Jumping through Fires: The Gripping Story of One Man's Escape from Revolution to Redemption

by David Nasser

Religion has left an undeniable mark in our world. Some see it as the answer to every problem, while others see it as the problem itself. Simply put, religion is the single greatest force in history. But in a much more intimate sense, what does religion mean to one life? In this honest, suspenseful, and moving memoir, author David Nasser tells of a life filled with heartbreak and healing. Forced to escape from a country gripped in a religious revolution, David and his family run for their lives in an attempt to find refuge. Through the lens of a terrified boy we see the destructive power of religion and the pull of peer pressure as he tries to fit into a new culture.Nasser's raw and transparent account of his transition from hating religion to having a living faith in Christ will impact readers from across the religious spectrum. His unflinchingly honest, yet humorous, assessment of the church from an outsider's point of view will both enlighten readers and spur them to renewed and refined outreach.For anyone who has seen the lie of religion, whether in Iran or Alabama or anywhere in between, Nasser offers the truth of Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Memoir, Christianity, Biography, Middle East, Biography Memoir

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2009

About the author

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Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started out really liking the voice of this book, thinking "I need to read this to my kids", but then it descended into the Jesus loves you morass and never recovered. The icing on the cake is when his mother surgery and was touch and go and only when his father prayed to Jesus (after being stubbornly Islamic) did his mother pull through and they all lived happily every after. Maybe your cup of tea, but not mine.

[Amber Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of an Iranian-American who left Iran with his family as a young boy during the Revolution to escape the internal conflict in his home country. His family sought refuge in the United States during a time when being Iranian was very unpopular. Interesting historical and cultural context that touches on the rise and fall of the Shah and the role the US government played in the years preceding and following the unrest. The author offers us his perspective of trying to assimilate into American culture as a child and then teenager and provides insight on being born Muslim but eventually becoming a Christ follower in America. This easy quick read offers deeper lessons and unique views on coming of age in a country not your own and finding new life both literally and spiritually. Great story. Challenges and inspires me to live a life that shines and offers light to others that they might see and know Christ.

[Amytiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

It starts out with David Nasser attempting to explain the 1979 revolution of Iran.

Oh boy.

Trying to explain concepts in the Middle-East to outsiders is like trying to explain certain aspects of America to outsiders. "Yeah, like, America totally has freedom. We can vote for our president. What? Well, yeah. We have electoral colleges. So? Oh. But, I mean..."

Whether it be the invasion of the Taliban, the difference between the two sects of Islam, or even the current state of Lebanon, it can get confusing really quickly.

So, although I appreciate Nasser's trying, I found it somewhat biased. Nasser thought that the revolution was happening because of zealots' idea of Islam; in reality, the revolution did not start out with that intention at all. The SAVAK (Iran's version of FBI except with the reputation of a brutal torture group who served Iranian officials and suppressed anyone anti-Shah) basically made it so the people's only meeting place was the mosque. With Khomeini, a man who became the people's George Washington (a man who opposed the current government and had new ideas that the masses agreed with, and would eventually sort of run the new government and was basically the revolution's spokesmodel), having the interpretation of the Quran as it was, did draw the religious fanatics out. Of course, the man was a kid back then. He didn't understand any of this.

His family was obviously pro-Shah, even wearing black the day he died. That gives you a pro-Shah view. Just saying.

Also, the writing and I had a love-hate relationship. Little grammatical mistakes or repetitiveness would throw me off, only to loop me back in with a really nice metaphor. What can I say? The misfortune of being a stickler poet. #Foreveraloneinmyrants

The voice itself was relatable to many. A very clean narration behind it. Humorous and fresh, although the dialogue felt a tad forced. I could not imagine an early adult saying, "Save me from my sins, from my excuses, from bad religion. From my own agenda. From trying to live life on my own terms. Save me from all of it. Save me from myself." It seems like a script a pastor would give you. My prayer of salvation was filled with sobbing and things other people would find funny, but I didn't. It didn't help that just a little earlier, this same adult, who was really in his late teens, was saying things like, "How the %*@ are you, bro?"

The story was lovely, and satisfying. There is a super-everything's-so-wonderful ending, but what do you expect reading Christian literature? And it had this full-circle kind of vibe, and it left the reader feeling super-everything's-so-wonderful. The characters were likable, and it's fast-paced for sure.

