Holy Week Turns to Horror Week
By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network
Port Elizabeth, South Africa (WNN)- As many in the Christian faith were preparing for Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday, two churches were sent reeling after an unfathomable event, creating a week that feels like anything but Holy. Four armed, masked gunmen burst into a prayer meeting Thursday night at Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell, located in Motherwell township in the Eastern Cape Province of Port Elisabeth, South Africa.
Details of the Abduction
They forced Pastor Josh Sullivan to leave at gunpoint and left in his Toyota Fortuner. The gunmen also stole two cell phones from members of the congregation. Sullivan, 45, is an American missionary from Maryville, Tennessee. The Toyota was found abandoned just a few miles away from the church.
Ransom Demand and Ongoing Investigation
By Friday afternoon, the abductors had made a demand for ransom. Josh Sullivan’s voice was heard over a cell phone as proof of life. No organized group has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the kidnapping.
An unconfirmed report said the attackers grabbed Pastor Sullivan’s wife, Megan, and called him by his name before letting her go and demanding he stop the sermon and leave with them. Both the confirmed and unconfirmed details lead authorities to believe this is an act for money and not to make a political statement against Americans, nor missionaries.
Authorities are releasing very limited details because this is an active situation with an ongoing investigation. Safety and security are top priorities to return Sullivan unharmed. Details and updates will be made when prudent to do so. Unfortunately, kidnappings in South Africa are on the rise, with 17,000 cases in 2024.
The Victim and His Community
Members of his home church, Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville are in shock at the events of the past few days. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville is approximately 15-20 miles south of Knoxville, TN. Although considered a part of the Knoxville Metropolitan Area, there are enough undeveloped rural areas to add a small town feel to the suburb.
The Maryville faith community is tightknit for the most part, area congregations often come together for combined efforts in outreach and meeting needs of the community. The surreal events that have happened to one of their own in South Africa have fostered an outpouring of prayers, and support for family and friends of the Sullivan family.
Law Enforcement Involvement and International Assistance
Once a ransom was demanded, the case was turned over to the “Hawks”, The Directive for Priority Crime Investigation. Established in 2008, this is the branch of the South African Police Service which specializes in the investigation of organized crime, economic crimes, corruption, and other serious crimes such as kidnapping for ransom and armed robbery.
Investigations are assigned by the President or other divisions of the police. Friday after contact from the abductors, the investigation was classified as armed robbery and kidnapping requesting ransom. Along with the Hawks, the U.S. Embassy and F.B.I. are assisting in the ongoing investigation. An international line is available for any information pertaining to the case at 011-27(82)-569-8513.
Pastor Josh Sullivan’s Background
Josh Sullivan felt the call to preach on January 1, 2010. He enrolled in the Bible college at Fellowship Baptist Bible Institute, a satellite program of Macedonia Bible College in Midland, N.C. He graduated in 2015. While serving on staff at Fellowship Baptist Church, Maryville he accepted the call to South Africa as a missionary in 2013.
Cultural training and language school followed for him along with his wife Megan. In November 2018 they along with their two children moved to South Africa as church planters and missionaries. Their mission was to establish a place of community worship among the Xchosa people group. This church plant was where the abduction occurred during a praying meeting of about 30 people.
The Xchosa People: Culture and Language
The Xchosa (pronounced Ko Sha with a tongue click added to denote the “x”) are the second largest ethnic group in South Africa behind the Zulus. Primarily hunters and herdsmen, they have mainly lived in the Eastern Cape since the 600’s.
The Xchosa-speaking people have a unique spoken language; it is part of what is known as a click clack language. A clicking of the tongue is used to denote the use of the consonants; C, Q, and X. “C” is represented using a dental click, similar in sound to tut tut or tsk tsk. “Q” is represented by an alveolar click, which is articulated by placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Finally, the “X” is produced by a lateral click that sounds like what is used in the calling of a horse.
Current Situation and Safety Considerations
After nearly seven years in country, the Sullivan family is well established in their community as well as is the church they planted. Due to the sensitive nature and for the safety of Josh Sullivan and his family, details are very limited concerning the investigation of any rescue operation that might at some point be planned. Family, friends, and church members have taken to social media to thank everyone for their outpouring of prayer and ongoing support.
At this point, a great deal of patience must be exercised. According to the FBI website, the early stages of a kidnapping are the most volatile; it is best to allow emotions to calm and, once communication is established, to keep that line open. Acting too rashly or unprepared can lead to violence, so a waiting period is advantageous. The best thing to do at this point is to continue to keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers and allow the trained professionals to do their jobs. Again, this is an ongoing event with an active investigation, and details can change instantly.
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