While in jail, we sang. Once the director of the prison entered our cell, furious. "I was told that you sing subversive songs here. Let me hear one," he commanded.
We sang these moving words:
"O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame bowed down..."
He listened to the end, then turned and left without saying a word. Later he became a brother in the faith.
Richard Wurmbrand
Imprisoned for a total of 14 years
Romania
1940s, 50s, & 60s
Richard Wurmbrand was a Romanian Lutheran priest, born on March 24, 1909, in Bucharest, Romania. He is best known for his courageous stand against the Communist regime in Romania, which led to his imprisonment and torture for a total of 14 years.
Early Life and Conversion
- Background: Wurmbrand was born into a Jewish family and initially identified as an atheist and Marxist.
- Conversion: He converted to Christianity in 1938 after being influenced by a Romanian Christian carpenter, Christian Wolfkes, who shared the Gospel with him.
Imprisonment and Suffering
- First Imprisonment: Wurmbrand was arrested in 1948 for opposing the Communist government's control over churches. He spent 8.5 years in prison, including three years in solitary confinement, where he endured severe torture.
- Second Imprisonment: After resuming his underground ministry, he was re-arrested in 1959 and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was released in 1964 through a ransom negotiated by supporters.
Advocacy and Legacy
- Voice of the Martyrs: Wurmbrand co-founded the organization Voice of the Martyrs, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide.
- Writings: He authored over 18 books, with "Tortured for Christ" being the most notable, detailing his experiences and advocating for religious freedom.
Death
Richard Wurmbrand passed away on February 17, 2001, in Torrance, California, leaving behind a legacy of faith and resilience in the face of persecution.