Captive in Iran

March 11, 2013
The authors’ Christian evangelism in Iran caused them to suffer unimaginable dimensions of persecution. Iranian law lets people openly practice their religion, but it is a crime to convert others from Islam. They were arrested in 2009 and spent 259 days in Evin Prison among some of the worst conditions and with Iran’s worst criminals. “The filth, bad food, poor medical care, and lack of exercise and fresh air in prison made it practically impossible to stay healthy.” Their story became worldwide news on the Voice of America, Radio Farda, and the Internet. The case was brought before the United Nations and the Vatican got involved. A prayer vigil commenced in front of the Iranian embassy in London. Even while imprisoned, Rostampour and Amirizadeh continued to freely profess their faith. The women they meet in Evin strengthen their faith and inspire the reader. Good luck or a series of miracles occur: because of court mistakes, the charges are dismissed and the two women leave Iran and now live in Atlanta. This is a powerful story of Christian courage that will appeal to anyone struggling with faith.

June 24, 2013
Rostampour and Amirizadeh spent 259 days in one of the most notorious and feared prisons in the world for attempting to spread Christianity in Iran. Once imprisoned, the pair opted to face their fears head on and attempted to teach their religion inside the prison walls to anyone who would listen. While this should make for a thrilling listen, the audio edition falters due to the overly simple and straightforward delivery of narrator Patty Fogarty. While she turns in a solid reading with perfect pronunciation and excellent pacing, her performance is simply not suited to this storyâand all the grit and brutal reality of the tale is lost somewhere along the way. A Tyndale Momentum hardcover.