You are so right. Taking up our cross even means the cross of death. I simply cannot swallow the excuses given here when reading Jesus' words.
Then what is your excuse for not actively taking the gospel message into Saudi Arabia, or the Sudan and preaching Christ to the muslims. They need Christ, don't they? So where are the Christians that are called to bring them the gospel?
You, as a Christian, have been given the great commission to take the gospel to all nations. Saudi Arabia is a Nation. The gospel is not actively being preached there. There is a definite need, is there not? So take it there. If you dare.
Otherwise, don't judge this Christian man for his failings and don't pretend you'd do better in his situation. At least he is brave enough to be a Christian in such an anti-Christian nation.