Missionary Biography
Full Name: Richard Wurmbrand
Birthplace: Bucharest, Romania
Date of Birth: March 24, 1909
Date of Death: February 17, 2001
Wife’s Name: Sabina Oster
Salvation Experience: Accepted Christ at the age of 15
Ministry Work:
Richard Wurmbrand boldly preached the love of Christ in Communist-ruled areas filled with fear and persecution. He led many people to Jesus and started a mission called “Love in Action” to help those in need and to support suffering believers.
Personal Testimony:
Richard Wurmbrand was born in Bucharest, Romania, into a poor Jewish family. He lost his parents early and lived as an orphan. As a young boy, he worked hard just to survive. By the age of 14, he had become an atheist. However, through the prayers and witness of a Christian carpenter, Richard heard the Gospel and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. The holy life of Jesus made him realize his own sin and unclean heart. He repented deeply and was saved through faith in Christ.
In 1945, when Russian soldiers occupied Romania, Communism spread across the nation. Richard continued to preach about Jesus — both openly and secretly — even under great danger.
One day, Communist leaders organized a large meeting with around 4,000 pastors and Christian leaders. They wanted all churches to support Communism. Many pastors stood up and said that Christianity and Communism could work together. They even praised Communist leaders who had persecuted Christians.
Richard and his wife Sabina were sitting in that meeting. Sabina whispered to him, “Stand up and wipe away the shame being thrown on Christ.” Richard replied, “If I speak, you will lose your husband.” She said, “I would rather have a man who stands for Christ than one who is a coward.”
Richard then stood and boldly declared that “Jesus Christ alone is the answer for this world — not Communism.” His words were broadcast across the nation through radio.
Soon after, in 1948, the Communists arrested him. He was kept alone in a small cell for three years and tortured cruelly. His wife Sabina was also arrested and forced into labor for three years. Altogether, Richard spent 14 years in Communist prisons, suffering beatings, starvation, and pain — yet he never denied Christ.
During this time, their young son was left alone and suffered greatly. After her release, Sabina continued the secret church ministry.
In 1964, through God’s grace and international help, Richard was released. Later, a Christian organization paid a large amount of money to free him completely, allowing him to leave Romania.
After escaping, Richard shared his story around the world — speaking for those who were still suffering for Christ in Communist countries. He founded “Love in Action” (later known as The Voice of the Martyrs) to support persecuted believers and spread the Gospel through radio, literature, and aid.
Despite many hardships, Richard remained faithful to Jesus until his last breath. On February 17, 2001, he peacefully went to be with the Lord.