Former Jihad terrorist speaks at church in Salinas
A former terrorist spoke out at the First Presbyterian Church in Salinas to talk peace on Sunday.
Hundreds of people gathered at the church to listen to Kamal Saleem’s story as he revealed the mindset of a terrorist who finally found freedom.
“I met Christ you know and I saw the difference between what I was doing and who these people are, that these people have no heart for us because we learned all along that they want to kill us,” said Saleem.
Kamal Saleem was born to a Muslim family in Lebanon. He was a terrorist for 20 years. Saleem said growing up he was taught that the greatest accomplishment was to kill Christians. Christian people just like the ones he faced Sunday at the church in Salinas.
Saleem says he came to the U.S. to try and convert others to radical Islam. But while Saleem was in the states he met three Christians that changed his life.
“I found out when I read the bible that Jesus said love your enemy and I’m going like what? You know my teachings says kill your enemy,” said Saleem.
Kamal Saleem was welcomed in the First Presbyterian Church by Pastor Mike Ladra. Pastor Mike said he wanted the community to understand radical Islam and the teachings of the Quran.
“You only understand this when you have the mentality of a terrorist, which is this is a righteous act. Killing infidels. So I wanted him to explain that,” said Pastor Mike.
The two held an in depth conversation hoping to give people some perspective.
Saleem had the crowds attention and most people embraced Saleem and his new Christian ways.
Lance Walker attended the church session and said, “It’s good information for us Christians to learn you know about Muslims and Islam and about the other types of religions that were talked about today.”
The First Presbyterian Church said around 2,600 people heard Kamal Saleem speak at his two services. Pastor Mike wants to continue educating the community and will be having seminars Friday and Saturday where people can have a Q and A with Saleem.
