U.S. Pastor Abducted at Gunpoint During Sermon in South Africa

U.S. pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted at gunpoint during a sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church in South Africa. Four armed men stormed the service, stealing phones and forcing Sullivan into a vehicle. Authorities are investigating the incident, with significant community support for the pastor’s safe return.

On Thursday evening, during a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, South Africa, a U.S. pastor was abducted at gunpoint by four masked gunmen. The police reported that the assailants held the congregation hostage, confiscated cellphones, and forcibly removed Pastor Josh Sullivan, fleeing in his silver Toyota Fortuner. Following the incident, authorities initiated an investigation into the armed robbery and abduction, with the stolen vehicle being discovered abandoned shortly afterward.

Local media have identified the victim as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, a missionary from Tennessee. Although police have not officially confirmed his identity, various online records and personal blogs corroborate these claims. Sullivan, along with his wife Meagan and their two children, relocated to South Africa in November 2018 to serve as a “church-planting missionary”.

A photo of Sullivan delivering a sermon was circulated on platform X (formerly Twitter) by Tom Hatley, who identified himself as Sullivan’s childhood pastor. Hatley, speaking on behalf of Sullivan’s wife, urged the public to pray for the pastor’s safe return. Meanwhile, back in Maryville, Tennessee, Tonya Rinker, who claims to be Sullivan’s mother, expressed her anguish on Facebook and requested prayers for her family, noting the involvement of the U.S. Embassy in South Africa in the search efforts.

Captain Andre Beetge, spokesperson for the police, stated that the South African Police Service’s Anti-Gang Unit is now leading the investigation. Should a ransom demand arise, the case would then be escalated to the Hawks, a police unit specializing in organized crime and serious offenses. Amidst these developments, support messages for Sullivan have surged on social media and his blog, with comments expressing prayers for his safety and swift liberation.

In summary, the abduction of Pastor Josh Sullivan during a sermon in South Africa has raised significant concern both locally and internationally. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, with the community expressing solidarity through prayers and support. The situation continues to evolve as law enforcement agencies address the complexities of the case, particularly if a ransom demand is made.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in