PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped at gunpoint in South Africa while conducting a prayer service.
👥 Who’s Involved: Josh Sullivan, the South African Police Service’s Hawks unit, and Sullivan’s family.
📍 Where & When: Last Thursday, Motherwell, South Africa.
💬 Key Quote: “Please pray for Josh Sullivan,” the Fellowship Baptist Church in Tennessee posted on Facebook.
⚠️ Impact: Concerns for his safety have led to an ongoing search and calls for information from the public.
IN FULL:
Authorities are combing South Africa for a missing American missionary, Josh Sullivan, who was reportedly abducted last week during a prayer service in the town of Motherwell. Sullivan, 35, from Tennessee, has been living with his family in South Africa since 2018, connected to the Fellowship Baptist Church.
Local police stated that armed individuals entered the church, capturing Sullivan and forcibly transporting him in his vehicle, which was soon found deserted in the vicinity. The South African Police Service’s special unit, Hawks, confirmed their active investigation into this incident, emphasizing their commitment to securing his safe return.
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the situation, but Sullivan’s location remains unknown as of Tuesday. His family, back in the United States, has taken to social media requesting prayers and support. “My heart is breaking,” his mother, Tonya Rinker, expressed on Facebook, urging continuous prayers for her family and describing Sullivan as a devoted and God-serving individual.
“Please pray for Josh Sullivan,” the Fellowship Baptist Church in Tennessee posted. They also mentioned receiving derogatory remarks about their missionary activities.
Sullivan’s case comes as the United States and South Africa have seen a fraying in their diplomatic relations. This is partially due to the South African government looking to seize land from white farmers without compensation.
A similar move was enacted by Zimbabwe decades ago and led to deaths, a collapse in food production, and massive economic problems. Now, after the fall of the late dictator Robert Mugabe, the government of Zimbabwe has decided to enact some measures to compensate those who had their land seized.