Richard Wurmbrand passed away in 2001. This book was published posthumously in 2007. The author’s stated purpose is ‘to make a journey in order to elevate ourselves-author and reader alike-to the higher realm in which all that is petty in human life is conquered, to a place from which we can better view our lives, our churches and our countries. This journey will not be easy, but with God’s help we may succeed.” For fourteen years Wurmbrand was imprisoned for his faith and Christian ministry by the communist government of Romania and throughout his years he and his wife were committed to supporting and caring for persecuted Christians all over the world and loving their persecutors in the power of Christ. His life and testimony has been influential in the churches and this book containing many short accounts of Christian’s weak, failing and yet displaying great courage is challenges the faith of the reader again and again. None of the small chapters are longer than about four pages or so. The author writes in an uncomplicated way, direct and to the point. “I have personally known dying men who gave the medicine that could have saved their lives for another sick prisoner. I have seen men who were terribly hungry give their last piece of bread to another. I have seen the joy on their faces. I have heard them singing, their faces shining like the sun.” The book is full of such stories and through them is the display of the love and strength of Jesus Christ in the lives of ordinary people. This is not a book of idealism only showing victory but apparent defeat too. As you read these accounts you will see a Christian life of commitment and fulfillment rarely seen in the ‘free’ world. The small chapters are subdivided into sections and I will mention a few of their titles, “The Conquering Power of Love,” “Journeys into Glory,” “Methods of Torture,” “Falling and Rising Again,” and “Higher Ground.” The last fifty or so pages gives a short account of the Mission to the Martyrs, the trials of the Wurmbrands themselves, the criticisms leveled against them by some western church leaders and their reasoned responses to the accusations and difficulties. Wurmbrand’s message was always ‘Hate the evil systems, but love your persecutors. Love their souls, and try to win them for Christ.” Read and begin to make that journey to higher ground above the petty things that can so easily dog the steps of our pilgrimage.
