US Missionary Josh Sullivan Forgives Robber Before Kidnapping in South Africa

Josh Sullivan, a US missionary in South Africa, forgave a man who robbed him before his recent abduction. Sullivan was taken during a sermon, and while authorities have confirmed a ransom demand, details remain scarce. His church emphasized his dedication to the local community and the importance of his message of forgiveness amidst violence.

In the months preceding his abduction in South Africa, Josh Sullivan, a 34-year-old missionary from Tennessee, demonstrated remarkable grace after being robbed. In December, while addressing his congregation at Tri-City Baptist Church, he shared the incident of a young man stealing his wallet, which nearly led to the thief’s death. Sullivan chose forgiveness, seizing the occasion to preach the Gospel rather than seek revenge.

Sullivan, who heads the Fellowship Baptist Church in the impoverished Motherwell township, was taken by armed assailants during a sermon last Thursday. The kidnappers have subsequently demanded an undisclosed ransom. Heather Shirley, secretary at his home church in Maryville, Tennessee, confirmed that they could not reveal the ransom amount to ensure Sullivan’s safety, nor did she confirm if the kidnappers had offered any proof of his wellbeing.

In a statement, Sullivan’s home church highlighted his commitment to the Xhosa people, having first traveled to South Africa in 2015 for biblical training. They later returned as full-time missionaries in 2018, focusing on church planting. To effectively share their faith, Sullivan dedicated significant time to mastering the Xhosa language.

Pastor Tom Hatley of Fellowship Baptist Church has been in touch with Sullivan’s family, stating that they are fervently praying for his safe return. He recounted the circumstances of Sullivan’s abduction, where armed men forced congregants to the ground before taking him and his belongings. Hatley emphasized that the worldwide Christian community is uniting in prayer for Sullivan’s safety.

In a vlog from February, Sullivan shared insights about his church’s growth amidst challenges in Motherwell, which has a population of around 400,000. The church has been established since evolving from a Bible study he initiated in a rented house in 2020 and now gathers approximately 80 worshippers weekly.

Sullivan recounted his robbery experience, where he was distracted by an accomplice while another thief seized his wallet. After locating the robber, Sullivan was met with a hostile crowd promising vigilante justice. Despite the anger and potential for violence, Sullivan chose to forgive the thief and preached a heartfelt message about forgiveness to the assembly, underscoring the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of wrongdoing.

The story of Josh Sullivan reflects significant themes of forgiveness and the moral dilemmas faced in impoverished communities. His actions in forgiving the man who robbed him not only highlighted his faith but also provided a powerful message to the onlookers. As Sullivan continues to be held captive, his church and the broader Christian community remain hopeful and united in prayer for his safe return, illustrating the strength of their commitment to faith and compassion in adversity.

Original Source: www.christianpost.com