In memory of Gottfried Müller

Peace with God

Gottfried Mueller was born on Good Friday, 1914, to parents of deep Christian faith who consecrated him to God. It was his fate to fulfil his “Confirmation” with steadfast and unshakeable faith: To bring about God’s peace on earth, not only with words, but first and foremost through deeds.

His charisma and faith gave him the strength to become an innovator of his time. He foresaw world events well in advance. He was a man of action and began by first making the changes in his own life that he recognised as being necessary. He imparted his findings and insights in innumerable presentations and in his SALEM newspaper. He stood as a rock against the spirit of the times, enduring all the hostilities of those whom his insights made uncomfortable. By praying for his “opponents” he showed the strength of his character. He would never retaliate, even at the most malevolent defamation. He taught us to practice the art of peacemaking with our opponents and to grow spiritually: “Let us pray for them, so they may learn the truth and experience peace.”

In line with the commandment of Christian charity, regardless of nationality, faith or culture, he opened his heart to all people in need: but especially to children because they alone carry the hope of the future. Today Gottfried Mueller’s SALEM Children’s Villages and international relief projects bear witness to this. His love of Israel meant he was especially dedicated to bringing about peace there. His striving for peace held just as true for the conservation of all creation as it did for the protection of our friends in the animal kingdom.

Now Gottfried Mueller goes before us into the eternal Light of God.
His legacy is our challenge – to courageously shape a new and better era.

Manfred Olszewski and Gerhard Lipfert,
long standing companions of Gottfried Mueller and SALEM