American Pastor Kidnapped During South Africa Sermon

Abduction of American Pastor in South Africa Shocks Community

​An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was abducted at gunpoint while delivering a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Thursday evening. Four armed and masked men entered the church, stole two cellphones from congregants, and took Sullivan in his own vehicle, a silver Toyota Fortuner.

The vehicle was later found abandoned nearby. Sullivan, 45, from Tennessee, has been serving as a missionary in South Africa since 2018. The South African Police Service’s Anti-Gang Unit is leading the investigation, with potential escalation to the Hawks, a specialized crime unit, should a ransom demand be made. As of now, no ransom has been reported, and the U.S. embassy is involved in efforts to locate him.

Supporters have expressed concern and prayers for Sullivan’s safe return. A colleague described the abduction as “probably financially related,” noting that the kidnappers knew Sullivan by name. The incident highlights the increasing trend of kidnappings in South Africa, with over 17,000 cases reported in the 2023–2024 financial year.

For more details, you can watch the following video:​