By Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “Sabina: Tortured for Christ, the Nazi Years,” a new film from Lifeway and Fathom Events, shines a light on the story of persecution faced by Sabina and Richard Wurmbrand, co-founders of the nonprofit The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM). The film releases in theaters Nov. 8-10, following the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP) on Nov. 7.
Filmed on location in Bucharest, Romania, “Sabina” traces the true story of Sabina Wurmbrand, who passed away in 2000. After Wurmbrand’s parents and siblings were killed in Nazi concentration camps, she and her husband Richard ran an underground ministry to refugees and Russian occupation troops in Romania and Budapest.
Like Christians living in hostile areas around the world today, the Wurmbrands chose to give up their comfort and safety in order to find a life that counts for eternity.
The first request of persecuted Christians around the world, who continue to suffer today for wearing the name of Christ just as the Wurmbrands did, is “Pray for us!” VOM is inviting Christians everywhere to be part of a global prayer movement on Nov. 7 to pray for the persecuted church.
“It is important to understand that Christian persecution is not a myth or a thing of the past, something that ended after the last chapter of Acts. It is happening in more than 70 nations right now–in the 21st Century,” said Todd Nettleton, host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. “Powerful stories like Sabina’s are a testament to the remarkable faith of our Christian brothers and sisters who would rather give up comfort, safety or even their lives than deny Jesus. I hope that we all find inspiration in Sabina’s example–and the example of so many modern-day heroes of faith–to pay any necessary price to obey Christ’s call.”
“Sabina” conveys the realities of religious persecution and the cost of following Christ when faith is forbidden. Experiencing the Nazi occupation of Romania in 1940, the Wurmbrand’s were captured, imprisoned and tortured. Rising above circumstances, the couple chose to view their persecutors not as enemies but as an opportunity for mission—to show the love and forgiveness displayed by the gospel.
Channeling their passion to help fellow believers who found themselves giving their all for Christ, the Wurmbrands co-founded VOM, an interdenominational missions organization that today continues to proudly serve persecuted Christians around the world.
“Our hope on IDOP is that millions of Christians will answer their simple request, and also will be inspired by their example to pay any price necessary in obedience to Christ,” said Nettleton.
To equip churches to pray on Nov. 7, VOM is offering free resources, including Finding Life, a short video sharing one chapter from the Wurmbrands’ story, guided prayer slides, church bulletin inserts, sermon outlines, questions for reflections and discussion, a YouVersion reading plan and sheet music to the hymn “It Is Well.”
“Religious persecution is real and is still happening today,” said Nettleton. “There are modern-day Richard and Sabina Wurmbrands right now living out their own stories of faith, suffering and forgiveness in places like China, Iran and Nigeria. As Christians, we must not allow fear to stop us from boldly proclaiming the gospel, no matter the cost.”
Tickets for the theatrical showing of “Sabina” are now available for purchase. Individual ticket purchasers may also claim a free copy of “Wurmbrand: Tortured for Christ, The Complete Story,” which provides a more in-depth look into the Wurmbrands’ story. For information, visit the film’s website at SabinaMovie.com.
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