RECENTLY, a Methodist minister was murdered by death squads in the Philippines. He was the fourth human rights campaigner to be killed within 24 hours.

The bullet-ridden body of Pastor Isaias Sta Rosa of the United Methodist Church of Malobago was left to die by ten armed assassins.

He had spoken out against human rights abuses and challenged the Government to tackle the needs of the urban poor. He becomes the 21st church worker to be murdered since May 2001.

Pastor Isaias knew the risk. His passion for God, for the poor and for justice meant he paid the ultimate price for his beliefs.

When Jesus called people to follow Him, He was clear about the commitment it involved: “You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life. You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.” (Luke 14: 26-27)

What are you living for? Anything worth dying for?

Source: Methodist Recorder