Missionary Biography
Country: Germany
Place of Vision: India
Life & Calling:
Emil Richter was a refugee from East Prussia who worked in Frankfurt, Germany. He had suffered great personal loss when his only son, who served in the German Army, died during the Second World War.
In 1957, Emil Richter attended a sermon by Pastor P. M. Samuel, an Indian Christian. During the message, Pastor Samuel shared about the suffering and poverty of many Indian children. Hearing this deeply touched Richter’s heart. He was moved with compassion and decided to help the poor and orphaned children of India both spiritually and materially.
At first, he shared part of his own income with the Indian pastor to support children in need. Later, during his wife’s birthday celebration in 1957, he felt led by God to do even more. He began to organize prayer meetings and encouraged other Christians in Germany to show the love of God through action.
Richter strongly believed that the Gospel of God’s love is the only true solution to the world’s suffering and need. His passion inspired many believers in Germany and Switzerland to join hands in helping the poor children of India.
Emil Richter’s Ministry in India:
As more people came forward to help, Emil Richter, along with Erwin Klinge, founded the “Christian Missions Service (Christlicher Missionsdienst – CMS)” in 1957 in Frankfurt, Germany.
In the beginning, CMS supported orphaned and destitute children in India through local Christian groups and churches under a “Foster Children Scheme.” Over time, CMS began to establish its own child care centers and orphanages across many rural areas of India.
For over 64 years, this ministry has transformed the lives of more than 50,000 children, regardless of their caste, creed, or religion. The children were not only cared for but were also encouraged to grow in the love of Christ and to live disciplined, meaningful lives.
Today, the Christian Missions Service (CMS) continues to express Christian faith through Children’s Homes, Homes for the Specially-Abled, Training Centers, and Schools in six Indian states and in several other countries.
Through his compassion and obedience, Emil Richter became a shining example of what it means to love others as Christ loved us — bringing hope and a better future to thousands of children in need.