Tennessee Pastor Josh Sullivan Abducted at Gunpoint During Sermon in South Africa; Authorities and Family Urge Public to Help Locate Missing Missionary
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — April 12, 2025 — A harrowing act of violence unfolded Thursday evening in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province when Pastor Josh Sullivan, a missionary from Maryville, Tennessee, was abducted by four armed and masked men while delivering a sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township. The incident, which took place in front of his wife, children, and congregation, has triggered an urgent investigation and drawn international concern.
Shocking Abduction During Worship Service
Pastor Sullivan, 45, was in the midst of preaching to his congregation when four assailants stormed the church around 7:00 p.m. Eyewitnesses said the men brandished firearms, ordering everyone to stay down. They seized two cellphones from congregants before forcibly removing Sullivan from the pulpit at gunpoint.
The attackers then forced the pastor into his own vehicle — a silver Toyota Fortuner — and fled the scene. The vehicle was later recovered, abandoned, in another part of Motherwell. Pastor Sullivan’s whereabouts remain unknown.
A Missionary’s Legacy
Originally from Maryville, Tennessee, Josh Sullivan had served with Fellowship Baptist Church in his hometown for years before moving to South Africa in 2018 with his wife, Meagan Sullivan, and their six children. He took up leadership of the church’s Motherwell branch, dedicating himself to community development, outreach, and spiritual guidance.
Known for his quiet humility and passion for service, Sullivan had become a beloved figure in the local community. His sudden and violent disappearance has sent shockwaves through both the South African congregation and his church family back in Tennessee.
Investigations and International Support
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an aggressive investigation, classifying the incident as an armed robbery and abduction. Their Anti-Gang Unit is currently leading the case, and law enforcement is combing through surveillance footage and gathering witness testimony to identify and track the suspects.
Authorities have confirmed that Sullivan’s family has received evidence confirming he is still alive, though the motive behind the abduction remains unclear. There has been no official confirmation of a ransom demand at this time.
The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria is working closely with South African officials and remains in contact with the Sullivan family to provide support. Embassy spokespersons stated that “every effort is being made to locate Pastor Sullivan and ensure his safe return.”
Community and Global Response
Churches across the U.S. and South Africa are rallying in prayer vigils and public appeals. Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville held an emotional candlelight service Friday evening, where hundreds gathered to pray for Sullivan’s safe return and support his family.
“Our hearts are broken,” said Pastor Eric Daniels of Fellowship Baptist. “Josh answered a calling to serve those in need. He brought light to some of the darkest corners. We’re begging for that light to be returned to us.”
A Call for Information
South African police are urging anyone with information about the abduction to come forward. “No detail is too small,” said Colonel Priscilla Naidu, SAPS spokesperson. “We are working tirelessly to find Pastor Sullivan and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Anyone with tips or information is urged to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or contact their nearest police station. The U.S. Embassy hotline is also open for tips related to the case.
As the search intensifies, communities across continents hold onto hope — that a man who came to spread faith and peace will soon be reunited with those he was called to serve.