‘Prayers needed’: American pastor abducted during church service in SA
The family of American pastor Josh Sullivan are pleading for his safe return following his abduction in South Africa.
Eastern Cape police are investigating the shocking abduction of an American missionary, Pastor Josh Sullivan, who was taken at gunpoint during a church service last week.
The Tennessee-born pastor, who has been living in Gqeberha with his family as part of a missionary outreach, was reportedly seized mid-sermon in front of a stunned congregation.
Authorities have confirmed that the kidnappers have since made contact, demanding a ransom for his release. The case has sparked concern both locally and abroad, with law enforcement working around the clock to trace his whereabouts and ensure his safe return.
US PASTOR JOSH SULLIVAN KIDNAPPED DURING CHURCH SERMON
On Thursday, 10 April, four armed suspects stormed the Fellowship Baptist Church in Gqeberha during an evening service, targeting US pastor Josh Sullivan and his congregation.
The pastor, originally from Tennessee, was forced into his Toyota Fortuner at gunpoint and taken away by the assailants to an undisclosed location.
The incident is being investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks); the kidnappers have since demanded a ransom. Details have been kept confidential.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana told media of the US pastor’s kidnapping investigation: “A multidisciplinary task team consisting of various police specialised units [has been] activated. The joint team is currently following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.”
The Hawks urged anyone with information relating to the investigation to come forward.
USA TO SA
According to the Associated Press, Josh Sullivan, his wife Meagan, and their children moved to South Africa in 2018. The couple set up a local branch of the Fellowship Baptist Church in the Motherwell area.
They also established their NGO Sullivans in South Africa and a YouTube channel to document their work with underprivileged communities in Gqerberh.a
Sullivan said of his humanitarian work on his blog: “In 2013, I accepted the call to go the mission field in South Africa. We arrived in South Africa in November 2018. We are looking to finish language school soon and plant a church for the Xhosa-speaking people.”
‘THEY KNEW HIS NAME’
According to a family spokesperson, Josh Sullivan’s kidnappers knew who he was..
Speaking to South African media, he said of the US pastor: “They knew his name. The men came into the church and initially held Meagan and walked her towards the door before saying, ‘Josh, is this your wife?’. They then pushed her to the ground and took Josh before driving off in his vehicle.”
WIFE AND MOM BEG PUBLIC FOR PRAYERS
Meanwhile, Facebook user Tonya Mortin Rinker – who claims to be Josh Sullivan’s mother – has appealed to the public for prayers.
She posted over the weekend: “My heart is breaking, please continue to pray for my son, daughter-in-law, grandkids and our family. They found his van abandoned but Joshua was kidnapped. I know he’s doing God’s work, and I also know he wouldn’t change that”.
Josh’s wife Meagan also asked her followers to pray for his safe return.
“We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home”, she posted.