‘Sabina’ in Theaters Nationwide Nov. 8-10 Following the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians
NASHVILLE, Nov. 1, 2021 - “Sabina: Tortured for Christ, the Nazi Years,” a new film from Lifeway and Fathom Events coming to theaters Nov. 8-10, shines a light on the story of persecution faced by Sabina and Richard Wurmbrand, co-founders of the nonprofit The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM). Like Christians living in hostile areas around the world today, the Wurmbrands chose to give up their comfort and safety in order to find a life that counts for eternity.
VOM is inviting Christians everywhere to be part of a Global Prayer Movement on Nov. 7, the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP). The first request of persecuted Christians around the world, who continue to suffer today for wearing the name of Christ just as the Wurmbrands did, is “Pray for us!”
“It is important to understand that Christian persecution is not a myth or a thing of the past, something that ended after the last chapter of Acts. It is happening in more than 70 nations right now--in the 21st Century,” said Todd Nettleton, host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. “Powerful stories like Sabina’s are a testament to the remarkable faith of our Christian brothers and sisters who would rather give up comfort, safety or even their lives than deny Jesus. I hope that we all find inspiration in Sabina’s example--and the example of so many modern-day heroes of faith--to pay any necessary price to obey Christ’s call.”
“Sabina” conveys the realities of religious persecution and the cost of following Christ when faith is forbidden. Experiencing the Nazi occupation of Romania in 1940, the Wurmbrand’s were captured, imprisoned and tortured. Rising above circumstances, the couple chose to view their persecutors not as enemies but as an opportunity for mission - to show the love and forgiveness displayed by the Gospel.
Channeling their passion to helping fellow believers who found themselves giving their all for Christ, the Wurmbrands co-founded VOM, an interdenominational missions organization that today continues to proudly serve persecuted Christians around the world.
“The first request from our persecuted brothers and sisters is, ‘Will you pray for me?’” said Nettleton. “Our hope on IDOP is that millions of Christians will answer their simple request, and also will be inspired by their example to pay any price necessary in obedience to Christ.”
To equip churches to pray on Nov. 7, VOM is offering free resources, including Finding Life, a short video sharing one chapter from the Wurmbrands’ story, guided prayer slides, church bulletin inserts, sermon outlines, questions for reflections and discussion, a YouVersion reading plan and sheet music to the hymn “It Is Well.”
For more information about the free resources for IDOP visit persecution.com/idop.
“Religious persecution is real and is still happening today,” said Nettleton. “There are modern-day Richard and Sabina Wurmbrands right now living out their own stories of faith, suffering and forgiveness in places like China, Iran and Nigeria. As Christians, we must not allow fear to stop us from boldly proclaiming the gospel, no matter the cost.”
Tickets for the theatrical showing of “Sabina” are now available for purchase. Individual ticket purchasers may also claim a free copy of “Wurmbrand: Tortured for Christ, The Complete Story,” which provides a more in-depth look into the Wurmbrands’ story. For information, visit the film’s website at SabinaMovie.com.
About The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM)
The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is a nonprofit, interdenominational missions organization serving persecuted Christians in more than 70 nations around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. For more information, visit VOM.org.
About Lifeway
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, worship music, VBS, and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Since 1979, Lifeway has been creating camp environments focused on life change and spiritual growth through Jesus Christ. Lifeway is also the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Lifeway receives no denominational funding and operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.
About Fathom Events
Fathom is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry as one of the top distributors of content to movie theaters in North America. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal Cinemas, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom operates the largest cinema distribution network, delivering a wide variety of programming and experiences to cinema audiences in the top U.S. markets and more than 45 countries. For more information, visit FathomEvents.com.
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