Given his great investment in education, it may come as a surprise that Dwight L. Moody’s own education ended after fifth grade. Born in 1837 in Massachusetts, Moody grew up on his family farm as the sixth child in his family. He quickly grew bored of this location and sought work.  

In 1855, while working in his uncle’s shoe store, Moody heard the good news about Jesus from his Sunday school teacher, Kimball, and believed in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins. His relationship with God ignited his passion to share God’s Word with the lost youth in his city.  

Moody started his Mission Sunday School, and served as an unpaid, evangelical employee of the YMCA. He voyaged to the United Kingdom to spread awareness for children’s ministries and women’s training. Moody’s travels overseas and faithful Bible teaching contributed to Christian revivals in Europe.  

Moody founded many schools, intending to train and educate people to know God’s Word. His best-known establishment is still thriving in the heart of Chicago—Moody Bible Institute. You could recognize Moody by his optimism, and deep devotion to Christ. He passed away in 1899 at the age of 62.