Tortured for Christ: Life Changing Media

Producer: The Voice of the Martyrs

Published: 2018

Available: DVD, Pure Flix, Amazon Prime

The title tells it all. The movie is based on an autobiography by Richard Wurmbrand, written in 1967. The story tells of the communist takeover in Romania following World War II and the extreme persecution that followed for believers. The movie displays Wurmbrand's bold stand for Christ and the extreme price that he was forced to pay for his stand. This story is unpleasant to process, but a necessity to digest in our day. Believe it or not, more Christians are dying for their faith than ever before. Even in North America, pastors are being imprisoned, and churches are being burned. Who would have believed that the tide would turn so quickly? However, this should not be a surprise to us, as believers. Jesus Himself warned that persecution would increase as we await His return.

I believe this film is important for every believer to watch, for the purpose of being confronted with some of the following questions: What would I have done in his situation? Will I stand alone for Jesus? Will I stand even if the consequences are nearly unspeakable? Am I working for Jesus now before our freedoms slips away? Will I fritter away my time now, when I have the freedom to serve Christ openly, in lieu of waiting until I have no freedom? Do I believe I will accept torture for the sake of Christ, yet I have difficulty living counterculturally today? If I can't make a stand on social media or with my co-workers for the sake for Christ, what causes me to believe that I could stand when my life is at stake? Are we concerned about brothers and sisters around the world that are experiencing this kind of persecution today?

One of the more interesting things that Wurmbrand mentioned in his writings was the difficulty the prisoners had dealing with overwhelming guilt in prison. They could hardly cope with the guilt of time squandered before their imprisonment. What an important message to believers today! Time is limited. Work while there is free opportunity, for there will come a day when the cost will be great.

This movie and book is a wake up to the realties of the future and our responsibilities in the present. While unpleasant to contemplate, we must be ready in mind and spirit to stand no matter the penalty.

"We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day;

night is coming, when no one can work.

As long as I am in the world,

I am the light of the world.”

John 9:4-5