Inspiration

Richard Wurmbrand

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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.

Henry Martyn

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A Messenger of Hope

Henry Martyn was an Anglican priest and missionary who served in India and Persia (modern-day Iran). He was born on 18 February 1781 in Cornwall, England, and passed away on 16 October 1812 at the young age of 31.

After the death of his mother soon after his birth, Henry was raised by his father, John Martyn, who worked as a miner. During his childhood, Henry was known for his quick temper and aggressive nature. Once, in anger, he threw a knife at a friend and almost killed him.

However, after the death of his father, Henry’s heart completely changed. He joined St. John’s College, Cambridge, and became excellent in Mathematics. While at college, he came into contact with Charles Simeon, a godly and evangelical leader in the Church of England. Through this fellowship, Henry’s faith in Christ grew deeper.

He was inspired by the missionary stories of David Brainerd and William Carey, and he decided to give up his personal dreams of fame and become a missionary to the nations.

Ministry in India and Persia

In 1806, Henry accepted a position as a chaplain with the East India Company and sailed to India. He first reached Serampur and later moved to Dinapur. He quickly learned Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali, and began preaching the Gospel in those languages. With great passion, he started translating the Bible and the Anglican prayer book into Urdu, so that the message of Jesus could reach the local people, especially Muslims. He also started schools for the education of children.

In 1810, Henry traveled to Persia (Iran) to continue spreading the Gospel among the Muslim people. Even though he was weak and often sick, he translated the New Testament into Persian and Arabic.

In 1812, while traveling to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) with the hope of working among the Armenians, he fell gravely ill. After a long journey of more than 1300 miles, he passed away peacefully, trusting in the Lord till his last breath.

Henry Martyn was a man of prayer, completely devoted to God’s Word. His deep love for Jesus, his dedication to mission work, and his zeal for souls made him one of the most outstanding missionaries of his generation.