Gqeberha – A peaceful prayer service at a church in Gqeberha took a terrifying turn on Thursday night when a US missionary was abducted at gunpoint in the middle of a sermon. Josh Sullivan, 45, has been missing since approximately 19:00 after the brazen abduction from the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, the largest township in Nelson Mandela Bay.
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, four armed and masked men stormed into the church in NU10 during the sermon and began robbing the congregants. "They robbed (sic) two cellphones and then took the male pastor with them and fled the scene in the pastor's vehicle. The silver Toyota Fortuner was recovered a short while later in Motherwell," she said.
Sullivan's wife, Meagan Witt Sullivan, and their young children were present at the service but were unharmed during the ordeal. As yet, no ransom demand has been made.
The SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and Motherwell detectives are currently investigating cases of kidnapping and armed robbery.
While police have not officially released the victim's name, Sullivan's sister church in Tennessee, under the mentorship of Pastor Tom Hatley, has confirmed his abduction.
News of Sullivan's abduction has prompted an outpouring of concern and prayers from family and friends, who have taken to social media to appeal for his safe return.
His mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, expressed her anguish on Facebook, writing: "Please continue to pray for my son, daughter-in-law, grandkids, and our family. They found his van abandoned, but [Joshua] is still missing. Our congressman and the American Embassy are working on finding him. I know he's doing God's work, and I also know he wouldn't change that."
Sullivan's brother-in-law, Zach Witt, described Thursday night as "a tough night for my family" and urged people to pray for his safety. "So many emotions at this point but what I do know is there is great faith at work. Let's pray together for his safe return and glorify our saviour for his goodness and mercy in all things," he said. "I know that's exactly what my sister, Meagan Witt Sullivan, and her kiddos are doing. Josh Sullivan, I love you, brother!"
Friends of the Sullivan couple, Jeremy and Rebekah Hall, said the family was staying with them while they awaited news. "The police have a lead on a suspect that they are pursuing at the moment. They are supposed to contact me when they have more information. Pray for a safe return and special grace and comfort from the Holy Spirit for this dear family," they said. "We have also heard that our government is aware and working with local authorities. Please continue in prayers."
Hailing from Maryville, Tennessee, Sullivan and his family moved to South Africa in 2018 to become a "church planter," focusing on establishing new churches and congregations.
On the Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell website, Sullivan expressed his desire to work with South Africans and "plant a church to the Xhosa-speaking people," after accepting the call to become a missionary in 2013. "Nothing that man can do is good, but with Christ at the helm, man can be used to bring Glory to his name," Sullivan stated.
News24 has contacted the US Embassy for comment and will add it once received.
The abduction of Sullivan marks the third such incident in Gqeberha in less than three weeks, raising concerns about a potential spike in kidnapping cases in the area.
On Tuesday, a Chinese national was abducted while travelling from a fresh produce market in Gqeberha to his business in Kariega. The 38-year-old victim was ambushed, shot at, and forced into a vehicle by three gunmen who had parked a white Toyota Quantum minibus across the M17 road near the M19 turnoff. An undisclosed ransom amount was demanded less than 24 hours after his abduction. He remains missing.
Late last month, Sumaiya Ali, a teacher at Happydale Special School in Gqeberha, was abducted from the school's parking lot in Algoa Park. The 45-year-old teacher had barely parked her grey Toyota Fortuner on Monday 24 March when a white Toyota Corolla followed her onto the premises. Three men got out of the vehicle, grabbed her, and forced her into the backseat before speeding away. She was missing for three days before being safely reunited with her family. Although the kidnappers demanded a ransom, it remains unclear whether Ali's family paid it.
The recent spate of abductions has prompted increased vigilance and concern among residents of Gqeberha.
Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation into Sullivan's abduction is urged to contact SAPS Anti-Gang Unit detective, Warrant Officer Dudley Ferreira, at 082 387 5957 or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
