ILLUSTRATION
Church Member Risks His Life for Pastor
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Topics: Brotherhood; Brotherly love; Church; Community; Courage; Faithfulness; Help, human; Heroes; Leaders; Leadership; Love; Loyalty; Men; Pastors
Filters: Christian Culture; Free; Quotes
References: John 15:13, Romans 12:10, Romans 16:4, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 3:16-18
Tone: Commend

"My pastor needed help."

—Keith Melton, of the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois, explaining why he immediately charged the gunman who had just shot his pastor, Fred Winters. The assailant had approached the pulpit as the pastor was nearing the end of his sermon and opened fire. He fired four shots, killing the pastor. Melton, sitting in congregation, immediately jumped to his feet, ran to the assailant, and grabbed him. After scuffling briefly, the assailant stabbed Melton with a knife and then turned to run. Melton tackled the gunman, and other members of the church joined in subduing the assailant.