FISH HOEK, South Africa (ABP) — Phillip Mokson, founding pastor of Masiphumelele Baptist Church near here, was shot and killed Jan. 22 as he taught a Bible study inside the church building. Family members including his wife, children and grandchildren witnessed the event.
The gunman also shot and seriously wounded a young woman who was known to have spurned his romantic advances, despite the efforts of another pastor to protect her. After others had left the church, the man reloaded, turned the gun on himself, and took his own life, according to John Thomas, a close friend of Mokson who arrived at the scene soon after the shootings.
Thomas is pastor of Fish Hoek Baptist Church, which sponsors the work in Masiphumelele, a teeming township of more than 20,000 residents. Residents are predominantly young and poor. As many as 25 percent of them are HIV positive, Thomas said.
The man who shot Mokson had been baptized as a member in late 2006, and the pastor had sought to counsel him during a period of deep depression. The man, known as Vusi, had attempted suicide at least twice. On one occasion Mokson had discovered him hanging inside the shack where he lived and cut him down.
Following the shootings, thousands of township residents surrounded the church building in hushed silence, remaining into the early-morning hours in quiet tribute to the respected and influential pastor, who was considered a leading elder in the community.
Mokson is remembered as a gifted individual who devoted his life to ministry among the people of Masiphumelele, often putting himself in danger for the sake of others, always promoting peace instead of violence.
Mokson reportedly once saved two boys from being lynched by vigilantes after they had stolen a few small items. As a crowd surrounded Mokson's house in the night and threatened to kill him for interfering, residents said, Mokson spoke for two hours on the importance of learning to turn away from violence and live in peace.
Soon after Mokson's death, Thomas relayed a message to friends and supporters around the world, many of whom have visited the area on mission trips. He urged them to be strong and not let the actions of one “disturbed” individual hinder their continued support of the various ministries in the area, which include humanitarian projects and a health center called Living Hope.
A memorial service for Mokson is scheduled for Jan. 27 at the King of Kings Baptist Centre, a multi-pronged ministry center sponsored by Fish Hoek Baptist Church.
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