US Pastor Abducted at Gunpoint During Church Service in South Africa

A Tennessee missionary pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped at gunpoint in front of his wife and six children during a prayer meeting at Fellowship Baptist Church in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.

The terrifying incident occurred Thursday evening as Sullivan led a congregation of about 30 people in Motherwell Township. According to police, four masked gunmen stormed the church, stole mobile phones, and forced the 45-year-old into his silver Toyota Fortuner before fleeing. The vehicle was later found abandoned, but Sullivan remains missing.

Sullivan and his wife, Meagan, moved to South Africa in 2018 to start the church and serve as missionaries. His father-in-law, David Witt, urged the public to pray for Sullivan’s safe return, confirming negotiators are in contact with the kidnappers, who are demanding a ransom.

“We’re in a very tense situation right now,” Witt told U.S. media, adding that the family has received proof that Sullivan is alive.

Supporters from across the world have flooded social media and the church’s blog with prayers and words of encouragement. “Praying the Holy Spirit works on their hearts and releases you,” one message read.

Local authorities continue to investigate the abduction, as the church community and Sullivan’s family remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution.