Convert from Islam

After lunch yesterday, Dr. Mark Christian spoke to the Happy Club about growing up a Muslim in Egypt (his birth name was Mohamed), how he left Islam and how he ended up a Christian in Omaha.

Although Muslims are not required to fast during Ramadan until they reach puberty, at the age of 5 Mark decided to fast. When his father discovered this, he lavished attention on Mark who had always felt ignored by his father before. Mark became the constant companion and confidante of his father, a doctor, soldier and devout Imam, as well as an adviser for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

For the next 16 years, Mark grew in his Sunni Muslim faith as a firm believer. As he grew as a young adult he began to have serious questions about his faith. He wanted the answers so he could defend his faith. Due to his family connections, he was able to ask these questions of some of the top Islamic leaders. He was told, "Don't ask questions."

Feeling a lack of foundation for the faith, Mark left Islam. For about 5 years, as he was in medical school, he tried to be an atheist or an agnostic. He said, "To look at DNA and not believe in God is crazy, but I was crazy."

It was in 2003 that Mark wanted to become a Christian. He would go to churches as and ask, "Can you tell me about Jesus and give me a Bible?" But due to the Islamic rules against conversion and the possible backlash, no one would help.

Mark said, "I didn't convert to Christianity because I wanted to drink a beer, but because I wanted to go to heaven." Although he did joke that "bacon changed my life."

In 2005, Mark and his wife flew to Chicago then came to Omaha because "no one in Egypt knows about Omaha." He considers it a miracle that both he and his wife converted as it is very rare for a Sunni Muslim to convert in the first place, and unheard of for a couple to convert. He was baptized at St. Cecilla's Cathedral in Omaha.

For seven years Mark and his family hid in Omaha, but he is hiding no longer. He is part of the Global Faith Institute. While he was initially angry, he has come to realize that "Muslims are the first victims of Islam."

"I was bitter towards my family for many years," he said, "Now I am not." He wishes to build bridges to Islam.His father and brother have put a price on his head, but he is not afraid.

Among the things he spoke about is Islam:

• Muslim is more political than a religion. It is it is about ruling. One does not evangelize in Islam;
• It is blasphemy in Islam to say that God loves me. There is no sense of a personal relationship with God;
• Mohamed is considered a champion of women because he ruled that when men beat their wives they should not hit them in the face or break any bones - so he made their lives better.

The first Monday of every month the Happy Club gathers for a potluck meal and stimulating conversions.