There is some misadvertisement with this "Former Muslim" business. At most, he was a nominal Muslim maybe-depends-who's-asking.

The morales were basically centering on the downfall of self-worship and how God answers. It's also anti-racism, a theme Christian books do not expound upon enough. I honestly recommend this for anyone the age of twelve and up, something I can hardly say with many, many theology books that take a hammer and play golf with my brain. Including the Bible. If I can understand and get into this book, that's saying something. So kudos to Nasser for writing a book I can follow but still lies under "Christian Literature."

All in all, I liked it. My friend loved the story, and so would most. It's a feel-good read that has a revolution, a high school, a relative of Elvis, and parking lots. What more can you want?

[Arlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nassar is both funny and insightful as he writes about growing up. The cover leads you to believe the story is largely about his family's escape from Iran during the revolution in the 70's, but that's really just the beginning. It's certainly an interesting part of the story (and an interesting look at the political situation in Iran at the time), but Nassar is a lot more concerned about his own development as an adolescent. With humour and wise insight, he uses his life to show that Christianity is about hope and growth and moving forward - jumping through fires because we trust the God whose hand we hold.

[R. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d rate as 3.5. Beautiful story of redemption in more ways than one. Lots of sweet reminders of God’s goodness/trustworthiness/love through all circumstances. Timeline was not clear-cut (jumped back and forth a good bit but I managed to follow). I would have liked him to touch more on the period of his life where he was learning about submitting to church authority and what a healthy way of living that out looks like. Nevertheless, still an inspiring and encouraging story that I will treasure in my heart.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Nasser's memoir was a timely read. David came to America at the age of nine as an Iranian political refugee. He shares his story of leaving Iran during the Iranian Revolution, to living in Germany during the Iranian Hostage Crisis, to finally finding refuge in the state of Texas. From there he tells of his rocky life back and forth between Texas and Alabama, going from a geek to cool drug dealer, from Muslim to Southern Baptist preacher. David beautifully shares his wild life of transition between cultures, how and Islamic extremist holding a gun to his head as a child inspired an early hatred of religion, how he became one of the things he hates about religion and Christianity, how he met his wife, the story behind his ministry, and personal family struggles. It was an all around great and easy read, and I'd recommend it to everyone.

[Lj Mendoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

OKAY - not that I have like the best judgement on books or anything like that - I mean I barely read - BUT this was ehhhhhh, just okay. easy to read as I said on my last update but i think the writing and overall story line was aimed at middle schoolers exploring their faith. WHICH IS A goooood thing !! Maybe I just expected more because it advertised itself as a “gripping tale” - some quotable moments, laughable moments (good and bad), and some downright cringey moments for sure. Truly like a very over-winded testimony, and that’s the most honest way I can put it.

I had it at 2 stars but just moved it up to 3 because I do think the right audience can learn a lot from it.
I just don’t think anyone reading this review right now is the right audience.

[Emma Troyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story inspired me a lot. I love books involving MB B's, and this one is another good one. It also inspired me to keep going in my relationships with people, even when they're acting tough and spiteful. The people that shared Christ with David were persistent, and in the end, that was what drew him to Christ's love. I recommend this book to those who are working to share Christ and anyone who has an interest in the Middle East, it's history, and it's people.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! David Nasser is a Christian speaker at our church! He is a really good speaker! I love hearing about him! He talks about being Iranian! He is a God, Jesus loving man! This book was about him growing up in Iran and converting to Christianity! Such a great read! Hope to see him again soon at Northridge Church!!!

[Edie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story of a young Iranian boy's journey to America and becoming a Christian. Simply told and easy to read, he takes one through his journey and discovery. Wonderful to see how Jesus is for everyone, and tenderly draws each person to Himself.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story of a young man's journey from Iran to America and his salvation experience. I loved the sections that told how his mother and father came to Christ!

[Sal Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting start then lost me when he started blabbing on about Jesus...

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

Short. Funny. Serious. Interesting.

Jumping Through Fires is a refreshing look back at the life - thus far - of David Nasser. From a young boy in Iran to a young man in the USA he reflects on God's grace in his life in a humorous, yet thought-provoking, way. It's a light read both in pages and in presentation despite the sobering stories David shares.

