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Christian Heroes: Then & Now #8
George Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans
With scarcely enough food or money for his own family, George Müller opened his heart and home. Sustained by God's provision, the Müller house became known as the "Breakfast Club" for thirty orphans, and grew to five large houses that ultimately over ten thousand children would call home.
George Müller trusted God with a depth rarely seen. His faith and generosity set a standard for Christians of all generations (1805-1898).
George Müller trusted God with a depth rarely seen. His faith and generosity set a standard for Christians of all generations (1805-1898).
203 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1999
174 people are currently reading
1764 people want to read
About the author
Janet Benge
175 books307 followersJanet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews
June 23, 2017
I've heard a few short stories before about the legendary man of prayer, George Muller. But I didn't expect to be this effected reading about this man of God. My prayer life, and how I approach our Lord, has been forever changed! I've never read a book in this biography series and I was pleasantly surprised! It's an easy read and was thorough enough to really cover his life without being too focused on minute details, dates, or facts. I CAN'T wait to read this book with my kids and am already deciding which one to read next in this series!!
June 5, 2025
Asking only through prayers and only if it was God’s will, Muller built a large orphanage from donations in 1830s Bristol at a time when there were few. Before this, orphaned children would live in work houses or on the streets. People responded - and at its peak - he annually fed, housed and educated over 2000 kids. Later in life, he traveled the world at the request of people asking for him to come and speak. He lived to the age of 93 and his death was reported worldwide. I believe he was fluent in 7 languages.
March 19, 2018
What a guyyyyyy, a great reminder of the power of prayer
October 14, 2023
So good! Enjoyed learning more about this humble, godly man alongside my children. Well written and engaging, it even kept my four year olds attention for the most part.
April 16, 2025
George Muller's story always encourages my faith! Praise the Lord for men like him and how God used his life for his kingdom.
May 20, 2019
so my dad read this to us and it was like going back to my childhood?? I was also amazed at how long ago this was because hello, when I was a kid I LIVED AND BREATHED THESE BOOKS so I was quite oblivious to the enormous difference in era. haha.
it was just remarkable and makes me think HOW CAN I BE LIKE THIS? super encouraging. and inspiring.
it was just remarkable and makes me think HOW CAN I BE LIKE THIS? super encouraging. and inspiring.
October 28, 2024
This one might be my most favorite yet! Wonderful story, wonderfully told!
January 6, 2024
A life-changing story about a man who trusted God for everything. I am so amazed by how many orphans George Mueller and his wife helped. I am inspired by his prayer life and his commitment to the Word of God. I look forward to meeting the Muellers in heaven.
January 30, 2023
2 books into 2023! Good luck catching up to me 😎
February 17, 2022
Finished this as a morning time read aloud with the kids. What an encouring & convicting book. What a life of faith this man led.
July 29, 2021
A great read aloud with my kids. I hope to read more in this series. I was inspired to ask God to provide and found myself coming to tears a few times in our reading sessions. The boys all stayed interested too.
August 10, 2022
Later that day, as George sat in the stagecoach rumbling back towards Halle, he felt strangely relieved. The sense of looming confrontation he’d felt on the journey home had been replaced with a sense of expectation. He had been given no choice but to cut ties with his earthly father. Now all he had was his heavenly Father to provide for him. As the villages and fields slipped by, George wondered how it would all work out.
George Müller was caught stealing at the age of ten. By twelve, he was sneaking away from boarding school at night and attending parties filled with beer and card games. His father wanted him to be a Lutheran pastor and earn a steady income, but drinking and gambling proved to be the stronger lure for the young man from Kroppenstaedt, Prussia. But one November afternoon in 1825 changed George Müller’s course forever. On that day, he attended his first Bible meeting and his world—along with his world view—would never be the same.
Janet and Geoff Benge give readers a remarkable story of faith, hope, and complete surrender. George Müller was miraculously transformed from an arrogant and self-indulgent college student to a man who relied solely on the grace and generosity of God to provide for him, his family, and the thousands of orphans he clothed, fed, housed, and educated. George died at the ripe old age of 92 and during his expansive lifetime, he had traveled over 200,000 miles, visited 42 countries, and met with British royalty, countless dignitaries, an American president, and the author Charles Dickens. Despite being the steward of over £1 million, he meticulously kept track of every pound and shilling and ensured that every donation was used solely for its intended purpose. He was as dutiful in his bookkeeping as he was in his prayers and George, despite countless obstacles, hardships, and impossible odds, remained steadfast in his faith and trust in God.
