The Voice of the Martyrs was founded in the mid-1960's by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned and tortured by Communist authorities in his native Romania for fourteen years. While still in prison, Pastor Wurmbrand envisioned a ministry that would focus on the plight of the Persecuted Church, raise a voice on their behalf, and provide encouragement and assistance to them. The story of Richard Wurmbrand and his burden for persecuted Christians around the world is recounted in his many books, most notably in
the bestseller Tortured for Christ.

The following is a brief history of this vision...

A History of The Voice of the Martyrs

In Hebrews 13:3, God's Word instructs us to "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." God knew that His children would suffer for their faith. He knew that thousands of His children would be imprisoned, beaten, tortured, and even martyred for their testimony in Jesus Christ.

God also knew that it would be necessary for those living in a free society to share in the suffering of others, by remembering those in bonds and by reaffirming that our citizenship is in heaven and not in this world. God knew that by sharing in the suffering of others, we would be better prepared to endure such trials, and that we would strengthen the whole Body and fulfil His Word.

"...whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26).

On the following pages is a timeline of the known events that led to the establishment of The Voice of the Martyrs ministry. It is not to rejoice in our own efforts, but rather to reveal God's intimate work in putting together all the necessary pieces to accomplish His desire.