I really enjoyed reading this book and it took me only 2.5 hours to go from cover to cover. At once I was caught up in the intensity of life for this boy at the young age of 9 and sat in awe as I turned the pages to unravel God's amazing plan of grace in David's life. Not only is this the inspiring recapturing of the life of an exile and former Muslim, but also the amazing testament to God's perfect plans and timing. David's sharing doesn't just challenge us - especially those growing up as the average American - but also explains to us how grace connects to the daily life of a child, teenager, and adult.

I highly recommend this book to all teenagers and adults. Due to some intense accounts of events taking place in Iran, I don't recommend it for children. However, it is appropriate for 7th grade and older. This book would be a great way to kick of the school year for any teenager.

[Kathryn Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I usually shy away from biographies, I heard part of the author's testimony on the radio. What I heard completely enraptured me, so I ordered the book to read. I literally sat down and read the whole thing, cover to cover. It was an amazing and honest portrayal of an Iranian immigrant's life in the southern United States.

He begins his story with a brief explanation about the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Just enough to give you background information, but not enough to bore those who don't find history interesting. The author was only nine years old and had a gun held to his head at a school assembly. It was then that his family decided they needed to leave Iran for good.

The memoir details the narrow escape from Iran, their stay in Switzerland and Germany, and finally their arrival in America. Each chapter of the book shows clearly God's hand in their lives as He lined everything up perfectly to bring them to Him. God broke through the strict Muslim religion and prejudices to save the entire family in a truly miraculous way.

I absolutely couldn't put the book down, and I definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to see how God works in mysterious ways.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jumping Through Fires
...So named because this fire jump is yearly Iranian tradition that is a fun cultural event. The book starts and ends with it letting us know his family escaped Iran, and many years later are still alive and well and still carrying on with traditional family fun.
This was not a fiction story. It's author is unfamiliar to me, so I was surprised that it was autobiographical.
David Nasser was born in Iran to a high ranking military man under the Shah. But when the Ayatollah took over, anyone loyal to the Shah was rounded up and tortured in public, and killed. His father was known for his compassion, and the man in charge of the execution that day gave him one week to be with his family before his execution.
In that time they escaped, eventually making it to America. David struggled in elementary school, but by high school had dropped all trace of an accent, and in his popularity became something he would one day regret.
The story is about his conversion to Christianity and subsequent work as an outspoken speaker for Christ.
Not a long book, interesting.

[Zachary Reyes]

David Nasser's jumping through fires is a compelling read, blending humor and seriousness with a nice touch. This book is a biography about his gripping life story. This book follows his change to American Culture, and talks about the details of his planned escape from Iran.
The main focus of this story is the aspect of Christianity in his life, an the grace it provides with whatever person you are. Jumping Through Fires does a good job exploring the differences between Christianity and other religions. This provides a good view of how good Christianity is.
Whoever is looking for a light, funny memoir read, turn to this book, while not providing as much detail I had hoped, it was still a very descriptive and thought provoking read. It only requires a couple of hours of your time, and the lessons learned are well worth the time.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't gripped. I wanted to be. I've read other memoirs by other Iranians and middle easterners of other nationalities. I knew fellow students in college whose family left Iran around the time of the Islamic revolution. I recall the hostage crisis as a 6th grader who also had a nascent faith and how significant a time it was in my own development. I just wasn't as gripped though as I have been by other books.

I will say I appreciated Nasser's willingness to engage in some self-evaluation regarding his early days of embracing Christianity. He humbly admits serious errors he made. He lauds the true examples of Christian love he experienced from others but does not shy away from exposing some of the ugly examples of hypocrisy he witnessed as well.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after hearing the author reviewed on a radio show, and it was well worth it. He has a fascinating story, from the escape from Iran, his struggles to fit in here in America, and his life after he found Jesus. What I liked best about the book was his openness about mistakes he made: after becoming a Christian he still had a lot of rough edges: and not just the cliche ones of cursing and smoking or whatever. He is open about the kinds of rough edges we Christians are often blind to: legalism, impatience, intolerance, ungraciousness. Even when choosing to be baptized, he reflects that the way he did it was very immature. A quick read, but there's a lot to learn from the deep wisdom and inspiring life of this remarkable man.