There was one moment in George’s life where he was staring at an empty table and looking into the eyes of dozens of hungry orphans who were anxiously awaiting their breakfast. George—never one to despair or doubt—simply told those around him to wait for the miracle to happen for even though the pantry was bare and the milk jugs empty, he knew that a higher power was in charge and that He would be faithful in fulfilling His promises.
George Müller left this world far richer and wiser than he was when he lived with his wealthy father or attended his prestigious schools. Through his daily actions, he became the father to 10,000 orphans and epitomized the words in Luke 1:37 that says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
George Müller was caught stealing at the age of ten. By twelve, he was sneaking away from boarding school at night and attending parties filled with beer and card games. His father wanted him to be a Lutheran pastor and earn a steady income, but drinking and gambling proved to be the stronger lure for the young man from Kroppenstaedt, Prussia. But one November afternoon in 1825 changed George Müller’s course forever. On that day, he attended his first Bible meeting and his world—along with his world view—would never be the same.
Janet and Geoff Benge give readers a remarkable story of faith, hope, and complete surrender. George Müller was miraculously transformed from an arrogant and self-indulgent college student to a man who relied solely on the grace and generosity of God to provide for him, his family, and the thousands of orphans he clothed, fed, housed, and educated. George died at the ripe old age of 92 and during his expansive lifetime, he had traveled over 200,000 miles, visited 42 countries, and met with British royalty, countless dignitaries, an American president, and the author Charles Dickens. Despite being the steward of over £1 million, he meticulously kept track of every pound and shilling and ensured that every donation was used solely for its intended purpose. He was as dutiful in his bookkeeping as he was in his prayers and George, despite countless obstacles, hardships, and impossible odds, remained steadfast in his faith and trust in God.
There was one moment in George’s life where he was staring at an empty table and looking into the eyes of dozens of hungry orphans who were anxiously awaiting their breakfast. George—never one to despair or doubt—simply told those around him to wait for the miracle to happen for even though the pantry was bare and the milk jugs empty, he knew that a higher power was in charge and that He would be faithful in fulfilling His promises.
George Müller left this world far richer and wiser than he was when he lived with his wealthy father or attended his prestigious schools. Through his daily actions, he became the father to 10,000 orphans and epitomized the words in Luke 1:37 that says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
February 3, 2022
What an inspirational story! I love exposing my kids to great men and women of the faith. Hearing their stories encourages me as well. I do wish these series were better written, however. Great authors follow the "show, don't tell" style. In this book, there is a lot of "telling," which leads to lists of names and facts that don't really add to the story line. I love the idea behind this series, but I wish the writing was richer.
March 29, 2021
What an amazing book! George started out very rebellious and selfish and the Lord changed his heart! I loved hearing about his strong prayer life and how he started the orphanage, a great read aloud for the whole family
February 3, 2022
This book tells the story of George Müller’s conversion, and Christian life. He was such a powerful prayer warrior. I loved this book.
May 15, 2023
Wow, what a story! What a life! This man accomplished some incredible things, all through the power of prayer. God hears his people. 🙏🏻💫
January 31, 2024
Fantastic book. What a man of prayer! What a man of faith! God provided faithfully...HE still does today!
March 22, 2025
Wow!! This is such a powerful book - everyone should read it! Incredibly inspiring to hear story after story of George Muller's faith / prayer life. I cannot stop thinking about it!
October 16, 2025
Amazing and inspiring book! George’s faith in Gods ability to do all things is perfect!
April 18, 2023
I knew the story of George Müller, but felt the need to read this particular book that has been on my shelf. These books should be required reading in schools, but of course the devil doesn’t want kids learning about God and His Goodness.
August 30, 2015
Read this with my three daughters, ages 11, 8, and 5, and we were all very inspired. I have read several biographies of George Muller's life, and none of them fail to inspire me to greater faith and deeper prayer. My 8 year old was especially impacted by his life of prayer and sacrifice for orphan children and has been praying and even writing out beautiful prayers for those in need and that God will use her to help them. I highly recommend this book for children and adults alike!
