The Unlikely and the Impossible: Supporting Saints in Former Communist Europe

edited by Matthew K. Heiss and James A. Miller Available October 27, 2026 Book Description: The Unlikely and the Impossible: Supporting Saints in Former Communist Europe tells the remarkable story of faith, perseverance, and quiet courage behind the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central and Eastern Europe during and after the Cold War. Drawing on rich historical research and personal narratives, the book highlights men and women who sustained their faith under communist regimes that restricted religious belief and public worship. Long before the fall of the Berlin Wall, these “supporting Saints”—ordinary people from diverse backgrounds—kept communities alive, navigated political barriers, and prepared the way for a future that once seemed unimaginable. Rather than focusing on headline events alone, this volume brings history to life through intimate, human stories of sacrifice, resilience, and hope. Readers encounter missionaries, local leaders, couples, and converts who worked largely outside the spotlight yet played decisive roles in building lasting congregations across former communist Europe. Both scholarly and accessible, The Unlikely and the Impossible offers an inspiring testament to what faith-driven individuals can accomplish when circumstances appear most forbidding—and why their legacy still matters today. More Information: ISBN 978-1-58958-841-7 (paperback)