US Missionary Josh Sullivan Preaches Forgiveness Before Abduction in South Africa
Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan demonstrated remarkable forgiveness after being robbed in South Africa. Months later, he was abducted during a sermon, prompting community concern and prayers for his safe return. Sullivan’s journey in South Africa emphasizes faith, compassion, and community unity amidst challenges.
In a recent incident in South Africa, US missionary Josh Sullivan, while moments before his abduction, shared his experience of forgiveness with his congregation. Sullivan was robbed of his wallet by a young man in the impoverished Motherwell township, an incident where local residents expressed a desire for vengeance. However, Sullivan chose forgiveness, leveraging the situation to share the Gospel and bring the community together.
Sullivan, the 34-year-old leader of Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, has been targeted by kidnappers who demanded an undisclosed ransom. The kidnappers abducted him during a sermon, prompting significant concern within his community and church in Tennessee. Heather Shirley, church secretary, disclosed that specific details about the ransom could not be publicly shared for safety reasons, nor could they confirm Sullivan’s condition.
Since 2015, the Sullivan family has been dedicated to the Xhosa people, returning as missionaries in 2018 after initial training. To better engage with the community, Sullivan became fluent in Xhosa, eventually establishing Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell. The congregation has thrived under his leadership, with reports of substantial growth and numerous conversions.
In the late December sermon, Sullivan recounted the robbery, describing how he was distracted and subsequently robbed while waiting for his wife. Upon retrieving his wallet, community members expressed a desire for retribution, with many willing to harm the thief. Sullivan intervened, proclaiming his forgiveness and emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding, rather than revenge, among the gathered crowd.
Pastor Tom Hatley from the Sullivan’s home church shared updates regarding the kidnapping, indicating that the family is enduring a challenging time. He affirmed the fervent prayers from both the Sullivan family and Christians worldwide for Josh’s safe return. Despite the hardships faced, Sullivan’s commitment to his mission and message of forgiveness resonates profoundly, highlighting the power of faith in trying times.
Josh Sullivan’s story is a profound testament to the power of forgiveness and hope amidst adversity. Despite facing grave challenges during his abduction, his faith and commitment to his mission in South Africa continue to inspire. The selflessness displayed by Sullivan emphasizes the importance of compassion, even in the face of personal betrayal, fostering unity and understanding in his community. The outpouring of support from his church further illustrates the strength of community in times of crisis.
Original Source: www.christianpost.com