June 8, 2023
I have now read this to my kids for homeschool three different times. George Muller’s biography is so beautiful and powerful. His love for God and deep faith has encouraged me so much over the years. Each time we’ve read it my kids have been engaged with the story. Excellent addition for any family library.
June 21, 2023
Listened to this as a family of seven on our trip to California. Highly recommend the audio
Read it again. I love how God used George Mueller‘s unique personality for his purposes. When he was a child and loved the thrill of stealing and swindling, God saw a man who would also love the thrill of fully relying on God for money and food and livelihood.
Read it again. I love how God used George Mueller‘s unique personality for his purposes. When he was a child and loved the thrill of stealing and swindling, God saw a man who would also love the thrill of fully relying on God for money and food and livelihood.
March 20, 2021
Encorajador! O casal Benge consegue de excelente maneira escrever a história deste grande homem de Deus, de modo a encorajar os leitores com relação ao poder da oração na vida cristã. A vida de George Müller é uma preciosidade da História da Igreja que serve como modelo para os cristãos de diferentes tempos, sobretudo os nossos. Recomendo a leitura.
July 19, 2022
While reading and listening to podcasts and radio shows, I kept hearing people refer to a man named George Muller. I thought I should finally check out him and found this introductory biography. I'm glad I did! Having just finished the book I am blown away at this man's life!
When I think of people who accomplished extraordinary things and a large number of things I think of people like Winston Churchill or Theodore Roosevelt, George Whitfield, and C.S. Lewis. I have now added George Muller to that list. This man accomplished so much. It's incredible. He was definitely a doer but most importantly he was a lover - a lover of God and a lover of the outcast and orphan and his fellow human beings. He is a shining example of what it means to live by faith in God and to be a good steward of God's resources.
Here's a quote from him that just amazes me - "I have known my Lord for 52 years and in all that time I cannot recall a single instance where He has not answered my prayers." And that is the theme of his life. Whenever he had a need he prayed to God for help. And God heard his prayers and answered them. Sometimes he spent hours and weeks praying for something before the answer came. Other times George had a roomful of orphans under his care needing breakfast with no food on the premises but George prayed simply and confidently that God would provide and sure enough a knock on the front door and breakfast was delivered. God always proved Himself faithful. And George himself was a faithful vessel.
In his lifetime he ended up caring for over 10,000 children rescuing many of them from the poor, workhouses that many were sent to in Britain. It was a cruel sentence to have to work in such harsh and exhausting conditions and George and his wife spent their lives providing a much-needed alternative for these little ones.
One story I found interesting in the book was when Charles Dickens heard rumors that the children under Muller's care were being treated poorly. Dickens went to visit the orphanage and inspect it himself. George instructed his assistant to let Mr. Dickens see any room he wished and talked to any of the children. After an afternoon of doing just that, Dickens returned and informed George that he would write an article pushing back against the baseless and slanderous accusations.
This was a good introduction to the life of George Muller. I will read more about this great man of faith in the future. He is someone that Christians would do well to know about and someone whose life testifies to the fact that Christians, while imperfect, have contributed greatly to the needs of the least among us in this hard world.
A quote -
"George Mueller was not a man driven by pride or greed. He was a humble man who allowed huge sums of money to pass through his hands. He recognized that it was God's money, not his and it was to be used in ways that would be used to demonstrate God's love for people. Everything George did was for furthering that end. As a result, thousands of people's lives were touched and changed."
When I think of people who accomplished extraordinary things and a large number of things I think of people like Winston Churchill or Theodore Roosevelt, George Whitfield, and C.S. Lewis. I have now added George Muller to that list. This man accomplished so much. It's incredible. He was definitely a doer but most importantly he was a lover - a lover of God and a lover of the outcast and orphan and his fellow human beings. He is a shining example of what it means to live by faith in God and to be a good steward of God's resources.
Here's a quote from him that just amazes me - "I have known my Lord for 52 years and in all that time I cannot recall a single instance where He has not answered my prayers." And that is the theme of his life. Whenever he had a need he prayed to God for help. And God heard his prayers and answered them. Sometimes he spent hours and weeks praying for something before the answer came. Other times George had a roomful of orphans under his care needing breakfast with no food on the premises but George prayed simply and confidently that God would provide and sure enough a knock on the front door and breakfast was delivered. God always proved Himself faithful. And George himself was a faithful vessel.
