Eager to escape a dark history in his home country, Arman arrives to Kuala Lumpur with a clear goal: complete a degree in journalism and escape to a life of freedom in the West. Meanwhile, his dreams are haunted by a dragon named Dahag, whose presence is a constant reminder of the shame he caused his parents in Iran, and his days are spent trying to make new friends while hoping they don’t automatically think he’s a terrorist because of his nationality. Arman’s worst nightmares come true, however, when he is found guilty by association in an attack on the Petronas Towers and promptly becomes the most wanted man on the planet. On the run, he is able to find temporary solace in both crowds and caves, but it seems that the forces at work since the Iranian Revolution, which so thoroughly destroyed his parents’ dreams, would bring a dramatic and crushing end to his as well. Until, that is, he comes across a mysterious man who promises he can help Arman get through the fire.
A missiological novel by Soncoast Publishing
ENDORSEMENTS
“The genre of missional fiction is a niche within missiological literature—but an important one! Few authors have produced works that involve a captivating story designed to equip for Kingdom labors. David Parks is one of those innovating this new approach to training that is both engaging and effective. I strongly commend to you this pioneer work. Arman’s Freedom is a fast-paced, suspenseful tale into a world where the cultures of the East and West collide. Guilt and innocence, fear and power, and honor and shame dynamics come to the forefront as readers are taken on a wild journey that will change the way they consider context and evangelism.” – J. D. Payne, professor of Christian Ministry, Samford University
“Everyone loves an intriguing story, but imagine an intriguing story that illustrates complex missiological concepts. That’s what Arman’s Freedom does. It’s definitely a page-turner that keeps the reader engaged, but it also brought to life the concepts we were exploring in my Missiological Anthropology class. I highly recommend adding it as required reading for your missiology students!” Matt Cook, Assistant Professor of Bible, Global Missions, and World Religions, Freed-Hardeman University
“What a fascinating story—so good, true, and beautiful. Parks really has a gift for this. He has crafted a great tale that is also a page turner, full of the kinds of plot twists, honesty, and imagery that captivate the lives of so many people today.” Doug Sweeney, Dean of Beeson Divinity School
“David Parks has written a gripping story that, even while being entertaining in its own right, communicates ideas that missions profs regularly discuss with their students. If you are interested in what God is doing to draw Iranians to himself, you should read this book!” Stephen Stallard, Western Seminary
“I loved this book! It is the story of a young Iranian man in Malaysia and tells of his adventure and trials as he is caught up in social unrest; and of his spiritual journey which includes Persian, Hindu, Secular and Christian Gods. A significant portion of the novel flashes back to a characters involved in the Iranian revolution, which taught me some interesting history in an engaging way. The writing is wonderful, the story and pacing are sharp, there are wonderful turns of phrase, and some stunningly beautiful moments. I’m encouraging my family to read it and sending copies to some friends. Highly recommended.” Craig Hawkins, Baptist Campus Ministry, UAB
“Facts and statistics are important. Good missions research can shape our viewpoint about God’s work in the world and can serve to educate the Church about global needs and regions in Gospel poverty. Good missions stories are just as important. Arman’s Freedom is just such a story. Beautifully written and well researched, it is a story shaped out of experiences and relationships. The narrative captivates the reader’s imagination while also bringing to life real world scenarios playing out globally each day. God is drawing people to Himself in every nation, and Arman’s Freedom is a great reminder of His creativity and power in doing so.” Renee Pitts, International Personnel Coordinator, Greater Europe Mission
“Arman’s Freedom is truly a gift to anyone seeking to grow their understanding of worldview and cross-cultural communication. Using “missiological fiction” to teach something as complex as worldview is brilliant. Dr. Parks shows his expertise and experience in how well he navigates what would have been a difficult endeavor for almost anyone else. This book should be in the library of every missiologist in the Evangelical world.” Jeremy Jenkins, Executive Director, All Things All People, Adjunct Professor of Religion, Gardner-Webb University
David Parks 