American pastor Josh Sullivan, 45, was abducted at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell, South Africa, on Thursday evening. Four masked and armed men stormed the Fellowship Baptist Church, where Sullivan was delivering a sermon to approximately 30 congregants, including his wife and six children. The assailants stole two cellphones and forced Sullivan into his silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned nearby.
Authorities believe the kidnapping was targeted, as the attackers reportedly called Sullivan by name. While no ransom demand has been made public, the case has been handed over to South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, which specializes in serious organized crimes.
Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, moved to South Africa in 2018 with his wife and children to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking people. He has been affiliated with Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville since 2012.
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the kidnapping and is coordinating with South African authorities to secure Sullivan’s safe return. His family and supporters have taken to social media, requesting prayers and support during this difficult time.
