Love God, Love Others: George Mueller (1805-1898)

We’ve been talking all Valentine's week about some amazing people of faith and prayer who showed so much love for others.

Today we’re going to tell the story of George Mueller. He established five large orphanages and over a hundred schools! But it’s his deep love for the Lord and the way he prayed that many remember about him. This is just one miracle of faith recorded in George Mueller's journal:

One morning, all the plates and cups and bowls on the table were empty. There was no food in the larder and no money to buy food. The children were standing, waiting for their morning meal, when Mueller said, “Children, you know we must be in time for school.” Then lifting up his hands he prayed, “Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat.”

There was a knock at the door. The baker stood there, and said, “Mr. Mueller, I couldn’t sleep last night. Somehow I felt you didn’t have bread for breakfast, and the Lord wanted me to send you some. So I got up at 2 a.m. and baked some fresh bread, and have brought it.”

Mr. Mueller thanked the baker, and no sooner had he left, when there was a second knock at the door. It was the milkman. He announced that his milk cart had broken down right in front of the orphanage, and he would like to give the children his cans of fresh milk so he could empty his wagon and repair it.

George Mueller started life down a bad path. During his younger years, he made a lot of bad choices like stealing money from his father and gambling with it. It wasn’t until he went to a Bible study with a friend that the Lord got ahold of his heart and he surrendered to God. His life was forever changed! 

After George became a Christian he wanted to become a missionary. So he left his home in Prussia and went to England to spread the gospel among the Jews living there. Soon he noticed that there were a lot of homeless kids with nobody to take care of them.

George started to pray. In fact, George prayed a lot. He didn’t tell anyone but he prayed for God to give him the funds to start an orphanage. And guess what? God provided!

George was able not only to build the orphanage, but also had enough to buy food and care for many, many kids. Known as a man of prayer, he prayed often and God would meet the needs, sometimes right before it was time to eat! What great faith! 

In the later part of George’s life, he traveled the world and preached to thousands of people. And he preached as long as he lived. George never asked for money but God blessed him with enough to start churches, schools and of course his orphanages.

George Mueller loved God and His Word so much that it couldn't help but spill out to those around him.