Iraq speaker to share his experiences Nov. 9

This is a small piece of the true story of a man now called, Michael Paul:

"Imagine being hooded and having your wrists tied together behind your back. Suddenly you feel your shoulders pulled out of joint as you are hoisted off the ground and beaten relentlessly. Hours or days go by; the pain is beyond bearing, you are beyond the point of despair. No one will save you, they all want you dead."

Michael Paul, who now lives in North Idaho, will talk about his experiences 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Schuler Auditorium at North Idaho College.

The event called "Shaken" will also feature musician Buck Storm, who is partnering with Michael Paul "to sing the narrative of lives lost, of people enslaved."

According to a press release, Paul began life in Iraq with a loving family, and despite the fear of living under a dictatorship, his life was idyllic. As a boy, he spent summers learning the Quran and eventually memorized nearly all of it.

Eventually, as a teenager he was given a Bible and began to read it.

"In his heart, he knew that he was not a Muslim anymore," the press release said.

His life was shattered when his family found out about his faith. He was told that he had 30 days to renounce, or an execution order would be signed in the Sharia court.

"Do what you want to do," Paul said. "I will never deny my beliefs and my Christ."

The program is free.