For many, many years we have read YWAM Biographies written by Janet and Geoff Benge. They are some of the best books we have ever read – EVER! I often have read one of their books aloud to our family on long trips as we drive down the road. On more than one occasion we have passed a box of kleenex around the car as we have cried our eyes out over some of the things these precious heroes of the faith have endured in their lifetime.
Our very favorite one was the book of the life of George Muller. We even named our little Elijah: Elijah Muller. If you have not read this story – you must!! You would think I was getting a commission or something (I’m really not), but this story will challenge you and your family! It is unbelievable and Janet and Geoff are anointed writers – each book of theirs we have read we have walked away changed in some way. I just went to the YWAM site and they are running a 2-for-1 sale and the book that they are including is Gladys Alyward (another of our all-time favorites as Gladys was a missionary to the orphans of Ch*na!!).
Anyway, yesterday Dw was telling me about something that happened and he said, “I felt like it was a real George Muller story.” I asked if I could share the story with you, my friends.
George Muller was a man who began orphanages in Bristol, England. He never, ever, ever shared a need, but only prayed about it and asked God to meet it. One time the orphanage had absolutely no food. Not a drop. The workers came and said, “Mr. Muller, we have no food.” He said, “Set the table.” So they set the table. George knew that God would provide for his orphans. The workers came to him again, “Mr. Muller we still have no food.” George said, “Call the orphans to the table to pray over the food.” The workers called the children to the table.
George started to say the blessing. As he was praying there was a knock at the door. It was a local baker. He said, “The Lord woke me up in the middle of the night and said to make bread for you. Do you need it? Here it is.”
But that wasn’t all: They went back to praying and there was another knock on the door. It was a man. He said, “My milk delivery cart wheel broke just now outside your home. I must unload the milk so I can lift the cart to replace the wooden wheel. Can you take the milk and use it?”
Yes, our Miracle-working, Mountain-moving, Awe-inspiring, Gasp-giving God had brought bread and milk for the orphans without George telling anyone the need.
On that note…In Africa yesterday Dw had just gotten back from teaching a full day at the Pastor’s Conference. He was whooped and decided he would lay down for a little nap before it would be dinner time. Emma and Kayln (Shonni’s daughter) came to him wanting to go to Sanyu babies home to help care for the little ones. Dw said, “Ryan is going, you can go with him.” But Ryan had already left. Dw would never, ever, ever let the girls walk on the road down to Sanyu without someone so he got up and went to walk them himself.
When he got down to Sanyu he saw a man outside the gates. He recognized him, but wasn’t sure where he knew him from. The man said, “Hello Pastor S-“….Dw said, “I know you, but where do I know you from?” The man said, “I am Patrick, I have a feeding program in the slums and I also have a home for street kids.” Ahhh yes, Dw remembered now!
Dw began to talk to him and Patrick’s story poured out. Patrick had been orphaned as a little boy and lived on the streets of Kampala. A white woman (Patrick’s words) had met him on the streets and took pity on him. She found a home for him to stay and paid for his care and told him about Jesus. Years passed and this same woman eventually bought Patrick a house and he now has taken in street kids and cares for them and shares the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Dw was so moved by the tenderness of Patrick and his gentle sincerity. As Patrick and he were talking Dw began to feel that he should give Patrick some money. He felt so strongly that there was a need that he must give money to Patrick right then. Dw continued to pray as they talked.
Finally Dw reached in and pulled some shillings. He gave it to Patrick telling him he felt he needed it. Little did Dw know as he handed Patrick the money that Patrick’s home had no food. None. The children would not have anything for dinner.
And to back up a bit…..someone had given Patrick money for a project they were going to do for his home and yesterday Patrick had been battling: should he use the money that was intended for the project at his home to buy food for his children or should he wait for the Lord to provide food?
Without even sharing the need, the Lord had met the request and the children had food to eat and the money for the project was still completely intact. Dw was ecstatic and thrilled beyond words – he had been kind of the “milk delivery cart person” or the “baker” had been in George Muller’s life. I knew you guys would love to hear that story….how the Lord will get us up (when we think we should be taking a much needed nap) so we can be used to meet needs we have no idea exist at a time when we least expect it…..so stinkin’ cool!!
Everyone on the team is healthy again and Lord willing, I will be able to share (soon!) a bit of what I was so excited about the other day….xo
Thank you for your message… albeit, His message… when everywhere the 'plate' is empty… the challenge for all of us…
Your daily messages are always such an encouragement to me. Thank you again.
Barbara Lyman
Wow!! What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing.
George Muller is our hero of the faith–we have all the biographies ever written about him and the movie, "Robber of the Cruel Streets." By the way, while I was at Sanyu visiting Shonni (and a very sick little baby that we are praying about bringing home) I met your wonderful husband. I let him know that if there is ever anything we can do to help next time you all our back in this part of the world, PLEASE let us know.
