Missions Blog

Richard and Sabrina Wurmbrand suffered greatly under the communists in Romania. This following is an excerpt from this article. Early in the communist regime, a gathering was called to have various religious leaders to swear allegiance to the Communist party. Leader after leader stepped forward to declare that Christianity and Communism were compatible and could co-exist. Sabrina, disturbed by this insult to Christ, encouraged her husband to step forward and defend the truth.

Wurmbrand’s disappearance was expected. Anyone who acted contrary to the regime could expect imprisonment or death. At a “Congress of Cults” held by the Communist government, he had asked for it. Religious leaders stepped forward to swear loyalty to the new regime. Sabrina asked Richard to “wipe the shame from the face of Jesus.” Richard replied that if he stepped forward, she would no longer have a husband. “I don’t need a coward for a husband,” she answered. And so Richard stepped forward and told the 4,000 delegates that their duty as Christians was to glorify God and Christ alone.

He returned home to pastor an underground church and promote the gospel among Rumania’s Russian invaders. He smuggled Bibles into Russia, disguised as Communist propaganda. And then he disappeared.

Although I have never read it, you can buy a book on Sabrina’s life entitled “The Pastor’s Wife“.

1. meg Says:
   May 22nd, 2006 at 12:12 am

   wow. ive heard his story, and been meaning to read the book “tortured for christ” but i had no idea there was one about his wife — i’ve often wondered about her story, since his was so dramatic. i’m glad you put that link up here, now i know!

   (and there you go, i commented, so im no longer a blogstalker.)



2. Jeremy Says:
   May 23rd, 2006 at 10:19 am

   I am quite farmilliar with this story. I volunteer with VOM. I am so glad I ran across it again!! Thank you for sharing this!