Search Continues for American Pastor Kidnapped in South Africa

American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped in South Africa during a prayer service. He has lived there with his family since 2018. Local authorities and the U.S. State Department are involved in the investigation. His family and church community are urging prayers for his safe return amid growing scrutiny of missionary work.

The search continues for Josh Sullivan, a 35-year-old American pastor kidnapped last week in South Africa. Sullivan, who has been residing in South Africa with his wife and children since 2018, was abducted during a prayer service by armed men who raided his congregation in Motherwell. Local police reported that he was forcibly taken into his truck, which was later abandoned nearby.

The South African police unit known as the Hawks is investigating Sullivan’s kidnapping. They confirmed their commitment to ensuring the victim’s safe return and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged awareness of the situation, though Sullivan’s current whereabouts remain unclear.

Tonya Rinker, Sullivan’s mother from Maryville, Tennessee, expressed her heartbreak on social media, pleading for prayers for her son and the family. She highlighted Sullivan’s dedication to his missionary work and his loving character, emphasizing his age as 35, contrary to erroneous reports suggesting he is 45.

The Fellowship Baptist Church in Tennessee, which Sullivan is affiliated with, has publicly requested prayers for him. The church has also faced scrutiny and backlash regarding its missionary activities, to which they responded by affirming their commitment to serving God in this capacity, stating, “It is this — because God did and He told us to.”

The ongoing search for Josh Sullivan underscores the risks missionaries face while serving abroad. Authorities are diligently working to ensure his safe return, while his family and church community are rallying support through prayers and advocacy. This incident highlights critical issues surrounding violence against individuals in religious vocations and the need for safety measures in such operations.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com