George Müller (1805–1898) was a German-born Christian missionary and evangelist who is best known for his work with orphaned children in England. He is famous for establishing a network of orphanages in Bristol, England, where he cared for over 10,000 orphans during his lifetime. Müller’s legacy is largely centered around his deep faith in God and his ability to fund and run his ministry without ever asking for money from people—he relied entirely on prayer and God’s provision.
Key Contributions:
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Orphanages: Müller founded several orphanages in Bristol and cared for more than 10,000 children. His orphanages were revolutionary in that they provided not only physical care but also spiritual guidance.
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Faith in Provision: Müller was known for his unwavering faith. He believed that God would provide for the needs of the orphans and his ministry, and he never directly solicited donations. Instead, he relied on prayer, and countless accounts of God’s provision for the orphanages became part of his testimony.
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The Scripture Knowledge Institute: In addition to his work with orphans, Müller also established the Scripture Knowledge Institute for distributing Bibles and religious literature in England and abroad.
Famous Quotes:
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“The first and most important thing I would recommend to every worker is, to begin by making sure of this: that the work is in accordance with the will of God.”
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“God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.”
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“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”
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“I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise up.”
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“If you will not believe God when circumstances are against you, you will never believe God when the circumstances are favorable.”
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“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”
Legacy:
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Spiritual Impact: Müller’s life and ministry inspired generations of Christians to live by faith and trust in God’s provision. His story is often cited as an example of how God can work miracles through prayer and unwavering belief.
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Social Impact: His orphanages were seen as a model for social reform and care for the vulnerable, influencing the establishment of similar programs in England and beyond.
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Müller’s Writings: He wrote extensively about his faith and ministry, particularly about how God had miraculously provided for his work, which continues to inspire Christians worldwide.
Müller’s life demonstrates the power of faith and prayer, and his legacy continues to be honored in the orphanages and ministries that continue in his name.