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

A U.S. missionary, Josh Sullivan, was allegedly kidnapped during a church service in South Africa. The incident occurred at Fellowship Baptist Church, where the assailants stole phones and his vehicle. The case has been handed over to the Hawks unit, while kidnappings in South Africa have surged by 264% in the last decade. Sullivan’s family remains hopeful, and the U.S. government is monitoring the situation closely.

In a distressing event in South Africa, a U.S. missionary from Tennessee was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service. Josh Sullivan was preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell when the incident occurred, involving several armed men and impacting approximately 30 congregants, including Sullivan’s family.

The South African Police Service advised that the assailants stole two mobile phones and subsequently escaped in Sullivan’s vehicle. The police discovered the vehicle, a silver Toyota Fortuner, abandoned but found no trace of the pastor. The case has been escalated to an elite unit, the Hawks, which specializes in serious organized crimes.

Sullivan’s family has been notified, with his mother, Tonay Rinker, confirming the abduction to the media. Rinker expressed her emotional turmoil, 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 is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing its commitment to the safety of American citizens overseas. Alarmingly, a report from the South African Police Service highlights a 264% increase in kidnappings in the country over the last decade.

The reported kidnapping of pastor Josh Sullivan highlights the alarming rise in abductions in South Africa, reflecting a troubling trend in the nation. Authorities are actively pursuing the case, and Sullivan’s family continues to express strong faith amid uncertainty. The U.S. State Department’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the importance of citizen safety abroad.

Original Source: wtov9.com