Ebook
In the late 1800s a supremely qualified woman educator and administrator made an unforgettable imprint on well-known missionaries, educators, and preachers. Emma Dryer worked with Pacific Garden Mission’s George and Sarah Clarke, Methodist deaconess Lucy Rider Meyer, Wheaton College President Charles Blanchard, Anna Spafford--whose husband wrote the beloved hymn It is Well with My Soul--and many others. However, her greatest achievement came from her divinely guided association with evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, with its compelling and far-reaching ministries, would undoubtedly not exist today if not for the driving missionary fervor of Emma Dryer. Her story is finally being told in light of this association. A close examination of her ministry relationship with Mr. Moody reveals the interconnected aspects of their lives from a viewpoint never before written. This includes examining their leadership styles and effectiveness in modern day terms as well as contrasting their learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses as both evangelist and educator. This book represents the first biography of Emma Dryer’s life with undying evidence of the answered prayers of a noble and virtuous woman who dedicated her life to serve and honor Christ until his eminent return.
”It is vital that Christians not lose touch with the ways God
has used others in building His kingdom. In this book, Dr. Nina
Bissett takes an engaging look at a life and ministry that should
not be forgotten! The reader is not only inspired by Dryer’s
biography, but also gains insight into the reasons Dryer was
impactful. Educators and church leaders alike will benefit from
learning more about Emma Dryer."
--Cisco Cotto, Chicago Radio Personality; Lead Pastor, Village
Church of Oak Park
“Bissett’s biography of Emma Dryer is a welcome addition to our
understanding of Christianity in America during the late 19th
century. Drawing upon previously untapped primary sources, she
gives us the first scholarly and balanced biography of an extremely
important woman who helped spread the Gospel at home and
abroad. People interested in the often-ignored role women
played in promulgating the Christian faith should read this
book."
--Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson
Divinity School
"Bissett’s ground-breaking work on Emma Dryer is truly a lifetime
achievement. Few scholars have had the courage and tenacity to take
on Emma’s complex personality and lifetime mission work and the
particular struggles she encountered as both a woman and founder of
what would be known as Moody Bible Institute."
--Louis B. Gallien, Jr., Former Dean, Reich College of Education,
Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, The Honors College,
Appalachian State University
"The life of Emma Dryer is worth celebrating. Even though hidden
for years, Bissett was able to uncover the incredible impact
she had on so many and gives us a glimpse into the life of this
world-changer. This book is a must-have for each person’s
library."
--Huntley Brown, International Concert Pianist
Nina Bissett has served in public schools and Christian schools as a teacher and administrator and has experience as a program director and therapist through the National Institute for Learning Development. She holds a BA in Education from David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee; a MA in Christian School Administration from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana; and an EdD in Higher Education Administration and Teaching from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.