How awesome is that!! And if you've read my facebook page, you will know that George Muller is my favorite "modern day" hero EVER!! Love this story. I figured it WAS the thing you were so excited about. : )
What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. I have read George Muller's book, and look forward to reading your YWAM biography version!
Blessings,
Carolee
Colorado
INCREDIBLE!!! I love George Muller's story…it's awe inspiring. I'm going to see if I can get some of the Benge books. It's so hard to find good biography books in the Christian book stores here.
God is so good!!
What an AWESOME story! God is good!
Amazing story! Thanks!
I love that story of Muller, but have not read the whole story.. thanks as a homeschooling family I love great resources!!! How amazing is our GOD??? What a crazy question!
Love it Linn. Thanks for posting such a needed inspirational message. I am praying for all of them.
Blessings,
Julie Hoagland
God is amazing…thank you for sharing how he works!
oh Faithful God. Forgive my unbelief!
What a touching story. Im going to check out the books that you mentioned. Sounds like something that would be right up my alley. So glad everyone is feeling better.
Thanks so much for sharing Dw's story. God has been challenging me so much with George Muller's life. I just finished his authorized biography a couple of months ago. DH is reading it now. Have you read it? It's wonderful and so encouraging! God truly is amazing!!!
Blessings,
Sarah
Forgot one thing–I was asking God why He specifically LOVES to give to orphans and He said that HE loves to show Himself strong to those who have nothing. Your family is certainly being used by God to show Himself strong!
Blessings to you,
Sarah
I too love these stories and read them to my children. George Muller is also our favorite. We began a journal so we could keep track of what happened when we began to pray and ask God specifically for the things we need. We are going to Haiti this summer to help get an orphanage off the ground and it has been amazing to for our family to watch how God has provided for our personal needs and the things we will need for Haiti.
Precious Jesus! His mercy is beyond my comprehension, but OH, I am so glad for it! Thanks for sharing the story! Waiting with bated breath and thankful heart to hear more of God's awesome doings in Africa!! Glad everyone is feeling better! I will keep on praying for miracles! 🙂
Nancy in CT
Just a lurker here, but wanted to say, "wow!" Thanks for sharing.
George Muller is our all time favorite too—his faith is so inspiring. We also love the YWAM books, they are so wonderfully written for kids.
Wow, Linny, what an incredible story–I have tears. God is just so incredible, so amazing. And, of course, I can hardly wait to hear your big news.
Love and hugs.
That is SO COOL!!! I love those books, too! Thanks for reminding me about them…I will get them out and read them to the kids. George Mueller is the most amazing story. LOVE IT! And Gladys Aylward…don't you just love her? What a stinker! Great spunk!!
Thanks for sharing that story! So awesome how God uses His kids at the most unexpected times.
That is awe inspiring. God is amazing and has the perfect timing! Cant wait to hear the news!
Hi, I've been reading your blog for a while & want to say thankyou for such an uplifting, God focused blog.
The school I attended was called Mueller college after George Mueller & they made each student read his story – it's amazing. I have tears in my eyes about the way God used your husband. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, God, not only did you provide for the children at the orphanage, but you let us hear the awesome way you did it! I love this!!! I'm so glad Dwight was listening when God spoke to him! George Muller story is one of my favorites – I love seeing how God provided. And our God has not changed one bit! He longs to show Himself powerful to us, if we only believe. I want that kind of faith! Thanks for you stories from Africa – I love them!
And Linny, after I posted my comment, I checked out the YWAM site, and ended up ordering the first 5 book series of Christian Heroes for my granddaughter's birthday. I am so excited to give it to her! Thanks!
And Linny, after I posted my comment, I checked out the YWAM site, and ended up ordering the first 5 book series of Christian Heroes for my granddaughter's birthday. I am so excited to give it to her! Thanks!
Linn,
Thank you for sharing DW's story, WOW!
Thank you Father for the faith of those You have called to care for the orphans. Thank you for the Spirit's leading, and for the obedience of those who's hearts you prod. Thank you for Your provision for these little ones. Thank you most of all for being a Father to the fatherless. Bless the children Lord. Blesss them good! In Jesus name, Amen!
So happy to hear that the team is healthy! Praising Him for healing!
Love from Texas~
Tina xo
We LOVE all these books, too!! Which reminds me, we need to start reading them again with the kids – we have a bunch of "unread" ones yet. Reading them in the car is a great idea (until I start throwing up from reading *LOL*)
Love your God-stories from Africa!!!
Barb
That is such a cool story! I love it!! Thank you for sharing it!! I am so glad they are all feeling better!
Can't wait until you can share more!!
Blessings from MN,
Jean
Ah, that is so amazing and encouraging. I'm still praying for you all and love you guys! <3