September 27: Birthday of George Müller (1805)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people who are caring for widows and orphans in their distress.
History Note
George Müller was born on September 27, 1805, in Kroppenstaedt, Prussia. By his own admission, young George wasted the first twenty years of his life in selfish pursuits.
As a young man, he began attending a simple fellowship of people who wanted to follow Jesus. He started to read the Bible and pray sincerely. Müller went to England in 1829 and gained experience preaching to groups and ministering to individuals in several places, trusting the Lord to help him choose suitable messages from Scripture.
George Müller and Mary Groves were married on October 7, 1830. Together they decided to trust the Lord for their daily provision as they went about their service for him. Often when their means were low, the Lord sent them unexpected and unsought gifts.
In 1835 Müller became convinced of the need to establish a home for orphans in Bristol, England. He wanted to give the children a basic education, train the girls for household work and the boys for trade, and with God’s blessing, lead them to a knowledge of Jesus Christ.
People began to offer money and furnishings and to volunteer to help run the home. The initial home opened in April 1836 intended for girls ages seven to twelve. In November of that year, another home opened for boys and girls under seven. In October of 1837, a home for boys seven and up was prepared.
Müller avoided asking individuals to contribute to his efforts and avoided purchasing anything that he could not pay for at once. He made public his intentions and trusted God to provide what was needed.
By 1845 Müller saw the need to move the Orphan Houses. A London architect volunteered to design the new buildings and oversee construction. A land owner offered his property at a discount, and people donated over 10,000 pounds to build and furnish the new homes. Eventually five homes for the care of 2,000 children were constructed on seven acres at Ashley Down, just outside Bristol.
During Müller’s life, some 10,000 children received care in the homes. He also traveled around the world preaching in 42 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and North America.
George Müller died in Bristol on March 10, 1898, at age 92. He was a man of faith and prayer who made a remarkable impact on children in Bristol and on people around the world.
This photo shows children on their annual outing to Purdown, a park near Bristol. Image courtesy George Müller of Bristol / Kregel Publications.
Learn More
Watch a trailer from a documentary of about George Müller's life.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
