Dirk Willems

Dirk Willems ( * 15th century or 16th century, † May 16 1569 in Asperen / Netherlands ) was a Baptist, who was by his selflessness as a martyr.

Life

Willems was born in Asperen in the Netherlands, and had received as a young man, the believer's baptism. Due to the Anabaptist mandate he was convicted and imprisoned to death. However, he succeeded to escape from the prison tower. On the run from his pursuers, he saved one of them, who had broken through the ice of a pond. He was then arrested and burned near his hometown on May 16, 1569 at the stake.

Dirk Willems is one of the most well-known Anabaptist martyrs today. His fate is documented in the first published in 1600, Martyrs Mirror. A book written by James C. Juhnke historical drama entitled Dirk's Exodus is based on his life.