Pastor Josh Sullivan was mid-sermon with more than twenty people in his South African church when gunmen barged in and abducted him. A source close to the case said the kidnappers have made a request.
According to authorities and a friend, on April 10, 2025, American pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted from the Fellowship Baptist Church. The U.S. missionary was taken by gunmen in the town of Motherwell in South Africa.
Pastor Sullivan’s colleague said the incident, which occurred outside the coastal city of Gqeberha, appeared to be a kidnapping for ransom. In recent years, kidnappings by criminal gangs targeting individuals for large ransoms have increased in South Africa.
According to the police, “It is alleged that while a sermon was conducted at the church, four armed and masked male suspects entered the church.” They further stated that the suspects “robbed two cell phones and then took the 45-year-old male pastor with them and fled the scene.”
Reverend Jeremy Hall, a pastor based in the same city where Sullivan was kidnapped, said the victim was hosting a prayer meeting with around 30 attendees, including his wife and six children, when the armed kidnappers entered.
The suspects took Sullivan, forced him into his car, and drove off. His abandoned car was later recovered about a mile from the church. Hall noted, “They knew him by name.” He also believes the abduction is “financially related.”
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department revealed that they are aware of the kidnapping. Meanwhile, police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, urged anyone with information to come forward.
According to Beetge, “As I understand, there has been no ransom raised.” However, he said protocol dictated that once a ransom was demanded, the case would be handed over to the Hawks, a specialized police unit that investigates organized crime, economic crime, corruption, and other serious offenses.
Sullivan has since received support and prayers through the Facebook page of his church. Sharing an image of him at the pulpit and another with his family, the account wrote, “Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa. He was kidnapped at gun point by six men during their church service this evening.”
A day after Sullivan’s abduction, his wife, Meagan Witt Sullivan, released a statement on Facebook through a family spokesperson, which read “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.”
Her father, David Witt, also made a touching request for his kidnapped son-in-law, stating, “We’re asking that everybody pray for Josh. I came out here to ask for prayer,” adding, “We’re in a really tense situation right now.”
Witt has been communicating with U.S. officials about the matter, including those on the ground in South Africa. He has been receiving updates, but there isn’t much clarity at this point.
Speaking about the abduction, Witt revealed, “Josh was abducted last night by four armed gunman [sic]. They are in a process right now; we don’t know very much.” Sharing some background into his son-in-law, he said, “Josh basically surrendered to be a missionary out of high school.”
Sullivan co-created the Fellowship Baptist Church with his wife, Christina McMillin, and Debra Graham, who works at Salon Nouvelle. Speaking about the ordeal, McMillin admitted, “It’s terrifying. They never set out to hurt anybody or do anything. I can’t believe this has happened,” adding, “I hope they find him soon and he’s okay.”
Graham only had positive things to say about the Sullivans, stating, “I can’t say anything but good about the whole family. They’re precious people. There’s lots of people praying for him.”
Witt noted how devastating the situation is, especially for Sullivan’s children. “These are my children and grandchildren. On the flipside, we serve a big God. We trust in him,” he stated,
Mark Coffey, a man in South Africa who knows a bit about the case, alleged the kidnappers are asking for ransom. However, he could not disclose the amount, although he did reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Embassy were involved in negotiations.
Coffey also noted that the Sullivans have received proof that the pastor is still alive. Meanwhile, negotiators remain in contact with the kidnappers.
Witt shared his gratitude with the community, stating, “We want to thank the community for all of the love and prayers.” He-added, “We’re talking thousands of people who have reached out to us.”
Coffey also shared a Facebook post asking for prayers for the pastor’s safe return, revealing some background information about him. According to Coffey’s post, the victim, who loves sports, attended Maryville High School, where he stood out as their star football player. He was even involved with three state championship teams.
The same passion he had then has since been focused on missions and ministry. In 2015, Sullivan and his wife first traveled to South Africa for Bible training. According to his website, he and his family arrived to live full-time as missionaries in South Africa from Maryville, Tennessee, in November 2018.
For two years, he learned the town’s native tongue, Xhosa, so he could minister to the people in their language. Eventually, he opened his own church. He revealed part of his mission on his website, stating, “We are looking to finish language school soon and plant a church to the Xhosa speaking people.”
His website also indicated that he had been a staff member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, since February 2012. The Sullivans have four biological children but adopted two South African kids, making them a family of six.
Sullivan’s commitment to his mission and community remains evident even amid this crisis. As efforts continue for his safe return, support for his family continues to grow stronger across the globe.