Richard Wurmbrand

Richard Wurmbrand, born on 24 March 1909, was a Romanian Evangelical Lutheran priest and theologian of Jewish descent. He became a Christian in 1938 and, a decade later, publicly declared the incompatibility of Communism and Christianity. His commitment to his faith led him to preach in bomb shelters and rescue Jews during the harrowing times of World War II.

Wurmbrand's unwavering beliefs resulted in his imprisonment and torture by the Communist regime in Romania, which enforced a strict policy of state atheism. Over the course of fourteen years, he endured severe hardships before being ransomed for ten thousand dollars. Following his release, his colleagues urged him to leave Romania for a safer environment where he could advocate for religious freedom.

After spending time in Norway and England, Wurmbrand and his wife, Sabina, who had also faced imprisonment, emigrated to the United States. They devoted their lives to raising awareness and providing support for Christians facing persecution worldwide. In pursuit of this mission, Wurmbrand founded Voice of the Martyrs, a Christian human rights organization dedicated to aiding the persecuted Church.

As a prolific writer, Wurmbrand authored more than eighteen books, with his most notable works being 'Tortured for Christ' and 'Answer to Moscow's (Atheist) Bible.' His writings have been translated into over thirty-eight languages, further amplifying his message of faith and resilience.