American Pastor Kidnapped at Gunpoint During South Africa Sermon

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Armed men abducted a pastor while he was delivering a sermon in the Eastern Cape province on Thursday evening, according to local police.

Four suspects stormed the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, robbing congregation members of two cellphones before abducting the pastor in his truck. Authorities have launched an investigation into both the abduction and the armed robbery.

The pastor, named by local media as Josh Sullivan, is reportedly from Tennessee, but police have not confirmed his identity. Sullivan has been described as a “church-planting missionary” and has been in South Africa since November 2018, helping to lead a local branch of the church.

On social media, a user named Tom Hatley shared a picture of Sullivan preaching and mentioned that he was posting on behalf of Sullivan’s wife. He asked for prayers for the pastor’s safe return.

Tonya Rinker, who identifies herself on Facebook as Sullivan’s mother, expressed distress for her family and noted that the American embassy in South Africa is involved in the search for her son.

Captain Andre Beetge, a police spokesperson, confirmed that the stolen vehicle, a silver Toyota Fortuner, was found abandoned shortly after the incident. The Anti-Gang Unit of the South African Police Service has taken over the investigation. Beetge mentioned that, should a ransom be demanded, the case would transition to the Hawks, a specialized police unit for serious crimes.

“As I understand, there has been no ransom raised,” Beetge stated, encouraging anyone with information to reach out to law enforcement.

In the wake of the abduction, supporters have rallied around Sullivan through social media, offering prayers and messages of hope. “We are now praying that you are delivered from these evil men,” one supporter wrote on the church’s website. Another described Sullivan as a “faithful brother” dedicated to spreading his faith in Africa and urged for prayers for his family during this distressing time.