Sojourner #034: Missionary Abducted At Gunpoint In South Africa

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

This is a developing story and the situation is ongoing, details are subject to change.

American Church-planting missionary Josh Sullivan, 45, was reportedly abducted at gunpoint by four armed, masked men in a township located outside of Gqeberha, South Africa, on April 10, 2025. 

Sources close to the incident allege that the men entered Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell during a prayer service on Thursday evening and exited the building with Sullivan following a brief altercation. His wife, Meagan Sullivan, and their six children were present at the time of the abduction, but were not harmed.  

A silver Toyota Fortuner was found by SAPS Motherwell several kilometers from the site of the abduction (The Herald). Two cell phones were stolen from the church on Mambalaza Street.

Local police have opened an investigation into the incident, and the case is currently under the jurisdiction of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit (CBS). At the time, no ransom demands have been made by the abductors.

Sullivan and his family have served as missionaries in South Africa among the isiXhosa speaking community since 2018, and are from Maryville, Tennessee. The Xhosa people are a Bantu ethnic group that makes up the second largest ethnic group in South Africa.

(Credit: Facebook Photo from Rick Karle's report)

Kidnappings for ransom, largely carried out by local gangs, have become more prevalent in South Africa following a rise in overall gang violence throughout the nation. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, an 11% increase over the previous year, was recorded, totaling more than 17,000 reported kidnappings, per police statistics. 

Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, the Sullivan's sending church, issued a statement on Facebook saying, "Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa. He was kidnapped at gun point by six men during their church service this evening."

In his April Prayer Letter, published seven days before his abduction, he wrote, "We are so honored to see God work in the lives of our people. What a great God we serve! Pray for the South African people. Thank you all for your continual love, prayers, and support. We look forward to updating you again in the next few weeks. God bless!"

Statement from Meagan Sullivan: 04/11/25

"I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home." (FB: Meagan Witt Sullivan)

Update: 04/13/25

South African authorities have reportedly confirmed that missionary Josh Sullivan is being held for ransom following his abduction on Thursday evening - although no official statement has been made. 

The case has been handed over to the elite SAPS "Hawks" unit, which operates under the supervision of the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation, a division of the South African Police Service. 

The U.S. State Department has acknowledged that they are aware of the American missionary's abduction and are monitoring the situation.

Statement from SAPS HAWKS: 04/16/25

"A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, has resulted in the successful rescue of the 45-year-old American citizen, reportedly a local pastor who had allegedly been kidnapped and held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, on 15 April 2025.

The operation followed verified intelligence wherein a coordinated team comprising of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team and other key law enforcement partners moved swiftly to the identified location.

As officers approached the house, they observed a vehicle on the premises. The suspects inside the vehicle upon seeing law enforcement allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team. The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded.

The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack. Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.

This operation demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organised crime. The Hawks commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers and support personnel involved in securing the victim’s safe return.

We extend sincere appreciation to all role players that includes our law enforcement members, the public, international partners, both local and international media whose support and vigilance were instrumental in this success.

As investigations continue, we respectfully request privacy for the victim and his family as they navigate this period of recovery.

Anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS App.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the operational team for their courage, discipline and tactical excellence under fire. He also thanked senior government officials for their visible and personal support during this critical period, reaffirming that such united efforts send a strong message to those who threaten the safety and sovereignty of our nation." (Media Statement: SAPS)

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Editor's Note:

This is a developing story and will be updated as the situation progresses. Please, join us in praying for Josh Sullivan's safe return to his family in South Africa - pray that the Lord would work this situation for His glory and for the good of His people.

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