george muller biography

George Müller (Muller) Early Life

Full name: Johann Georg Ferdinand Müller
Date of Birth: September 27, 1805
Place of Birth: Kroppenstedt, Kingdom of Prussia (now Germany)
Family:
- Father: Johann Friedrich Müller, a tax collector.
- Mother: Sophie Eleonore Hasse
- He had older and half-siblings.
Youth: Müller’s early life was troubled. He himself admitted to stealing, gambling, lying, and other misdeeds. He was influenced by bad companions, was negligent in his morals, etc.
Education: He attended school in Halberstadt (Cathedral Classical School) and later was at Halle (University of Halle-Wittenberg), studying theology.

Conversion & Spiritual Development

While at university his spiritual life began to change. He attended Bible study / Christian meetings, started reading scripture, and came to believe more deeply in Christ.
The transformation was gradual, with him giving up various bad habits and adopting prayer, Bible reading, and Christian fellowship

Move to England / Evangelistic beginnings: In 1829 he went to London to work with a society promoting Christianity among Jews. Health issues and other factors led him to move around, preach in Devon, etc.
Founding of Bristol work: In 1832, Müller moved to Bristol, where he was involved with Bethesda Chapel. He had a vision for Scripture-based work, teaching, distributing Bibles, and caring for orphans.
Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad: Founded in 1834. Its goals included supporting schools, distributing Christian literature (Bibles, etc.), aiding missionaries, etc.
Orphan houses / Orphanages:
- The first orphan house (for girls) was opened in Wilson Street, Bristol, in 1836.
- Eventually, expansion led to building large orphan houses on Ashley Down, Bristol. By 1870, there were five orphan houses accommodating thousands of children.
- Overall, during his life he cared for over 10,000 orphans.

Reliance on Prayer and Faith: Müller is especially known for never asking people publicly for funds, but instead trusting God to supply through unsolicited donations. He believed in praying and trusting divine providence
No debt, no pledges: He refused to go into debt for his projects and insisted on having the resources in hand before beginning major building work.
Integrity in ministry: He declined regular salaries, eliminated the renting of pews (which was common then), and emphasized simplicity and honesty.

World travel / Evangelism: In his later years, Müller and his second wife, Susannah Grace Sanger (married in 1871), traveled through many countries preaching and encouraging Christians.
Marriage and family:
- First marriage: Mary Groves, in 1830; she died in 1870.
- Second marriage: Susannah Grace Sanger in 1871; she preceded him in death in 1894.
- They had children, though some died young.
Death: March 10, 1898, in Bristol, England. He was 92 years old.

Education & Schools: Müller’s organization supported many schools—day schools, Sunday schools, adult schools.
Literature and Scripture distribution: Large numbers of Bibles, New Testaments, and Christian tracts were distributed.
Orphan care model: His orphanages became renowned for high standards of care, education, and stability, all supported by faith without fundraising campaigns. Many consider his life a powerful example of faith, trust in God, and Christian service.
George Müller Charitable Trust: The work continues via charities in his name, carrying on some of his principles.