1941

Romania supports Germany in the war against the USSR and is host to German forces. Richard Wurmbrand, now a pastor, sees a new opportunity among the occupying soldiers and engages in evangelistic activities.

Before long the Wurmbrand's learn what it means to suffer for Christ. During the Nazi terror, they are repeatedly beaten and arrested. Mrs. Wurmbrand's family perishes in the mass extermination of Jews within the concentration camps.

1944

Romanian Communists seize power in Romania and a million "invited" Russian troops pour into the country. Pastor Wurmbrand engages in a twofold ministry - to his own oppressed countrymen and to the Russians. He boards trains and uses the long journeys to preach the gospel; in disguise he goes into Russian army camps and expounds the Word of God.

1945

Pastor Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand attend the "Congress of Cults" arranged by the Romanian Communist government. As many religious leaders come forward to swear loyalty to the new regime, Sabina Wurmbrand tells her husband to "wipe the shame from the face of Jesus."

Richard, knowing the outcome of such an act, tells his wife that if he challenges the congress she will no longer have a husband. Her only reply is, "I don't need a coward for a husband." When the pastor steps forward, the delegates believe he will also praise the new leadership, but to their surprise, Richard tells the 4,000 delegates that their duty as Christians is to glorify God and Christ alone.

1946

Knowing the dangers of evangelical activities, Pastor Wurmbrand leads an "underground" church to encourage the faithful believers and pursue his missionary endeavors among the Russian soldiers. He believes God has sent the Russians to Romania that they might be saved.

Disguised as communist propaganda, thousands of Gospels are secretly printed and distributed to the occupying forces. Even under constant threat and danger, the church grows.

1947

Richard organizes groups of Christians to smuggle the Russian Gospels into Russia. On December 30, The People's Republic of Romania is proclaimed.

1948

On Sunday morning, February 29, Pastor Wurmbrand leaves for church. He never arrives.

A small group of secret police, accompanied by the governor, kidnap Richard and take him to their headquarters. He is locked in a solitary cell and assigned "Prisoner Number 1"