American Pastor Kidnapped at Gunpoint During Church Service in South Africa

Josh Sullivan, a U.S. missionary, was reportedly kidnapped during a church service in South Africa. The abduction occurred at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, leading to a police investigation. His mother confirmed the incident, expressing her faith amid uncertainty. The U.S. Department of State is aware of the kidnapping, as South Africa faces a significant rise in abductions over the past decade.

In South Africa, a U.S. missionary from Tennessee, Josh Sullivan, was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service. The incident occurred at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, where Sullivan was preaching to approximately 30 attendees, which included his wife and six children. Reports indicate that several men abducted him while stealing two phones before fleeing in the pastor’s vehicle.

Following the kidnapping, the South African Police Service launched an investigation, transferring the case to the Hawks, a specialized unit focused on serious organized crime. Authorities later discovered Sullivan’s vehicle abandoned but have not found any trace of him since the incident. According to Sullivan’s website, he arrived in South Africa in November 2018 to complete language training and initiate a church for the Xhosa-speaking community.

Tonay Rinker, Sullivan’s mother, confirmed the abduction, expressing her distress in a statement. “As a mother, you never think about something like this happening to your child but faith carries you through the uncertainty,” Rinker conveyed. She reflected on her son’s joyful nature, noting that he is always eager to bring laughter.

A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State acknowledged the situation, emphasizing that the safety of U.S. citizens abroad is a top priority. The statistics from the South African Police indicate a troubling surge in kidnapping incidents, which have escalated by 264% in the past decade.

The kidnapping of Josh Sullivan, a U.S. missionary in South Africa, highlights the escalating security challenges faced in the region, particularly regarding organized crime and abduction incidents. Efforts by local law enforcement and the U.S. government underline the importance placed on the safety of citizens abroad, although the rising statistics on kidnappings remain a concerning trend.

Original Source: wtov9.com