US Pastor Abducted During Sermon in South Africa: Investigation Underway
A US pastor, Josh Sullivan, was abducted at gunpoint during a sermon in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Four masked gunmen attacked the Fellowship Baptist Church, stealing cellphones and the pastor’s vehicle. The South African Police’s Anti-Gang Unit is investigating the incident, and there’s widespread support for Sullivan’s safe return from his family and the community.
On Thursday evening, a US pastor was abducted at gunpoint during a sermon in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township. Four masked gunmen entered the church mid-service, holding parishioners at gunpoint, stealing two cellphones from the congregation, and forcibly taking the pastor who they abducted in his silver Toyota Fortuner, which authorities later found abandoned nearby.
The kidnapped pastor has been identified as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, a missionary from Tennessee. Though police have not confirmed his identity formally, various online records, including personal blogs, support the reports of his abduction. Sullivan moved with his family to South Africa in November 2018 to serve as a church-planting missionary.
Tom Hatley, a user on X (formerly Twitter) and Sullivan’s childhood pastor, shared a photo of Sullivan preaching and expressed concerns for his safety, calling for the community’s prayers. Meanwhile, Tonya Rinker, identified as Sullivan’s mother on Facebook, conveyed her sorrow over the event, requesting prayers for Sullivan and his family, noting the involvement of the US Embassy in South Africa in the search efforts.
The South African Police Service’s Anti-Gang Unit is leading the investigation into the abduction and robbery. Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge indicated that if a ransom demand is made, the case will be escalated to the Hawks, a specialized unit that addresses organized crime and serious offenses. Support messages for Sullivan’s safe return have been active on social media, expressing hope and urging prayers for his release.
The abduction of US pastor Josh Sullivan highlights serious safety concerns in South Africa, particularly within the church community. As investigations by the Police Anti-Gang Unit are underway, the family’s calls for prayers emphasize the urgency of the situation. Continued support and vigilance are crucial as authorities seek to secure Sullivan’s safe return while also addressing the broader implications of such violence against missionaries and communities abroad.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
