American Pastor Abducted During Sermon in South Africa
An American missionary was kidnapped at gunpoint Thursday evening while delivering a sermon in South Africa, with masked assailants who reportedly knew him by name forcing him into his own vehicle before fleeing. Josh Sullivan, 45, was preaching at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, outside Gqeberha, when four armed men interrupted the service attended by approximately 30 people, including his wife and six children.
“It is alleged that while a sermon was conducted at the church, four armed and masked male suspects entered the church,” South African police told CBS News. “They robbed two cell phones and then took the 45-year-old male pastor with them and fled the scene.”
Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner was recovered about a mile from the church shortly after the abduction, but there was no trace of the Tennessee native who has served as a missionary in South Africa since 2018. As of Saturday, authorities reported no ransom demands had been received, though experts suggest the kidnapping appears financially motivated.
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A Targeted Abduction
The precision of the kidnapping has alarmed local authorities, with fellow pastor Rev. Jeremy Hall telling media outlets that the assailants specifically asked for Sullivan. “They knew him by name,” Hall said, according to People Magazine, suggesting this was not a random act of violence but a planned abduction.
Captain Andre Beetge, a police spokesperson, stated that if ransom demands are made, the case will be transferred to the Hawks, South Africa’s specialized police unit that investigates organized crime. “As I understand, there has been no ransom raised,” Beetge told reporters, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The U.S. State Department confirmed to CBS News that they are aware of an American citizen being kidnapped in South Africa but provided no additional details about their response or involvement in the case.
Please pray for Pastor Josh Sullivan, a missionary to South Africa. He was kidnapped at gunpoint by six men during his church service yesterday evening. pic.twitter.com/rkMxEhKLwo
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) April 12, 2025
Family’s Emotional Plea
Sullivan’s wife Megan released a statement through a family spokesperson on Saturday, expressing gratitude for the global outpouring of support while requesting continued prayers.
“I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers,” she said. “We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home.” The couple’s six children were present during the abduction, witnessing their father being taken at gunpoint.
Sullivan’s father-in-law, David Witt, spoke to local Tennessee station WVLT, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “We’re asking that everybody pray for Josh. I came out here to ask for prayer,” Witt stated. “We’re in a really tense situation right now.”
Mission Work in South Africa
According to his personal website and church biography, Sullivan arrived in South Africa with his family from Tennessee in November 2018 after accepting “the call to go to the mission field” in 2013. He had been on staff at Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee since February 2012, where he trained under pastor Tom Hatley.
“We are looking to finish language school soon and plant a church to the Xhosa speaking people,” Sullivan wrote on his personal site, referring to one of South Africa’s largest ethnic groups.
The Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville has requested prayers from supporters, writing on its Facebook page: “Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa. He was kidnapped at gunpoint by six men during their church service this evening.” The post noted that comments other than prayers would be deleted.
Rising Kidnapping Crisis
Sullivan’s abduction occurs against a backdrop of escalating kidnappings in South Africa. According to Daily Mail, kidnappings have increased by 264% over the past decade in the country. Police statistics reveal more than 17,000 kidnappings in the 2023-2024 financial year alone, representing an 11% increase over the previous year.
The police anti-gang unit confirmed that a Chinese national was also kidnapped Tuesday in the same city, highlighting a troubling pattern of abductions potentially targeting foreigners in the region.
Lt. Col. Avele Fumba, a Hawks spokesman, assured the public that “the police are currently following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” according to the BBC.
As the search for Sullivan continues, supporters worldwide have flooded social media with prayers and messages of hope. “We are now praying that you delivered from these evil men,” wrote Richard Stockton on the church website. Another supporter, Kody Moore, described Sullivan as a “faithful brother doing much to make Christ known in Africa,” adding, “Please pray for Josh to be brought home safely and especially his family during this absolutely terrible time.”
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