George Muller was born in the Kingdom of Prussia, now a part of Germany, in 1805. Before his death in 1898 he had become a well known evangelist, missionary and the director of the Ashley Down Orphanage in Bristol, England. During his lifetime, records show that he cared for 10,024 orphans, providing them with educational opportunities that led to him being criticized for ‘raising the poor above their natural station’ in British society. Muller also established 117 schools which offered Christian education for more than 120,000 students.
There is so much more that could be shared about Muller’s life and his work for the Lord and I encourage you to either research him on the Internet or to read a book about his marvelous life.
The story I wish to share is about Muller’s faith, in practice, that he exhibited while he was the director of Ashley Down Orphanage. This story is posted on the christianity.com website, as well as other web locations and published in books. You can read it at https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/church-history-for-kids/george-mueller-orphanages-built-by-prayer-11634869.html but I have copied, and have pasted it here for your reading. I give full acknowledgement to the online source where it can be found.
George Mueller, Orphanages Built by Prayer
“The children are dressed and ready for school. But there is no food for them to eat,” the housemother of the orphanage informed George Mueller. George asked her to take the 300 children into the dining room and have them sit at the tables. He thanked God for the food and waited. George knew God would provide food for the children as he always did. Within minutes, a baker knocked on the door. “Mr. Mueller,” he said, “last night I could not sleep. Somehow I knew that you would need bread this morning. I got up and baked three batches for you. I will bring it in.”
Soon, there was another knock at the door. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. The milk would spoil by the time the wheel was fixed. He asked George if he could use some free milk. George smiled as the milkman brought in ten large cans of milk. It was just enough for the 300 thirsty children.
I marvel at Muller’s faith that the children would not go without a meal, a faith so strong that he thanked God for the meal even when there was not yet a meal to place on the tables. I am grateful for those who remembered this story in Mueller’s life; who told it, and it having been retold until it reached our eyes and ears.
I am hopeful that this story from George Mueller’s life will encourage each of us to practice greater faith.