Sabina Wurmbrand, born as Sabina Oster, was a Jewish woman who was converted to Christianity. Meanwhile, Richard, who was also born Jewish, also converted to Christianity. They both got married in 1936, and after World War II, they started missionary work within the Soviet Union.

The couple was very vocal about their Christian faith, which got them into trouble with the then atheistic communist regime in Romania. They were known to publicly praise Jesus in the face of direct orders from Soviet forces and the secret police.

Richard Wurmbrand was arrested multiple times, in 1948 and again in 1959, for his religious activities, and spent a total of fourteen years in prison. He underwent severe physical and psychological torture during his time in prison but never gave up his faith.

Sabina, not spared from the persecution, also spent several years in a labor camp set on the Danube Canal from 1950-1953. She too faced numerous hardships for her faith but steadfastly held on to her belief in God.

Despite their tribulations, the Wurmbrands continued their Christian work after their release from prison and, after leaving Romania in 1965, they founded the nonprofit organization “The Voice of the Martyrs,” dedicated to assisting Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith.

So, the story of Sabina and Richard Wurmbrand is a testament to their unwavering faith, determination, and the strength of their love and commitment towards each other and God, despite enduring severe hardships, torture, and persecution.

“Sabina: Tortured for Christ” is an inspirational and poignant movie that presents the true-life story of Sabina Wurmbrand and her husband, Richard Wurmbrand, who were vocal Christian missionaries in Romania during the Soviet occupation. Their dedication towards their faith and the Church in the face of dire persecution is the central plot of the movie.