[Roger Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the truth of John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” In the Nasser family from Iran God uses a a waitress in a parking lot, a methodical study, a dream and a heart attack to bring this muslim family to Jesus! Most of it does not fit my theology, but it does fit my God. Nasser taught me God is in the business of saving mankind and He will move heaven and earth to do so. It is also a reminder that the God of scripture is at work in everyone's life. Praise be to the God who gave us the only begotten Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to lead us home. Amen

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a biography about belonging. First, it's about belonging to the losing side of a bloody revolution. Then it's about a desperate attempt to belong to the right clique. Finally, it's about belonging for eternity.
The author doesn't gloss over his sins, but he doesn't dwell on them either. So while we understand the struggles he faces to accept Christ's offer of Salvation, the focus is more on Christ than on sin. I really appreciate the focus on the Gospel in this book. There is no doubt as to what the author believes about that subject. Beyond that, there really isn't too much more about the author's stand on any other doctrines though so I really don't know what he believes or teaches beyond that most important point. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biography of David Nasser, traveling evangelist. When my sister recommended this book on her blog, she did not know that I had heard David speak in our church years ago. I can still tell you what he talked on that day as his message was one of the most powerful I have heard. I was excited to read the story of his life. Even more excited to see God's very definitive guiding of this man through his life to bring both he and his family from an Iranian muslim faith to a dynamic relationship with Him through a set of circumstances that only God could have orchestrated. What a powerful testimony to the fact that God does orchestrate our lives and place us each at the right place and right time for His purposes. An easy read and very powerful.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short review. Reminds me why Christian biography should be read, and how good it can be. I am searching out some good Christian biographies now. The story telling is excellent. Nasser and his family left Iran during the Iranian revolution when he was 10. Eventually moving to the US and building a new life, his family ended up in Birmingham, AL. Nasser was a wild child but slowly came to faith in Christ and learned what it means to live as a Christian. A very good book.

A longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/jumping-through-fire...

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up as David Nasser himself fled Iran during the Revolution, and I love learning about Iran, but when he moves to America, he becomes a die-hard Christian. Now, I have nothing against Christians (well, that is a lie), but this is definitely a Christian non-fiction read, and not what I was expecting.

If you enjoy reading about Muslims becoming Christian, this book is for you. If you are a Muslim who left Christianity, like myself, this book is not for you.

I gave it a 3-star rating because it was well-written; I just personally don't enjoy reading Christian memoirs.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about how a nine year old boy and his family escaped from Iran during the 1979 revolution. It tells about his adjustment to a different culture, and how he eventually came to accept Jesus as his Savior. It is a short, easy read book. This was an eBook that I borrowed off of Overdrive. For all you Sargentites, if you don't have a password for Overdrive yet be sure to come in the library and get one.

[Ramonita Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! real life account of one man's quest to escape the Islamic regime in Iran during the 1970's, moving to Switzerland with fake passports, then to Germany and finally to the USA where he finds redemption and comes face to face with the one true God and witnesses his whole family being saved. Great writer, speaker and true man of God. Had the privilege of listening to him speak at a recent conference and he is truly used by God. great book Mr. Nasser!!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really been impressed with David Nasser since my daughter became a student at Liberty University and he is their campus pastor. I always enjoy listening to his teaching, his faith just seems so authentic. I’m so glad I read this book to get a glimpse into his testimony and how God clearly had a plan for this man’s life. What an amazing testimony and reminder that we can always trust God with our future.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story of David growing up in Iran and fleeing during the revolution in 1978. In America David lives a life of rebellion until he attends a local church youth event. I enjoyed the story, it doesn’t get into all the details of his life but enough to keep you interested. The book is written at a middle school level but they would probably find the story a little slow. Great conversion story, but written a little too simply for me.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this book was going to be about the authors escape from the Islamic Revolution in Iran, but it was more of a Christian biography. I was really amazed by some of the stories and lessons in this book, I was really struck by the authors father and the way he lived and taught his son before his conversion.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great regeneration story. It shows how a loving and evangelistic church can reach out to the Muslim community. It's a helpful read too for understanding Iranian history.

David lives through the transition in Iran from Shah to Ayatollah Khomeini. His family narrowly escapes with their lives and eventually wind up in Texas/Alabama. Quite a story.

[Chloé · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after being riveting by David Nasser's sermon as a guest speaker at my church. I finally sat down and read it, and I was deeply moved. David's testimony is riveting and unique and eye-opening and, at least for me, convicting. The last few chapters were especially poignant and spoke to me so much. I love this book and encourage everyone to read it!