The search is on for a US pastor named Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped at gunpoint throughout a church sermon within the Japanese Cape final week.
The American preacher and his household are from Tennessee and have been dwelling and doing missionary work in Gqeberha.
In line with police, a ransom has been demanded by his kidnappers.
US PASTOR JOSH SULLIVAN KIDNAPPED DURING CHURCH SERMON
On Thursday, 10 April, US pastor Josh Sullivan and his congregation have been ambushed by 4 armed males throughout a night service on the Fellowship Baptist Church in Gqerberha.
The Tennessee pastor was compelled at gunpoint into his personal car – a Toyota Fortuner – the place his attackers drove off with him to an unknown location.
In line with the Directorate for Precedence Crimes Investigation (often called the Hawks), the abductors have since demanded a ransom. Particulars have been stored confidential.
Japanese Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana instructed media of the US pastor’s kidnapping investigation: “A multidisciplinary process staff consisting of assorted police specialised items [has been] activated. The joint staff is at the moment following all attainable results in find the sufferer and apprehend the perpetrators.”
The Hawks urged anybody with data regarding the investigation to come back ahead.
USA TO SA
In line with the Related Press, Josh Sullivan, his spouse Meagan, and their youngsters moved to South Africa in 2018. The couple arrange an area department of the Fellowship Baptist Church within the Motherwell space.
In addition they established their NGO Sullivans in South Africa and a YouTube channel to doc their work with underprivileged communities in Gqerberh.a
Sullivan mentioned of his humanitarian work on his weblog: “In 2013, I accepted the decision to go the mission subject in South Africa. We arrived in South Africa in November 2018. We need to end language faculty quickly and plant a church for the Xhosa-speaking individuals.”
‘THEY KNEW HIS NAME’
In line with a household spokesperson, Josh Sullivan’s kidnappers knew who he was..
Chatting with South African media, he mentioned of the US pastor: “They knew his title. The boys got here into the church and initially held Meagan and walked her in the direction of the door earlier than saying, ‘Josh, is that this your spouse?’. They then pushed her to the bottom and took Josh earlier than driving off in his car.”
WIFE AND MOM BEG PUBLIC FOR PRAYERS
In the meantime, Fb consumer Tonya Mortin Rinker – who claims to be Josh Sullivan’s mom – has appealed to the general public for prayers.
She posted over the weekend: “My coronary heart is breaking, please proceed to wish for my son, daughter-in-law, grandkids and our household. They discovered his van deserted however Joshua was kidnapped. I do know he’s doing God’s work, and I additionally know he wouldn’t change that”.
Josh’s spouse Meagan additionally requested her followers to wish for his secure return.
“We beg you to proceed storming the throne room till Josh is secure at residence”, she posted.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS HAPPENED TO US PASTOR JOSH SULLIVAN?
Tell us by leaving a remark under, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African web site’s newsletters and observe us on WhatsApp, Fb, X, and Bluesky for the newest information.
