WURMBRAND. TORTURED FOR CHRIST.
The complete story
By David C. Cook
The Voice of the Martyrs. 372 pages. £9.99
ISBN 978 1 434 711 175
This engaging and simply-written biographical narrative explores the experiences of a family of persecuted Romanian Christians, in the mid-20th century, during an oppressive Communist regime.
It holds particular relevance for today as the story is set during politically turbulent times in Europe. We see Romania swing quickly from a far-right fascist power, with its alliance to Nazi Germany, to a Soviet-aligned Eastern bloc state, following the end of WWII.
Intolerance rising
This book holds timely warnings for us as we live in a society that is becoming increasingly intolerant of biblical truth. In 1948, ‘the Christian church had begun a dangerous dance with Communism’ and school teachers ‘injected atheist propaganda into every subject’. The sobering reality of how quickly the state can adopt new ideology and political agendas, at the expense of Christian freedom, is clearly illustrated.
The author recounts many of the grim experiences and bitter trials of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand as they doggedly refuse to deny the Lord Jesus. As a consequence, at the hands of the state, they both face many years isolated in prison and endure terrible physical torture, starvation and long seasons of solitary confinement. Despite this, they continue to preach Christ to other inmates and guards, and see miraculous answers to prayer.
A primary theme explored throughout the book is one of loving your enemy and serving those who afflict you. There are many documented examples of this that both inspire and challenge. The believer is also encouraged to seek intimacy with Christ no matter what their circumstances. The fellowship with Jesus that can only be experienced through suffering for him is explored at length throughout its pages.
I recommend this as a book that will help bring a Christ-centred perspective to your life and provide a godly example of suffering well for the gospel.
