The Cruel Streets

by TERRELL, J.D. | Category: Focus | Mar 2007

A recent report on crime in major cities, including N. America and UK, stated that numbers of murders, in a particularly important category, had been significantly reduced in two large cities, viz. New York, USA and Manchester, England. This was attributed to a rigorous policy of 'zero tolerance' of certain criminal gangs on the part of the police. The horrifying numbers quoted for major crimes of violence, including street crimes, were daunting and underlined how the powers of evil have been strengthening their hold in the most public places. All too often children are either the primary victims (thousands of street children have simply 'disappeared', in South American cities in particular, in recent decades), or they suffer most grievously as a result of such crimes.

Just a few months ago, in 2006, a book was published with accompanying video film, entitled 'Robber of the Cruel Streets' - an intriguing title. It is the story - and what a story - of 'The Prayerful Life of George Muller' of Bristol, England, in the second half of the 19th century. The title of this remarkable biography was taken from the obituary published at the time of his death in 1898 by the London 'Daily Telegraph'.

"The far-reaching effects of his labours can never be approximately gauged or estimated. He robbed the cruel streets of thousands of victims, the gaols of thousands of felons, the workhouses of thousands of helpless waifs. And he did it all - to use his own words - 'with the sword of the Spirit'."

Muller was a man of extraordinary, one might say legendary, faith. His youth in Germany was, if not quite dissolute, cynically absorbed in the enjoyment of the world's offerings of pleasure. Set on a course originally for the Christian ministry, he pursued this in a desultory fashion, though academically very able. But God had other and nobler purposes for George Muller and through the influence of a fellow student of 'pietist' background, he was introduced to a devout small family-based prayer group who soon made the salvation of Muller and his friend the special subjects of their prayers. God answered their prayers; prayers which themselves hugely impressed Muller in their simplicity, sincerity and faith; lessons he never forgot throughout his life of service to his new Master. Prominent names such as Groves and Craik featured much in his assembly life among the 'Brethren' and he soon had a very full ministry, initially that of a full-time Pastor. It was in this that he and his wife Mary disciplined themselves to depend entirely on God for daily needs, and never to disclose how near they often were to being penniless.

It was the Poor Law Act of 1834 which, in seeking to make some provision for the destitute, actually created the hated Poor Law institution, the 'Poorhouse'. Muller had originally come to England to work for the Scripture Knowledge Institution, but gradually moved away into other spheres of Christian service. It was a growing deep concern for the destitute street children of Bristol that moved him to action. Could he - should he - set up an orphanage to be run entirely by the prayer of faith for its subsistence? So on 11 April 1836, 6 Wilson Sreet, Bristol, became the first orphan home for 26 girls from the streets, aged 7-12. At the beginning of 1870, 5 New Orphan House opened as the last of a series of purpose-built establishments for over 2,000 children.

The stories could be multiplied of the astonishing faith and prayer-life of this truly great man. How many times all food was gone in the orphanage and while Muller extended his morning prayers (always including thanks for their breakfast!) the knock would come to the door and a large baker's van was there, entirely and genuinely unsolicited. Of course, benefactors knew of the needs but the channel for provision must always be the prayer of faith. Such spiritual stamina may be rare but we should never forget that, usually in much smaller numbers, or even in single individuals, service for the Master among young people today may have a George Muller waiting for the message and the caring love. Beyond that we can emulate a prayer ministry of Muller-like faith for the still disappearing street children of South America and other parts of our sad world. The preciousness and urgency of the Master's words will not go away � �suffer the little children to come unto me' (Mat.19:14 RV)

Furthermore let us never forget how God called George Muller through the sincere and earnest prayers of a small home-based prayer group in an obscure corner of Germany. In Philippi (Acts 16), there was a riverside place of prayer for God-fearers and the sovereign Lord directed there the footsteps of the apostle of the Gentiles, just as surely as his Master stopped by a well at Sychar (John 4).

TERRELL, J.D. | Mar 2007
Focus