South African Authorities Seek American Missionary Missing After Kidnapping
Josh Sullivan, an American missionary, was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in South Africa. The suspects, armed and unknown, forced him into his vehicle and fled. Local authorities are investigating, and his family is appealing for prayers for his safe return. Sullivan has served as a missionary in South Africa since 2018.
American missionary Josh Sullivan was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell, South Africa, on Thursday. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. local time when four armed suspects entered the church and forcibly removed the pastor from the premises. Sullivan’s church in Tennessee, Fellowship Baptist Church, confirmed the kidnapping via a Facebook post, prompting widespread concern and prayers for his safe return.
The South African Police Service’s Lt. Gen. Avele Fumba confirmed that their specialized Hawks unit is actively investigating the case. Witnesses reported that the armed suspects took Sullivan and fled in his vehicle, a silver Toyota 4Runner, which was later found abandoned in Motherwell. In response to the incident, police have formed a multidisciplinary task team to pursue all viable leads.
Sullivan’s mother, Tonya Rinker, has publicly appealed for prayer, praising her son and sharing how his commitment to his faith and service in South Africa has been impactful. A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department acknowledged awareness of the kidnapping case involving an American citizen. According to Sullivan’s biography, he has been a church-planting missionary in South Africa since November 2018, serving at Fellowship Baptist Church since 2012.
The kidnapping of American missionary Josh Sullivan in South Africa highlights serious safety concerns in the region. With investigations ongoing and the police mobilizing resources, the local community and his family remain hopeful for his swift and safe return. The incident underscores the risks that missionaries and service members may face in their commitment to faith-based work abroad.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
