Cell 58: International Adventures

by Dan Baumann

"It's strange," said one of the guards. "I stand by his cell sometimes, and I hear him praying for us! He's doing all this for love? We know nothing about this God of love, but it sounds very right."



God's love is stronger than fear! This book chronicles Dan Baumann's experience in Iran in 1997, when he was wrongfully accused of espionage and thrown into the most infamous high-security prison in Iran. Imprisonment in Iran, the threat of execution, and God's hand moving in the lives of the guards make this a thrilling addition to the International Adventures series.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, History, Iran, Spirituality, Memoir

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Vicki Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend! Listened on Spotify premium!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite in the International Adventures series (with perhaps one exception). I was drawn in to the story and found myself staying up late one night to finish it and being slowed down by sharing highlights with my roommates as I read. I've spoken with Dan a number of times (starting with a really awkward conversation after I read this book) and it is amazing to know where he's been and the miracle of how God brought him out.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Very well written. Clean content. Got my heart pounding at certain points. Kept my interest throughout the entire book. Encouraging to my faith and left me pondering how I would respond if my faith was tested so severely. This would also be a great read aloud with older children who could handle the intensity.

This was the first book I have read from YWAM’s International Adventures series, and I now want to read more of them. I liked that it was written at a slightly higher reading level than YWAM’s Christian Heroes: Now and Then books.

[Kathy Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart pounding true life story of American/Swiss Dan Baumann being imprisoned in Iran. What started out as a nudge from God to go to Iran with a friend to seek out Christian contacts to share the Gospel with, turns into a nightmare of a journey. However, God was with them the whole time. God even had 'told' Dan that he'd "go to the bottom before coming out" before he even entered the country. Dan was perplexed by that but went anyway. Then while he was in prison, God spoke to him again and said he'd "be there for 9 weeks". This moving account of how God worked out His good and His glory through Dan and his friend is amazing. Yes, it was difficult to read because you put yourself in his shoes and humbly ask "could I hold on to my faith as courageously"? Then you think about the many untold amounts of Christians world wide who suffer in this way and worse. This is a very humbling book to read, but it also helps remind us to pray for all persecuted Christians everywhere, and to praise God through these pure souls as He works His will to bring others to Him.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having heard Mr. Baumann speak about his experience of being imprisoned in Iran, it was quite interesting to read his book, getting more of his story. Very moving and honest telling of his brutal treatment while a captive in Iran and his miraculous release.

[David Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The devotion to the Lord by these 2 men put a desire in my heart to be more committed to the our Lord Jesus Chris!

[Choki Gyeltshen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book narrating true story of author Dan Baumann. He was falsely accused of espionage and was halt in the most infamous high security prison in Iran for 9 weeks. Story describes some horrifying experiences in a foreign prison. Having dual citizenship of America and Swiss, he managed to enter Iran with his Swiss passport to spread the love of God.

Toured around Iran for almost two weeks, he developed many connections among the locals. All he and his South African friend couldn't do was to get out of Iran, whereby they landed unexpectedly in an infamous jail.His story reveals the nightmares of being in a foreign prison for no apparent reason. Also adds how he really had faith in God despite doubting God at times.
A good book to remind oneself to be prepared before planning any trips.

[Mandy Perhay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to criticize someone’s real account of a traumatic time in their life. Perhaps it could have been “more exciting” or “more miraculous” or his perspective could have been “filled with more faith” or even “less boring, unnecessary details”. But that was his life and his story and I appreciate that he shared how he actually felt. He wasn’t trying to be a superstar Christian, just a man who was trying to trust God through a hard situation. It makes his faith more tangible and his experience more relatable. Though I’ve never been through anything like it, I could sympathize with his humanity clinging to Divinity and the battle of hope vs despair. All of our stories are worth sharing and there is much to be learned when we are able to share them honestly and vulnerably.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve wanted to read this book for quite a while, but didn’t get the chance until recently, when I saw it on a friend’s shelf. This is an incredible story, one I’m glad I got the chance to read. Dan’s faith and example—although tested almost beyond limit—were a strength and encouragement for me. If you enjoy true stories about God working in the hearts and lives of people, and examples of faithful Christians, I’d highly recommend you check this book out. If nothing else, it should give you a heart for the Christians of Iran and what they face there.

[Nate Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for Dan Baumann's account of his time in prison in Iran. It helps bring into focus the Christian faith, as well as bring more detail to the reality of life in Iran. Understandably absent from this account is the complicated relationship the West has had with Iran. However, I think for those who would like to look into the history of it, it would explain some of the reasons why Iran has become what it has today. The west is not guiltless in this matter.

[Tali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imprisoned in Iran, or Cell 58, was an incredible story of God’s faithfulness and human’s grit. Following the story of Dan Baumann, this book shares the fear of being imprisoned in a country with a government that hates Christians and the hope that one can have with faith in Christ. Gripping and exciting, this is one book you should not miss!

[Scott Worden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Baumann has an amazing testimony about his imprisonment in Iran. What I respect about him is that despite him being scared of being put to death while in prison in Iran, he still proclaimed the gospel of Christ. He felt that his faith in Christ was more important than dying.

[Xavi Laack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book amazed me, because of the incredible power of God and the courage and faith Dan Baumann had in the face of insane adversity. Baumann’s story is a must read for those wondering what accepting the great commission to make disciples of all nations truly looks like in the modern day.

[Dan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Dan Baumann's capture in Iran is truly remarkable. Living his life in prison moved other to turn to Christ. I truly enjoyed the honesty of his low points and his commitment. I'm hopeful that his current ministry to youth looking for the Lord's call is life changing.

[Damaris Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminder of God's faithfulness

[Lydia Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and amazing.

[David Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for young short term missionaries. Exciting as it showcases the real dangers of living as a Christian in a dark world.

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

My version is called Cell 58. 3.5 stars.

[Christie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

God its good

Praise God for his testimony. It's difficult to give a good rating on such vile,but because of God's goodness and faithfulness i would suggest reading. God is love

[Einar Barane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denne sanne historien er helt utrolig. Jeg har vært så heldig å møte Dan Bauman selv. Hans historier er verdt å høre på og den tilliten til Gud som han lever i er vanvittig inspirerende.

[Rebekah Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book showing the greatness of our God!

[Javier Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracle stories

[Sandra Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was written well and appreciated how he shares lessons about obedience, trust and faith in each experience.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and exciting testimony of suffering for the greatest cause.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on faith. A man’s faith helps him through his time in an Iranian prison.

[Anna Timmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this book on Whillo. Wonderful book.

[Thomas Sauder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest and inspiring. Dan spent nine weeks in prison in Iran, suspected of espionage. This is his story.

[Brian Callewaert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually one to read biographies. However, I had to read one from a selection available to me for a class. It was almost a random pick with little thought about what I would be reading. I feel like it was probably the best possible wild card choice that could have been made!

I studied a small amount about Dan Baumann before reading this book. He is an example of persecuted Christians in Muslim countries that we looked at in class. I would be lying if I said that the interview I had watched didn't set something off in me. However, as I approached this book, I still wasn't ready for what was contained within the pages.

Baumann wrote in such a way that the whole ordeal came across as a story that you would read in any piece of fiction, which made it much easier to read. I was able to feel his anxiety as he went through the motions of his travels and imprisonment. He did a really great job of conveying those emotions and feelings told us exactly what he was thinking through it all.

This is not only a biography of a man's experiences, but also a tale of God's faithfulness and love. During the entire event, God had told Dan what would happen. Though he hit the bottom (who wouldn't?), he remained faithful to God and the mission that He had sent him on. In the end, some amazing things took place in one of the darkest places that a person could venture into. This retelling challenged me to think differently about how I approach difficulties in life and is worth reading for anyone who thinks that they have it bad.

[Madalyn Fimrite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reference this book often in my idea of life and motto to be able to endure a prison in Iran. This book has got me asking the question daily if I am leaning on God so much to the point that no matter where I am, if it’s the worst environment or the best, do I love Him with all my heart and do I trust Him to get me through?

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is so extraordinary and inspiring. Baumann's way of telling the story is refreshingly free of heavy handed moral lessons but instead gives a clear and simple account. Still, he manages to paint a picture, not of a lonely man in a dirty prison, but instead of a genuine follower of Jesus who encounters real struggle.

What is most striking is the presence of God himself in the story. He is the hero. Much like Brother Andrew's Practicing The Presence of God, this book tells a tale that is woven so completely with God's character and love that while your heart breaks in the dark moments, it sores with the overarching reality that Paul himself must have known when he wrote the Philippians that to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Phil 1:21)