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George Mueller
George Müller (1805–1898). Born on September 27, 1805, in Kroppenstedt, Prussia (now Germany), George Müller was a Christian evangelist and orphanage director known for his faith-driven ministry. A rebellious youth, he was imprisoned for theft at 16 before converting to Christianity in 1825 at a Moravian prayer meeting in Halle. He studied divinity in Halle and moved to England in 1829, pastoring a chapel in Teignmouth and later Ebenezer Chapel in Bristol. Rejecting a fixed salary, he relied on prayer for provision, a principle that defined his life. In 1836, he founded the Ashley Down Orphanage in Bristol, caring for over 10,000 orphans across his lifetime without soliciting funds, trusting God alone. His meticulous records, published in Narratives of the Lord’s Dealings, documented answered prayers, inspiring global faith. Married to Mary Groves in 1830 and later Susannah Sangar after Mary’s death, he had one surviving child, Lydia. Müller preached worldwide into his 80s, dying on March 10, 1898, in Bristol, and said, “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”
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Sermon Summary
George Müller shares his journey of faith in establishing orphan homes, beginning with a prayer for £1,000 and the right people to help. Within five months, God provided not only the funds but also the necessary support, leading to the opening of homes for over 2,000 children without incurring any debt. Müller emphasizes the power of prayer and total obedience to God, which resulted in miraculous provisions and the fulfillment of God's promises. His story serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and grace in responding to the needs of the vulnerable. The phrase 'Open wide your mouth and I will fill it' encapsulates the essence of his faith journey.
Orphan Homes Opened
George Müller asked God for £1,000 and the right people to run such a home. Within five months this had been provided. Mrs Müller, together with friends, began to furnish their own home in Wilson Street in the St Paul's area of Bristol, which was to accommodate thirty girls. The Orphan Homes became the fifth object of SKI. A further three houses in Wilson Street were furnished, catering for a total of 130 children. When in 1845 this number had risen even further without additional premises, George Müller felt the need to erect a purpose built home to accommodate 300 children. This project required a massive sum of £10,000. Once more George Müller's prayers were answered as the additional money was provided and he bought a rural site at Ashley Down, just outside the city's boundary, well below the advertised asking price. In 1849 the first Home was opened accommodating 300 children. By 1870 there was a total of five Houses at Ashley Down costing over £100,000 and housing more than 2,000 children. All the money and workers came as a direct result of prayer with no debts being incurred and no appeals or requests were ever made. There are many remarkable stories of the answers to prayer and the buildings and the work continue to be a testimony to His faithfulness and grace of God. 'Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.' George Müller's total obedience was rewarded by the fulfilment of God's promise.
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George Müller (1805–1898). Born on September 27, 1805, in Kroppenstedt, Prussia (now Germany), George Müller was a Christian evangelist and orphanage director known for his faith-driven ministry. A rebellious youth, he was imprisoned for theft at 16 before converting to Christianity in 1825 at a Moravian prayer meeting in Halle. He studied divinity in Halle and moved to England in 1829, pastoring a chapel in Teignmouth and later Ebenezer Chapel in Bristol. Rejecting a fixed salary, he relied on prayer for provision, a principle that defined his life. In 1836, he founded the Ashley Down Orphanage in Bristol, caring for over 10,000 orphans across his lifetime without soliciting funds, trusting God alone. His meticulous records, published in Narratives of the Lord’s Dealings, documented answered prayers, inspiring global faith. Married to Mary Groves in 1830 and later Susannah Sangar after Mary’s death, he had one surviving child, Lydia. Müller preached worldwide into his 80s, dying on March 10, 1898, in Bristol, and said, “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”