On Thursday evening, April 10, 2025, the peaceful community of Motherwell Township in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, was shaken by a disturbing incident. Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old American pastor and missionary, was abducted at gunpoint during a regular church service at Fellowship Baptist Church. The kidnapping occurred around 7:00 p.m. when four masked gunmen stormed into the church, stole two congregants’ cellphones, and forcefully took Pastor Sullivan to his silver Toyota Fortuner.
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The vehicle was later found abandoned in the township, but Pastor Sullivan remains missing. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since launched a full-scale investigation, with the Anti-Gang Unit taking the lead in the search.
Pastor Josh Sullivan: A Missionary with a Purpose
Originally from Tennessee, Pastor Sullivan moved to South Africa in 2018 with his wife Meagan and their two children to pursue missionary work. A graduate of Fellowship Baptist Bible Institute, affiliated with Macedonia Baptist College in North Carolina, Sullivan had a deep passion for serving the Xhosa-speaking community.
He was known for his dedication to preaching the gospel, building churches, and fostering strong, faith-based communities throughout the Eastern Cape. His abduction has left his family, congregation, and international supporters devastated and searching for answers.
Details of the Kidnapping and Ongoing Investigation
According to witnesses, the gunmen disrupted the Thursday service with weapons drawn, creating chaos and fear among the attendees. After stealing phones, the assailants targeted Pastor Sullivan directly, escorting him at gunpoint to his vehicle, which was later found abandoned. As of now, there has been no confirmed ransom demand, though kidnapping for ransom remains a strong possibility.
The SAPS Anti-Gang Unit is currently leading the investigation, and if a ransom demand emerges, the case may escalate to involve the Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit. Authorities are also collaborating with the U.S. embassy in South Africa, which is assisting in the investigation and supporting the Sullivan family.
Rising Threat of Kidnappings in the Eastern Cape
Pastor Sullivan’s abduction is not an isolated incident. The Eastern Cape has seen a disturbing rise in kidnapping cases in recent years. In 2024 alone, more than 80 cases were reported, many involving ransom demands. Criminals often target both locals and foreigners, making safety a growing concern in the region.
In March 2025, another high-profile case involved the kidnapping of a 55-year-old businessman, who was rescued over 800 kilometers away during an intelligence-led police operation. That incident highlighted the sophistication and reach of kidnapping syndicates operating in the region.
Community and International Response
The response to Pastor Sullivan’s kidnapping has been immediate and widespread. Across South Africa and internationally, people have shared messages of support, prayers, and hope for his safe return. Social media platforms are filled with tributes and pleas for assistance in locating the pastor, with many emphasizing his compassion, faith, and dedication to service.
Local authorities have also ramped up patrols and urged residents and visitors to exercise caution. Safety advisories include avoiding the display of valuables, staying alert in unfamiliar areas, and regularly checking official travel and crime updates.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Unity
The kidnapping of Pastor Josh Sullivan is a tragic reminder of the rising insecurity in parts of South Africa, particularly in regions like the Eastern Cape. As authorities intensify their search and international cooperation grows, the hope remains strong that Pastor Sullivan will be found and safely reunited with his family.
This incident underscores the urgent need for improved security measures and stronger community awareness. For residents, visitors, and missionaries working in high-risk areas, vigilance, preparedness, and support from local authorities are essential.
As the investigation continues, the global community stands united in prayer and support, awaiting news of Pastor Sullivan’s safe return and justice for those responsible.