Richard Wurmbrand: Love Your Enemies

Christian Heroes: Then & Now

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

"As he tried to think calmly about faith, Richard realized that he didn’t want anything to do with Christianity, even if it did turn out to be true. He could only imagine life as a Christian Jew, and what he imagined was awful. No one in his or her right mind would choose such a path. At least, Richard was sure that he would not choose it."

Richard Wurmbrand (1909–2001), founder of Voice of the Martyrs, was once a young atheist determined to experience everything the world had to offer. Yet he regretted that God did not exist, wishing that a heart of love beat somewhere in the universe. When the Romanian found that heart of love in Jesus Christ, he had the courage to serve Christ unswervingly even as his homeland sided with the Nazis and then sank into the new horrors of post-war Communism. Stubbornly respecting the worst enemies as fellow human beings and repaying hatred with love, the beloved pastor would spend years as a prisoner of the state, tortured and beaten, for preaching the gospel of peace.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Christian, Childrens, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2017

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Romanian Jew turned Christian, he evangelized under Nazi rule and later Soviet communism. He was imprisoned for 14 years because of his faith yet never wavered. After his release, he left Romania and spoke and wrote about how the atheist communists tortured him and other Christians. He is #5 on the most significant Romanian’s list.

[Helen Purdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that should be required reading in all free countries whether believers in Christ or not. What this man endured for basic freedom is more than my mind can fathom. I am ashamed to be faced with how much I take for granted living in the United States. First and foremost the religious freedom I experience not to mention the general civil freedoms I am afforded. I am grateful to YWAM for publishing the Christian Heroes series.

[Ruth Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading these missionary stories each month with my kids. Powerful testimonies.

[Greg Hagues · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series has been wonderful for the kids during road trips.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Wurmbrand, along with his wife Sabina, founded Voice of the Martyrs. This is super inspirational. I highly recommend it.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though written for children ages 10+, this series of biographies is great for adults too. Approximately 200 pages, each book provides a moderately thorough view into the lives of dozens of Christian heroes. If you want to learn a bit more about missionaries and/or other Christian greats---but don't want to read a tedious 500-page biography---this series ought to fit the bill nicely.

With anti-Christian sentiment at an all-time high in the United States, as well as a very-probable descent into communism, I felt compelled to read about Richard Wurmbrand, a Christian pastor serving in Soviet-run Romania. While I have heard of Voice of the Martyrs---the organization Pastor Wurmbrand founded---I knew virtually nothing about the man himself. The torture he endured for the sake of the Christian message is astounding! Truly, his story is amazing, inspiring, convicting, and humbling. In light of the current political climate, I, too, may one day be persecuted for my Christian beliefs. Will I respond as this courageous man did? Or will I fall away? Thought-provoking read, especially in these days we are in right now.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent / just okay for me. They did a great job toning down the horrors that the Wurmbrand family went through to a level not too heavy for kiddos, but still sharing how they suffered well for Jesus.

But overall, there was a a little too much political history that my kiddo will not understand and would lose his interest — plus, it skips over some of the most powerful parts of Wurmbrand's story, to me!

But maybe I'm a bit biased having just come off reading a couple of adult biographies.

Gonna wait a few years to read with my son, till he understands the WWII political landscape a bit better.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the life of Romanian missionary Richard Wurmbrand. He lived through both World War I and World War II, seeing the destruction of his homeland, Romania. Wurmbrand later became a Christian and then preached the Christian Gospel in Romania and USSR against state laws.

The audiobook narrator was Tim Gregory.

[Tawnda Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite Benge autobiography’s. Richard’s story not only give you an Insight into his life and the work of Christ but also in to how Communism is not for the people but against them. Everyone should read it!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read a lot of these Christian Hero books, and this one is one of my favorites. Such an incredible story.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wurmbrand’s story was completely unknown to me before reading this book. I do believe his is an important one, perhaps now more than ever.

[The Jesus Fandom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather short, but these books are for children. Gives a good oversight of the main events in Wurmbrand's life

[Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow a must read, a book so full of communistic and wwii lives

[Levi Dykstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A summary of a man's life; who opposed communism and was gracious toward his torturers.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Audio

[Pieter Voorwinden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Judit Toledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un ejemplo increíble de lo que Dios obra en Sus hijos. Los cristianos que estamos demasiado acomodados deberíamos leer libros así para no olvidar nuestra causa en esta vida.

[Katherine Basto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography details the life of Richard Wurmbrand, a Jew turned atheist and then one who became Christian. Although he was German by birth, his family moved to first Turkey and then Romania. The story of Wurmbrand ranges between WWII into the Communist takeover of his country and onward.
A brave man of convictions, Richard was jailed and tortured for his unwavering faith. His wife Sabina was a very interesting character. Originally an atheistic Jew herself, she became a powerful Christian voice and paid the consequences for her convictions.
This was a dangerous time to be a Christian or anyone with strong beliefs. I had never heard of Richard Wurnbrand before, but clearly he was willing to give his life for his faith, was heroic when others were cowards, and he was and still is, a shining light for his people and the world. And it's truly amazing how clever he became in dealing with both the Nazis and the Communists. In fact, Richard Wurmbrand is considered #5 in the top #100 most influential Romanians. His hard life is truly an inspiration to those suffering for their faith!
This was well-written YA biography with a helpful map and made me want to read more about Richard's life and how he formed "The Voice of the Martyrs," of which he truly qualified.