In a deeply alarming incident, Pastor Josh Sullivan, an American missionary, was kidnapped in South Africa while conducting a prayer service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, near the city of Gqeberha. The shocking incident occurred late Thursday evening, drawing concern from local authorities and the international Christian community.
According to South African police reports, four armed and masked men stormed the church during an ongoing sermon and forcefully abducted Pastor Sullivan. The suspects also robbed two mobile phones from those present before fleeing the scene with the 45-year-old pastor.
Who is Pastor Josh Sullivan?
Pastor Sullivan, a husband and father of six, has served as a missionary in South Africa since 2018. Originally from Tennessee, he has been associated with Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville since 2012. Trained under Pastor Tom Hatley, Josh and his wife Meagan have been passionately spreading the Gospel among the speaking communities in South Africa.
A latest blog post by Sullivan reflected on his s rise, celebrating baptisms and conversions led by the s own members. We are so honored to see God task in the lives of our people. What a great God we serve! he wrote in March.
Suspected Motive: Ransom
Local sources, including Pastor Jeremy Hall, confirmed that around 30 people were present at the prayer meeting when the pastor was kidnapped in South Africa. Reports suggest that the suspects knew Pastor Sullivan by name and were aware of his role as a missionary, indicating a planned act likely motivated by ransom.
South African police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge stated that the case is currently being handled by a special kidnapping and ransom unit known as “The Hawks.” This specialized team takes over cases involving ransom demands or high-risk abductions.
Rising Threat of Kidnappings in South Africa
The kidnapping of Pastor Sullivan is part of a disturbing trend in South Africa. The country has seen a significant surge in kidnappings in new years, with to a greater extent than 000 cases recorded in the 2024 fiscal year. Experts attribute this increase to rising organized crime and related incidents.
U.S. Response and Prayer Support
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department has acknowledged awareness of the case and stated that consular assistance is being provided as needed. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s home church and community are urging people around the world to pray for his safe and swift release.
“Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa,” the church wrote on Facebook. “He was kidnapped at gunpoint by six men during their church service this evening.”
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the growing risks faced by missionaries and church workers in volatile regions.
