History Of CMS

The ministry of CMS is the brainchild of its German Founders, Mr. Emil Richter, Mr. Erwin Klinge and other committed people. Mr Emil Richter, a refugee from East Prussia, a clerk in an electrical company was close to his retirement age, when he heard a sermon in Frankfurt, Germany, by pastor P.M Samuel from India.

Mr Richter was deeply moved by the conditions of poor children and resolved to help them. He had lost his only son who was serving in the German army during the second Word War. After the war he dedicated his entire life to the cause of orphans and destitute children. He strongly believed that Christians should be willing to share the burden of the poor in less developed countries. On November 15, 1957, during the birthday party of his wife and a prayer meeting in his house, he shared his plan on how needy children can be helped. With the money given to them on his wife’s birthday, their plans became a reality. Later, he kindled the conscience of groups of Christians in Germany and Switzerland to help the poor. While he was sending offerings and contributions of others to Pastor Samuel in India, the bank officials advised him that he should constitute a Society to send the collections through proper channels. As a result, the mission was registered in West Germany in August 1958 as “Christlicher Missions Dienst” (CMD). It was formed by a group of Christians from different cultural backgrounds who gave their gifts for this noble cause. Initially, CMD supported orphan and destitute children in India through various Christian groups and churches under the Foster Children’s Scheme. Later Mr Richter started specialized child care units and other institutions.