US Missionary Josh Sullivan Forgives Robber Before His Kidnapping in South Africa
Josh Sullivan, a US missionary in South Africa, forgave a man who robbed him shortly before his abduction. During his sermon, he chose forgiveness over vengeance, advocating for the Gospel. His church in Tennessee is working to secure his release, while the community rallies for support in the face of his kidnapping.
In a heartwarming account prior to his abduction in South Africa, Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan shared his experience of forgiving a young man who had robbed him. Sullivan, aged 34, recalled during a sermon at Tri-City Baptist Church in December how community members had offered to kill the thief after he was apprehended, yet he chose forgiveness and instead preached the Gospel to those present.
Sullivan leads Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, near Gqeberha, where he was kidnapped during a sermon by armed individuals demanding ransom. His church in Maryville, Tennessee, led by Pastor Tom Hatley, is working to secure his safe release while maintaining silence regarding the ransom amount for safety reasons.
Having first visited South Africa in 2015, the couple, passionate about sharing the Gospel with the Xhosa people, returned in 2018 as full-time missionaries. Sullivan dedicated two years to learning the Xhosa language to serve more effectively in the community, where Fellowship Baptist Church was established, now serving approximately 80 worshipers weekly.
Pastor Hatley reported that he has been in contact with Sullivan’s family, who are eager for his safe return. He noted that during Sullivan’s kidnapping, the assailants forced congregants to lie face down on the ground, taking Sullivan and his belongings.
Sullivan had previously shared how he was robbed while waiting outside his church. Initially deceived by the robber’s distraction, he later managed to confront the perpetrator and had his wallet returned. However, the local community’s inclination toward harsh justice presented a significant challenge, as many were ready to take the law into their own hands.
Faced with the crowd intent on punishing the thief, Sullivan called upon divine guidance and stood before the gathered community to advocate for forgiveness. He emphasized that every individual is a sinner in need of grace, pleading for compassion rather than violence. This moment symbolized his commitment to promoting peaceful resolutions even in difficult circumstances.
Josh Sullivan’s journey underscores the power of forgiveness and compassion in the face of adversity. His dedication to his faith and the community serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact of preaching the Gospel over seeking vengeance. As his church and family await his safe return, the global Christian community continues to pray for his well-being and recovery.
Original Source: www.christianpost.com
