Eloise A. Dyer
1935-2021
A Life of Service and Faith
A tribute to Eloise Dyer, beloved wife of Kevin G. Dyer (founder of Bright Hope), and mother to Mark, Beth, and C.H. (Bright Hope CEO/President).
Quotes from Eloise’s book, “Eloise” published in 2020.
“When I was nine years old, I knelt by my bed and asked Jesus to come into my life. I was born again and set off on the course to be a follower of Jesus for the rest of my life.”
“While at Emmaus Bible school, I met a young Australian with a funny accent who wanted everyone to hear the joyful news about Jesus. After one year of dating, we were married, and we began our long journey of serving the Lord together, now for almost 64 years.”
Kevin and Eloise served the Lord in Kolkata, India, and then Singapore before returning to the United States. Kevin continued to work in full-time ministry at International Teams (now One Collective) and Bright Hope, and Eloise supported his work by taking on many responsibilities at home.
“For years, I lived in Kevin’s shadow, thinking my job was to blend with him in his ministry. However, he encouraged me to realize I was gifted very differently from him and that I should develop my own ministry in our neighborhood.”
“God called me and gifted me to have a ministry to lost people who lived around me.”
Eloise used her gift of evangelism to minister to her neighbors, and many women came to know the Lord.
“I also knew God had given me the gift of helps. Looking for ways to help my neighbors opened the doors of friendship and gave me opportunities to share Jesus with them.”
Eloise was a faithful supporter of the poor and Bright Hope. She organized Bright Hope Teas and Tours along with Anne Dyer and other friends, hosting and introducing the ministry to many new people.
“Later on, when the children were a little older, God gave me a ministry of praying for our family and people around me.”
“I can only thank God for the wonderful things he has done. I have tried to live my life in such a way that all of my family and many of my neighbors would be attracted to Jesus and want to follow him. I am not a person who speaks publicly or who has a worldwide ministry. God gave me gifts that were to be used on a personal one-on-one level.”
We are honoring Eloise’s devotion to Jesus and service to the poor. A special fund has been set up to help children’s evangelistic programs in the slums of Mathare Valley, Kenya. You can give a gift in her name below. Kevin and the family will be notified of your gift.
Along with your gift, please mention if you would like to receive a free copy of her book “Eloise” and Bright Hope will send you one.
Though her family and friends will greatly miss her, we rejoice to know she is in the presence of the Lord, where she no longer struggles physically and remembers us all.
On September 6th, 2021, Eloise Dyer was welcomed into eternity with her Savior. She is survived by Kevin, their three children: Mark (Sue), Beth (Jeff), and C.H. (Anne), 16 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Sister Jan Horst (Ken).
A memorial service will be conducted at Bright Hope on:
September 13th from 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Location:
Waterfront Church Auditorium
Bright Hope Center
2080 Stonington Avenue
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169