I was casually browsing through books in the library for a good read when I came across a classic true account of a witness for Christ, who endured unspeakable suffering for a total of 14 years in Romanian jails for no crime other than a steadfast refusal to bow down to the Romanian Communist government and renounce his faith in Christianity.
Richard Wurmbrand -who became a Christian minister in Soviet-occupied Romania in 1944 - is the author and protagonist of this real life account reflecting uncommon courage and staunch faith in the one true God amidst relentless and brutal persecution.
He endured agonising torture by the prison guards and his firm refusal to capitulate can only be attributed to his remarkable spiritual strength and the sheer power of prayer.
Richard Wurmbrand was released from prison under amnesty in 1964. He founded The Voice of the Martyrs - an interdenominational non-profit organisation to help persecuted Christians all over the world - in 1967.
This beacon of strength for Christian individuals and communities plagued by persecution from despotic organs of state or extremist groups continues to shine strongly after his demise on 17 February 2001.