In his lifetime he ended up caring for over 10,000 children rescuing many of them from the poor, workhouses that many were sent to in Britain. It was a cruel sentence to have to work in such harsh and exhausting conditions and George and his wife spent their lives providing a much-needed alternative for these little ones.
One story I found interesting in the book was when Charles Dickens heard rumors that the children under Muller's care were being treated poorly. Dickens went to visit the orphanage and inspect it himself. George instructed his assistant to let Mr. Dickens see any room he wished and talked to any of the children. After an afternoon of doing just that, Dickens returned and informed George that he would write an article pushing back against the baseless and slanderous accusations.
This was a good introduction to the life of George Muller. I will read more about this great man of faith in the future. He is someone that Christians would do well to know about and someone whose life testifies to the fact that Christians, while imperfect, have contributed greatly to the needs of the least among us in this hard world.
A quote -
"George Mueller was not a man driven by pride or greed. He was a humble man who allowed huge sums of money to pass through his hands. He recognized that it was God's money, not his and it was to be used in ways that would be used to demonstrate God's love for people. Everything George did was for furthering that end. As a result, thousands of people's lives were touched and changed."
April 27, 2022
Having thoroughly enjoyed Mueller's autobiography a few years ago, I was excited for Cap to read this aloud to me and the kids! While many of the stories were familiar to me, Mueller downplays himself (well, except for his sin--he never downplays that!), so this little volume captured more fully the excitement and wonder of the highlights of his adventures in the life of faith. I am reminded that it was Mueller's autobiography which convicted me to pray more, trust God more, and give more. I left this book freshly encouraged in those areas.
My kids? They were gobsmacked by his dishonest, thieving early life. I loved them getting to see the difference his conversion made. "He's like a different person!" Indeed, my young padawan, indeed.
They were also intensely impressed by the integrity and faith that marked the rest of his life. Genevieve said, "God should have George Mueller write a book of the Bible!" (So then we had a talk about canon.) But the man's faithful, Spirit-led life is in fact a testimony of the truth and power of God's promises. He may not write Scripture, but he shows it is living and active. We loved this book and George Mueller himself. Better yet, my kids understand the attractiveness of God more because of his witness.
My kids? They were gobsmacked by his dishonest, thieving early life. I loved them getting to see the difference his conversion made. "He's like a different person!" Indeed, my young padawan, indeed.
They were also intensely impressed by the integrity and faith that marked the rest of his life. Genevieve said, "God should have George Mueller write a book of the Bible!" (So then we had a talk about canon.) But the man's faithful, Spirit-led life is in fact a testimony of the truth and power of God's promises. He may not write Scripture, but he shows it is living and active. We loved this book and George Mueller himself. Better yet, my kids understand the attractiveness of God more because of his witness.
September 13, 2020
This is a truly remarkable story and a great little book! These are the best children’s chapter books that even adults will find enjoyable and informative. George Muller’s story is most definitely memorable, and my soul simply feels uplifted after reading his story! ❤️❤️❤️
George Muller was a toot, ok? He was a thief, had been arrested, and taken to jail. Yet, he found Jesus. He went with a friend to a worship service. “These people sang as if they were singing about someone they knew. They prayed as if they were praying to someone in the room. And they preached as if they believed every word they said” (40). George was called by God to start an orphanage. This was during a time in England when children with no place to go were sent to the poorhouses where living conditions were not where we would send an animal today, much less a person, and especially not a child. George had zero money and almost just as little of a plan, but he knew God would provide. “There would be no collections, no asking for money, and no payments required from the children who were taken in. Instead, George would rely on God to supply all the needs of the orphans” (110). And supply God did, time and time and time again! “Again and again, George added up the books, only to find that the orphan houses did not have a penny for food. Each time he prayed, money arrived in the nick of time” (133). George emphatically believed in prayer. “I have known my Lord for fifty-two years, and in all that time I cannot recall a single instance where he has not answered my prayers” (185). Oh, could we all have such faith!
“God had taken George Muller, the boy who cared for no one but himself, and turned him into a man now responsible for the lives of dozens of orphan children” (127).
I love this! “Since he could speak six languages fluently, George rarely needed a translator when he preached” (182).
This book is not perfect. Like so many books, there are errors. For example, “...she must spent a lot of it reading” (106). Yes, grammarians, subject verb agreement is off. Yet, the bottom line is this: no matter your age, you will be uplifted by reading this little book.
