Motherwell, South Africa — Loved ones and faith communities across two continents are rallying in support of 35-year-old Pastor Josh Sullivan, an American missionary who was kidnapped at gunpoint during a prayer service in South Africa last week. Sullivan, who has lived in the country with his wife and children since 2018, was taken from a small Fellowship Baptist Church congregation in the southern town of Motherwell on the evening of Thursday, April 10.
According to local police, a group of armed assailants stormed the church as Sullivan was leading the service. Witnesses reported chaos and confusion as congregants were ordered to the ground. The men forcibly removed Sullivan from the building and fled in a waiting vehicle. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Authorities in South Africa have launched a manhunt for the suspects, and are working closely with U.S. officials. The case has also drawn attention from international human rights groups and missionary organizations that warn of increasing risks for foreign religious workers in volatile regions.
Sullivan’s family and church community describe him as a man of deep faith, humility, and warmth. In a statement to NBC News, his mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, described her son as “an exceptional father, husband, and son, embodying kindness, strength, and generosity.” She added, “Josh’s humor and wit are a blessing. He is always ready with a joke and forever seeking to make people laugh.”
Sullivan and his wife, Meagan, moved to South Africa with their children as part of a long-term commitment to serve the people of Motherwell through ministry, education, and humanitarian work. His work at the Fellowship Baptist Church was marked by a passion for community outreach, youth mentorship, and spiritual guidance. Friends say he had a rare ability to connect with people across language and cultural barriers.
“Josh is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said fellow missionary and friend Daniel Reaves. “He poured his heart into this community, and he’s touched more lives than he probably realizes.”
The Fellowship Baptist Church in the United States has issued a public statement asking for prayers and continued support for the Sullivan family. A GoFundMe page has also been created to assist with legal costs, security coordination, and support for Meagan and their children.
U.S. State Department officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and are in regular communication with South African authorities. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure Josh’s safe return,” one official stated.
As days stretch on with no word from the kidnappers or Sullivan, hope remains the anchor for his family, friends, and church community.
“We are believing for a miracle,” said his mother. “Josh is strong, and his faith is even stronger. We know God is with him, and we will not stop praying for his safe return.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact South African police or local authorities. The Sullivan family and their church community ask that the public continue to spread awareness, share Josh’s story, and remain steadfast in prayer.