The Orphan Father Who Never Sent a Single Appeal

In 1836, George Müller opened an orphanage in Bristol, England, with exactly two shillings in his pocket and no fundraising plan whatsoever. Over the next sixty years, he would shelter over ten thousand orphans, build five large orphan houses on Ashley Down, and handle the equivalent of millions of pounds — without once publishing a financial appeal or asking a single donor for money.

Müller simply prayed and trusted the Almighty to provide. And provision came, sometimes at the last possible moment. One morning, three hundred children sat before empty plates while Müller thanked God for breakfast. Minutes later, a baker knocked at the door — he had felt compelled to bake through the night — followed by a milk cart that had broken down directly outside and needed to unload before repairs.

His ledgers were meticulous. Every penny was recorded, every account transparent. He lent freely, gave generously, and conducted his affairs with the kind of justice that invited public scrutiny rather than fearing it. When critics accused him of recklessness, his books answered them.

Müller died at ninety-two, owning almost nothing, having given away everything he received beyond his modest needs. His heart had been steady, trusting in the Lord, exactly as the psalmist describes — the one who fears Jehovah, who delights greatly in His commands, whose righteousness endures forever, whose heart is firm and will not be afraid.