U.S. Missionary Kidnapped During Church Service in South Africa

Josh Sullivan, a missionary from Tennessee, was kidnapped during a church service in Motherwell, South Africa. The incident involved assailants stealing two phones and Sullivan’s vehicle. The investigation is led by an elite police unit, and Sullivan’s family expresses their faith during this distressing time. Kidnapping rates in South Africa have dramatically increased over the last decade.

A U.S. missionary from Tennessee, Josh Sullivan, has reportedly been kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell, South Africa, last week. Sullivan was preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church, attended by approximately 30 individuals, including his family, when the incident occurred. The assailants are said to have stolen two mobile phones and fled in Sullivan’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Fortuner, which has since been found abandoned without any sign of him.

The South African Police Service has informed that the investigation into Sullivan’s kidnapping has been taken over by the Hawks, an elite unit specialized in organized and serious commercial crimes. Sullivan’s journey to South Africa began in November 2018, when he moved there with his family to complete language studies and establish a church for the Xhosa-speaking community.

Tonay Rinker, Sullivan’s mother, confirmed the abduction in a statement to ABC News, expressing her disbelief and reliance on faith during this difficult time. “As a mother, you never think about something like this happening to your child but faith carries you through the uncertainty,” she shared. Rinker also highlighted Sullivan’s joyful spirit and keen sense of humor, noting his ability to bring laughter to those around him.

A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State acknowledged the kidnapping, affirming that the department prioritizes the safety and security of American citizens overseas. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that the occurrence of kidnappings in South Africa has surged by 264% over the last ten years, raising concerns about safety in the region.

In summary, the kidnapping of Josh Sullivan highlights significant concerns regarding safety in South Africa, especially with the alarming rise in kidnapping incidents. The investigation is being handled by specialized police units, while Sullivan’s family and the U.S. government continue to pursue his safe return. The case represents a broader issue of rising violent crime in the region.

Original Source: wtov9.com