George Muller – Orphan House Started

Dec 5 1835

George wrote in his journal, “This Scripture came alive to me today: Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it”  This led him to apply that verse to the orphan house and he asked the Lord for a building, one thousand pounds, and suitable individuals to take care of the children.

That is a large request.  A building, that is huge, the money to get it started, and maybe even bigger suitable people to take care of the children.

He received his first shilling for the orphan house 2 days later.  4 days later the first piece of furniture was given and ten more shillings were given.  And with no collection taken and  about the meeting that night he writes, “The meeting was not in the least intended to work upon people’s emotions to gain support.  After the meeting a sister offered herself for the work.

December 10th.  5 days after he prayed.

He received a letter from a brother and sister.  They offered themselves for the service of the orphan house.  They said they will give up all the furniture and household items for its use.  And did this without expecting a salary, believing God would supply their need.

So in 5 days he has 3 workers to take care of the children and some furniture and household items, but only 11 shillings.

During the next several weeks he received furniture, fabric, kitchen utensils, blankets, plates, cups and some financial support.  And several other people offered themselves to work with the orphans all completely trusting God for their support.

Mr. Muller writes about one person who gave that was a great blessing.

“One sister in particular was a great source of blessing to me as she gave generously although she had little.  She earned only a few shillings a week as a seamstress.  When her father died, he left her four hundred pounds.  She paid of the substantial debts he had contracted, gave one hundred pounds to her mother, and brought another hundred pounds to me for the work of the orphan house.”

“Before accepting the money, I had a long conversation with her.  I needed to know her motives, and whether she might have given this money emotionally, without having counted the cost.  But I had not conversed long with the beloved sister before I found that she was a quiet, calm, considerate follower of the Lord Jesus.  She desired, in spite of what human reasoning might say, to act according to the words of our Lord, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.”

When he continued questioning her she said, “The Lord Jesus gave His last drop of blood for me.  Should I not give Him the hundred pounds?”

George wrote this about her.  “Four things must be noticed about this beloved sister.  1. She did all these things in secret and thus proved that she did not desire the praise of man. 2. She remained, as before, of a humble and lowly mind.  She gave her money for the Lord and not to impress man.  3. During all the time that she had this comparative abundance, she did not change her lodging, dress, or manner of life.  She remained in every way the poor handmaiden of the Lord to all outward appearance.  4. She continued to work at her sewing all this time, earning 3 shillings or a little more a week while she gave away the money in 5 pound notes.”

April 2, 1836.  So 4 months after he prayed.  The day was set apart as a day of prayer and thanksgiving.  The orphan house is opened.  They started that first day with 17 children living in the Orphan house.

I really appreciate George Muller.  I love his heart to help others, his faith, and how he wanted to see the greatness and faithfulness of our Lord.

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