PHILIPPINES — In the Philippines, 15 years on from the murder of their persecuted father, Pastor Mocsin, we hear an update from siblings Emelyn and Jun-Jun.

Emelyn:

“I miss those times when we went to church together as a family. Then, during church services, we were complete. We would lead the praise and worship. Then he would preach. Also, sometimes we would join him in his ministry. We would go to Muslim areas to share the Gospel. That’s what I miss about him.”

Emelyn from the Southern Philippines is remembering her father, who was killed fifteen years ago because of his faith. Pastor Mocsin was with his eldest daughter Mercilyn when they were ambushed and murdered in June 2006.

Emelyn:

“My father was shot 19 times. The 19th was in his head. My sister was shot six times. They wanted my father to stop being a pastor before that. But he did not stop because he loved being a missionary. Every Sunday, he preached on the radio station. He would preach in the local language. There were a lot of warnings and threats to him but he never listened to them and kept doing God’s ministry.”

Emily’s younger brother Jun-Jun reacted angrily and turned away from God.

Jun-Jun:

“I went so wild that my friends were trying to calm me down. I even damaged some of our belongings. I felt really angry. I did get angry with God. I questioned Him as to why those things happened to us: ‘We do not stop serving you. Every Sunday and every day, we pray to You. Why did You allow these things to happen to us? I am not yet ready, Lord,’ I told Him at the time. ‘I am not yet ready, not to have a father. Why did You take my father from us like that?’ I told Him again. It was very painful for me.”

After some years of rebellion, Jun-Jun returned to God and is now studying at Bible school. He is placing his future in God’s hands as the siblings both commit to God’s ways.

Jun-Jun:

“When you are a pastor it is very difficult. I also thought that I couldn’t do it. And that when you are a pastor, there are people who might kill you. I don’t want to end up like my father, but if it is what God wants, we cannot decide for ourselves. Because as a Christian only the Lord can tell where we should be.”

Emelyn:

“My father always reminded us ‘As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. He told us that we should continue to serve God – even without him.”

About Open Doors UK

Open Doors is a non-denominational mission that supports persecuted Christians in over 70 countries where Christianity is socially or legally discouraged or oppressed. In their work, they provide vital support, training, and resources to those facing persecution or discrimination.

Resources that they provide include distributing Bibles and literature, running leadership training, assisting with socio-economic development and intercessory prayer. They also help victims of violence and disaster, including widows and orphans, with practical support such as relief aid, livelihood support, and community development projects.

Their vision is of a world in which every Christian who is persecuted is remembered and supported by other Christians. They pray for a world where there is no persecution.

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