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Josh Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, was reportedly abducted by four armed men who stormed a church in the Eastern Cape.
American missionary Josh Sullivan, seen in this undated photo, was reportedly kidnapped, April 10, 2025, during a church service in Motherwell. Picture: Facebook/Fellowship Baptist Church
Eastern Cape police have confirmed that the search for a 34-year-old American missionary is continuing after his alleged kidnapping.
Josh Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, was reportedly abducted last week by four armed men who stormed a church in Motherwell, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, confirmed the incident on its Facebook page.
“Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa. He was kidnapped at gunpoint by six men during their church service this evening,” the church said on Thursday, 10 April.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant General Avele Fumba told The Citizen they are investigating an alleged kidnapping of “a man believed to be the pastor of a local church”.
“Our top priority of the stage is the safe return of the victim, and our multidisciplinary team is currently on the ground, following all possible leads and working tirelessly to ensure a safe resolution.
“The matter is still an ongoing investigation. We appeal to the public and the media for cooperation and patience. Anyone with credible information, please come forward.”
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Fumba could not disclose if any ransom was demanded, as this would interfere with the investigations.
“The matter is at a very sensitive stage and is ongoing, so our priority is the safe return of the victim.”
Fumba has urged the public to allow police to conduct their investigations, adding that they will provide updates on the matter.
Sullivan’s mother, Tonya Rinker, said they are devastated by her son’s kidnapping.
“My heart is breaking, please continue to pray for my son, daughter-in-law, grandkids and our family. They found his van abandoned, but Joshua was kidnapped. I know he’s doing God’s work, and I also know he wouldn’t change that.”
According to Rinker, Josh and his wife, Meagan, first came to South Africa in 2015 for a six-month internship as part of their Bible training.
“Josh committed himself to two years of language school and became fluent in Xhosa so he could preach, disciple, and minister more effectively. That dedication led to the planting of Fellowship Baptist Church in the township of Motherwell — a community that has become home to their hearts.
“Josh’s love for the Xhosa people is evident in everything he does. He doesn’t just serve them — he walks with them, learns from them, and pours his life into building lasting relationships rooted in the love of Christ. He often says that learning the Xhosa language wasn’t just about communication — it was about connection,” Rinker said.
Rinker thanked all those who have supported her family during their ordeal as she called for Josh’s safe return.
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