#HighlyRecommended
George Muller was a toot, ok? He was a thief, had been arrested, and taken to jail. Yet, he found Jesus. He went with a friend to a worship service. “These people sang as if they were singing about someone they knew. They prayed as if they were praying to someone in the room. And they preached as if they believed every word they said” (40). George was called by God to start an orphanage. This was during a time in England when children with no place to go were sent to the poorhouses where living conditions were not where we would send an animal today, much less a person, and especially not a child. George had zero money and almost just as little of a plan, but he knew God would provide. “There would be no collections, no asking for money, and no payments required from the children who were taken in. Instead, George would rely on God to supply all the needs of the orphans” (110). And supply God did, time and time and time again! “Again and again, George added up the books, only to find that the orphan houses did not have a penny for food. Each time he prayed, money arrived in the nick of time” (133). George emphatically believed in prayer. “I have known my Lord for fifty-two years, and in all that time I cannot recall a single instance where he has not answered my prayers” (185). Oh, could we all have such faith!
“God had taken George Muller, the boy who cared for no one but himself, and turned him into a man now responsible for the lives of dozens of orphan children” (127).
I love this! “Since he could speak six languages fluently, George rarely needed a translator when he preached” (182).
This book is not perfect. Like so many books, there are errors. For example, “...she must spent a lot of it reading” (106). Yes, grammarians, subject verb agreement is off. Yet, the bottom line is this: no matter your age, you will be uplifted by reading this little book.
#HighlyRecommended
March 13, 2021
Incredible biography about George Mueller, who lived his life dependent on God through prayer. After he became a follower of Jesus, when George had a need, he prayed. He followed God even though, to others, it may have seemed crazy! He felt God leading him to open an orphanage for children in Bristol, England. George obeyed, and the stories of God’s provision for the orphanage, the children, were remarkable! He lived until he was in his 90s, and his life’s work impacted, literally, thousands of children! If you need a book to inspire you to pray, this book will do it! Also, this book is in an entire series, Christian Heroes Then and Now. I commend the entire series! Wonderful books to read aloud as a family!
April 2, 2021
No recuerdo un libro que me haya hecho llorar tanto de felicidad y de tristeza... No pude evitarlo. La vida de George Müller es maravillosa.
En los últimos 10 años he escuchado una y otra vez buenos comentarios acerca de la fe de este hombre, pero nunca me había dado el tiempo de leer su biografía.
Ahora que la acabo de terminar puedo decir que fue de gran gozo y felicidad leer como el Sr. Müller dependía de Dios y de gran tristeza también porque yo no confío en Dios en ese grado. Esto es porque no debería de sorprenderme que Dios responda las oraciones ya que lo vemos en su palabra, sin embargo, esta historia (para mi vergüenza) hizo mas creíble el poder de Dios y la atención de Dios hacia sus hijos.
Espero que su vida siempre este en mi memoria y que con el tiempo pueda depender más de Dios como el lo hizo.
¡Biografía absolutamente recomendada!
En los últimos 10 años he escuchado una y otra vez buenos comentarios acerca de la fe de este hombre, pero nunca me había dado el tiempo de leer su biografía.
Ahora que la acabo de terminar puedo decir que fue de gran gozo y felicidad leer como el Sr. Müller dependía de Dios y de gran tristeza también porque yo no confío en Dios en ese grado. Esto es porque no debería de sorprenderme que Dios responda las oraciones ya que lo vemos en su palabra, sin embargo, esta historia (para mi vergüenza) hizo mas creíble el poder de Dios y la atención de Dios hacia sus hijos.
Espero que su vida siempre este en mi memoria y que con el tiempo pueda depender más de Dios como el lo hizo.
¡Biografía absolutamente recomendada!
March 8, 2024
This is an excellent read-aloud. We read it slowly, narrating it as we went. I learned more about the motives of George Muller to go about things the way he did. His testimony was such an encouragement. The stories are remarkable (what a God!) and led me often to think on them all day long, leading me to prayer or worship. If you have never read anything on Muller, please add something of his to your to-read list! Dustin and I really appreciated his autobiography many years ago, and I would love to read Piper's book that includes Muller's story!
**Also loved what we learned about this time period in history and how people like Charles Dickens overlapped with Muller's story and life!
**Also loved what we learned about this time period in history and how people like Charles Dickens overlapped with Muller's story and life!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews