Cell 58

Title: Cell 58

Author: Dan Baumann

Pages: 190

Grade Level: 7&8

Dan Baumann is a servant of God with a heart for the Turkic people or Turkmen. He was serving with YWAM in Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is located north of Iran. He and his friend, Glenn Miller, were ministering to Turkmen in the capital city Ashgabat. They knew of many Turkmens who lived in Iran, who needed help and who needed the Gospel. After much prayer and seeking God, Glenn and Dan made arrangements to travel into Iran.  Being an American is dangerous when traveling in Iran. Dan has a dual American-Swiss citizenship. He traveled into Iran on a Swiss passport to minimize the danger. Glenn was South African, so he could travel to Iran.

Before they left Ashgabat, they made several good contacts within Iran. They felt that they could meet some of those contacts and establish a relationship. These relationships would help as they considered establishing a mission.

Their time in Iran was very helpful. They made many friends. As they were trying to the leave the country, they were detained.  Eventually, they were arrested and separated. Dan was imprisoned at the infamous Evin Prison.  

Dan is very honest and open about the time he spent in Evin Prison.  The book is not excessively violent as he was not violently tortured.  It is very honest about his despair to the point of actively contemplating suicide while he was imprisoned.  For this reason, it may not be appropriate for some young adults, but it is a solid book about an inspiring man who let himself be used of God even in Evin Prison.  Read it only if you want to be inspired and challenged.