Pastor Josh Sullivan was reportedly kidnapped during a church service in South Africa. The incident occurred at Fellowship Baptist Church, where he was preaching. The assailants stole two phones and Sullivan’s vehicle, which was later found abandoned. The South African Police have assigned the case to an elite unit known as the Hawks. His mother has expressed deep concern, and the U.S. State Department is involved.
In a shocking incident, a U.S. missionary from Tennessee, Pastor Josh Sullivan, was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in South Africa. The occurrence took place at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, where Sullivan was preaching to a small congregation that included his wife and six children. Reports indicate that the assailants stole two mobile phones and subsequently fled in the pastor’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later discovered abandoned without any sign of Sullivan.
The South African Police Service has transferred the investigation to the Hawks, an elite unit specializing in serious organized and commercial crimes. Sullivan has been in South Africa since November 2018 with his family, focusing on language studies and establishing a church for the Xhosa-speaking community. His mother, Tonay Rinker, confirmed his abduction, expressing her deep concern and relying on faith amid the distressing situation.
In a statement to ABC News, Rinker articulated the emotional turmoil faced by parents of abducted individuals, stating, “As a mother, you never think about something like this happening to your child but faith carries you through the uncertainty.” The U.S. Department of State has acknowledged awareness of the kidnapping case and reassured that the safety of U.S. citizens abroad remains a top priority. Notably, statistics reveal a staggering 264% rise in kidnappings in South Africa over the last decade, underscoring a growing safety crisis in the nation.
Pastor Josh Sullivan’s abduction during a church service in South Africa highlights significant safety concerns for expatriates in the region. His case has drawn attention to the alarming increase in kidnappings, raising questions about security measures for foreigners. The commitment of law enforcement agencies and support from the U.S. government is crucial as efforts to locate Sullivan progress.
Original Source: wtov9.com
