Historical Testimony

From Shoes to Souls: Moody's Transformation

Apr 1855β€’πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈBoston, Massachusetts, United States

Shoe salesman Dwight L. Moody's life was transformed when his Sunday School teacher shared Christ's love in a Boston store in 1855, leading him to become a renowned evangelist and founder of Moody Bible Institute.

β€œI can almost throw a stone from my house to the spot where I found God in 1855.”

In the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts, on April 21, 1855, a young shoe salesman named Dwight L. Moody experienced a life-changing encounter. While working at Holton's Shoe Store, Moody was visited by his Sunday School teacher, Edward Kimball. Kimball, deeply concerned for Moody's spiritual well-being, spoke to him about the love of Christ in a quiet back room of the store. It was here that Moody made a profound decision to accept Jesus as his Savior. As Moody later reflected, 'I can almost throw a stone from my house to the spot where I found God in 1855.'

Before this pivotal moment, Moody had been primarily focused on material success, ambitious in his business endeavors, and had little interest in faith. However, the encounter with Jesus changed the course of his life. Leaving behind his business pursuits, Moody moved to Chicago to devote himself to evangelism and Christian service. His newfound passion for sharing the gospel led to the founding of the Moody Church and the Moody Bible Institute, impacting countless lives.

Moody's transformation demonstrates the power of a personal encounter with Jesus. Through his ministry, Moody reached millions, emphasizing the love and grace he had discovered in that small shoe store. The legacy of his work, and the institutions he established, continue to speak of the profound influence of his conversion. Jesus transformed Moody's life, and through him, countless others have experienced the same peace and purpose.

About This Testimony

What did God do?
Found Faith
Where in life?
Life journey
How did it happen?
Through Someone

Source & Attribution

Curated by Doxa from the life and writings of Dwight L. Moody, 1850s

Sources

πŸ“–
The Overcoming Life and Other Sermons
Dwight L. Moodyβ€’1896β€’Primary Source
Offline source (book/print)
πŸ“–
Dwight L. Moody: The Greatest Evangelist of the Nineteenth Century
Faith Coxe Baileyβ€’1955
https://www.worldcat.org/title/451497 β†—

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β€œI shall remember the deeds of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”
β€” Psalm 77:11

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