‘Some faced jeers and flogging while still others were chained and put in prison. Hebrews 11:36
Richard Wurmbrand (1909 – 2001) was a Romanian Christian minister of Jewish descent. He became a Christian in 1948 and publicly declared that communism and Christianity were not compatible. A dangerous thing to do in that climate!
As he continued to preach this message he was repeatedly imprisoned and tortured. His wife who supported his beliefs suffered in the same way. Although he was forbidden to preach he continued with his message. His tortures were very severe but nothing would stop him letting the world know about the terrible suffering many Christians were experiencing in a number of communist countries.
As his suffering and opposition continued, it was decided that Richard would have more influence if he left his native country. In this way he would be freer to share his message. He went first to Norway, then Britain and eventually to America.
Wurmbrand was the author of 18 books, though the best know is ‘Tortured for Christ.’ which lets the world know of his experiences and the persecution that was continuing under the communist regimes. So popular, was this book that it was translated into 38 languages. Richard spent his whole life telling others about God.