PHILIPPINES: Pastor Shot by Muslim Extremist

On Saturday evening, Aug. 27, a Muslim extremist entered the home of a Christian pastor on Jolo Island and shot him four times in the stomach, according to VOM contacts. The pastor was rushed to the local hospital, but no doctor was available to perform surgery until the following Monday morning. VOM contacts had heard rumors that the Muslim attacker was planning to return and kill the pastor, and they were in the process of making arrangements to transfer him to a better equipped facility. However, the pastor succumbed to his injuries and passed away in the late afternoon following the surgery.

He leaves behind a wife and four children. Jolo is deep in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It is a perilous place for Christians, who rarely leave Jolo City because of the risk. Even in Jolo City, Christians are the minority and are in constant danger.

Please pray for God's comforting presence in this family's time of loss. Pray that He will be their sustainer and protector. Pray that this incident does not overwhelm or deter them in their faith in Christ. Pray also for the salvation of the Muslim attacker.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him....Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:1, 13)

VOM assists Christians in the Philippines through its Families of Martyrs fund and VOMedical, as well as by providing motorcycles for pastors.

 

 

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer