American Pastor Abducted at Gunpoint During Church Service in South Africa

An American pastor, identified by local media as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, was abducted by masked gunmen as he was preaching a sermon before a congregation in South Africa 's Eastern Cape province

An American pastor, identified as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, was abducted by masked gunmen during a church service in Motherwell Township, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The abduction occurred Thursday evening at the Fellowship Baptist Church while Sullivan was preaching in front of his wife, children, and approximately 30 members of the congregation.

According to police reports, four armed and masked men entered the church, stole two cellphones from members of the congregation, and forcibly took Sullivan with them. The assailants fled the scene in Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned in Motherwell.

Pastor Josh Sullivan (left) with his wife, Meagan, and their children

Authorities have launched investigations into charges of abduction and armed robbery. The Anti-Gang Unit is currently leading the case. If a ransom demand is made, the investigation will be transferred to the Hawks, a specialized law enforcement unit responsible for organized crime, corruption, and serious offenses. As of now, no ransom has been reported.

Lt. Col. Avele Fumba confirmed that all possible leads are being pursued in the search for Sullivan. Captain Andre Beetge urged the public to come forward with any relevant information.

Witnesses, including Rev. Jeremy Hall, a local pastor, noted that the attackers appeared to know Sullivan by name, raising speculation that the abduction may have been financially motivated. Hall also confirmed the presence of Sullivan's wife and children during the incident.

On Saturday, Sullivan's wife, Meagan (left), issued a statement through a family spokesperson, saying, 'I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home'

Sullivan's wife, Meagan, released a statement through a family spokesperson thanking the public for their support and requesting continued prayers for her husband's safe return. She said, “We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home.”

Support has poured in from around the world. Tonya Rinker, a woman from Maryville, Tennessee, who identified herself as Sullivan’s mother, shared her heartbreak and called for continued prayers for her son and his family. She also confirmed that the U.S. Embassy in South Africa is involved in the ongoing search efforts.

As the search for Sullivan (left) continues, his supporters have flooded the church's website and social media platforms with messages of hope and prayer

Messages of hope have continued to flood the church's website and social media platforms. One supporter wrote, “We are now praying that you [are] delivered from these evil men. Praying the Holy Spirit [will] work on their hearts and be saved. And release you!!!” Another, Kody Moore, described Sullivan as a “faithful brother doing much to make Christ known in Africa,” urging prayers for his safe return and strength for his family.

Josh Sullivan, a missionary from Tennessee, had been serving in South Africa since November 2018 alongside his wife Meagan and their children. According to the church blog, their mission was to establish the Motherwell branch and reach the local Xhosa-speaking community. Prior to that, Sullivan served as a staff member at Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, since February 2012.

The situation remains ongoing as law enforcement and supporters continue efforts to locate and safely recover Sullivan.