and Emma Moody met Emma Dryer in 1871. She had been head of the women’s faculty at Illinois State Normal University. In 1870, Dryer moved to Chicago, giving up salary and security and living by faith. In 1873, Moody encouraged Emma Dryer to begin a home missions training and ministry program. She devoted herself full-time for many years to the work. She met every Saturday morning to pray with other Christian ladies that Mr. Moody would return to Chicago to raise funds and oversee the construction of a building for a wide-ranging home missions training school.
Meanwhile, D.L. Moody met Ira Sankey, forming an evangelistic team and soon going to the British Isles, 1873-1875. In 1874, wealthy businessman Edward Studd was “born again” at Moody-Sankey meetings. In 1877, Mr. Studd arranged through Moody for a personal worker to share the Gospel personally with his three sons: C.T., Kynaston, and George. He led each one to Christ.
C.T. Studd soon met the founder of China Inland Mission, and dedicated his life to serve the Lord full-time, going to China.
In 1887, Emma Dryer and her friends’ prayers were beginning to be answered. D.L. Moody returned to Chicago to raise funds and work toward founding the Chicago Evangelization Society, including a building just north of the Illinois Street Church facility, plus funding for staff, overhead costs, and tuition.
And in 1887, C.T. Studd inherited a fortune that his father Edward Studd had left to him. C.T. gave it all to the “bank of heaven,” including 25% to D.L. Moody’s ministry. Mr. Moody requested to use it in Chicago to help finance the Chicago Evangelization Society.
It was formally constituted with D. L. Moody as president. The board of directors and he were harmonious. A separate nine-member board of managers overseeing the day-by-day operations included Emma Dryer, Nettie (Mrs. C.H.) McCormick, and Mrs. T.W. Harvey.
The goal: “educate, direct, and maintain Christian workers” as Bible teachers and evangelists. They established the Chicago Bible Institute, which became “Moody Bible Institute” following Mr. Moody’s death.
R.A. Torrey became superintendent of the Chicago Bible institute in 1889. The school was training workers for evangelism at the famous Chicago World’s Fair. The building was headquarters for all the evangelists and singers involved in evangelistic outreaches across Chicago during the World’s Fair.
When D.L. Moody went to his heavenly reward in 1899, R.A. Torrey changed the name from Chicago Bible Institute to Moody Bible Institute. Torrey continued as superintendent of MBI and pastor of the church until he left Chicago to establish the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA) and pastor the Church of the Open Door there.
Each of these people relied wholeheartedly on the power of prayer. Earl Radmacher wrote: “Thankfulness should characterize the Christian life in every circumstance, not thanks for everything but thanks in everything.”
At 3 PM each Saturday at TTT, my daughter Tami and I begin praying together, joined by others on the production team. At 7, we all gather to pray for the rally that will be live at 7:27 PM for those who will be with us in person or online.
Angela Elwell Hunt wrote in “Star of Wonder”: “Jesus told us that God cares for us like a Father. He promises to provide all that we need if we trust Him: ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father chose to give you the kingdom’ (Luke 12:32). The people of Jerusalem lived in dread of Rome, with good reason, and they were desperate for relief. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the week before His death, Messianic fervor was at such a fevered pitch that the people shouted ‘Hosanna!’ (‘deliver us’) as He rode in. They were about to be delivered, but from sin – an enemy far more destructive than Rome.”
“Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: ‘Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.'” John 12:14-15 NKJV
Each person attending TTT in person December 7 will receive a copy of “Star of Wonder.”
We are praying for forthcoming TTT Saturday happenings: January 4, to begin 2025; February 1, God willing, TTT’s 59th birthday; Hosanna Highway, March 1 through May 3, and especially April 5 “Hosanna Highway.”
When you “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” share your faith in Him with every person possible.