Josh Sullivan abducted during sermon in South Africa

Pastor Josh Sullivan, a U.S. missionary, was abducted at gunpoint during a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa, on Thursday evening. Four armed men entered the church, robbed attendees, and took Sullivan, leaving his family unharmed but shaken. The police believe the kidnapping is financially motivated, part of a troubling trend of increasing abductions in South Africa, with over 17,000 reported in the 2023-2024 financial year, marking an 11% rise from the previous year. Sullivan, who moved to South Africa in 2018 to plant a church for the Xhosa-speaking community, has been the subject of community tension prior to his abduction. His vehicle was found abandoned nearby shortly after the incident, and authorities are investigating the case. The family and church community are requesting prayers for Sullivan's safe return.