Update on Writing Campaign for Evelyn Hasim

Country: Philippines

Date: November 1, 2007

We are glad to let you know that Evelyn Hasim and her children are holding up well. When they feel down, she and her family sometimes read again the letters from Christians around the world, from which they draw encouragement and strength, knowing that many others are praying for them.

Our Program Coordinator in Southern Philippines has encouraged us to continue the letter campaign for Evelyn.

Mrs. Hasim requests our prayers for them to have their own place to live, as they are struggling to pay the house rent at the moment. Her “sari-sari” or variety store (that Open Doors supported) is doing well and is helping to support schooling for her son, Jun-Jun.

There is a growing desire in Evelyn’s heart to continue her husband’s ministry. She longs to go back to the village where Pastor Mocsin Hasim started a fellowship. Please pray for God’s direction to be clear to Evelyn regarding this matter.

Content from the original writing campaign announcement:

Writing Campaign for Widow of Murdered Pastor

Open Doors welcomes a letter campaign for Evelyn (Mrs. Mocsin Hasim) of Zamboanga. Evelyn’s husband, Pastor Mocsin L. Hasim (47), and her daughter, Mercilyn (22), were on a motorcycle returning home when they were gunned down by three men on June 3.

It will be an encouragement to her and her children to receive letters. Here are the names of the children:

1. Emilyn, married to Jayson
2. Jun-jun (Mocsin Jr.)
3. Popoy (adopted son)

Standing from left: Jayson (son-in-law), Emilyn, Mercilyn and Jun-jun. Seated are Pastor Mocsin, Evelyn and Popoy.

Evelyn’s husband, Pastor Mocsin L. Hasim (47), and her daughter Mercilyn (22) were on a motorcycle returning home when they were gunned down by three men on June 3 in an isolated area of Zamboanga Del Norte province, Mindanao. It is suspected that Pastor Hasim knew his killers. Involved in ministering to Muslims, Pastor Hasim was affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of the Philippines. He left a wife, two sons and a daughter.  

Writing guidelines:

• Do not mention Open Doors in the letters.
• Greeting cards, artwork by children and postcards are best (send postcards in an envelope, and do not write the Open Doors’ address on the postcard).
• Print clearly (only write in English).
• Be encouraging, keep the message brief, but include 1 - 2 Bible verses.
• Don't say anything negative about Islam, Muslim extremists, or the government.
• Provide your name & country, not your full address.
• Don't send money with the letters.

Mail letters to:

Open Doors
Attn: Evelyn Hasim Campaign
PO Box 27001
Santa Ana, CA 92799

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