Gunmen abduct American pastor in South African church

Gunmen on Thursday April 9, 2025, abducted an American pastor, Josh Sullivan, during a service at Fellowship Baptist Church, Motherwell, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Police on Friday confirmed the incident and said four armed and masked men stormed the church during evening service.

The suspects reportedly robbed two members of the congregation of their mobile phones before forcing the pastor into his silver Toyota Fortuner and escaping with him.

Police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge, said officers recovered the abandoned vehicle shortly after the abduction.

Beetge said, “We have opened a case of armed robbery and abduction. The Anti-Gang Unit is now handling the investigation.”

He explained that police would hand over the case to the Hawks once a ransom is demanded.

“As I understand, there has been no ransom raised,” he added.

Local media identified the victim as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan from the U.S. state of Tennessee, but Beetge declined to confirm his identity.

Sullivan, according to the Fellowship Baptist Church blog, described himself as a “church-planting missionary.”

The blog said Sullivan arrived in South Africa in November 2018 with his wife, Meagan, and their two children to lead the Motherwell branch.

A user named Tom Hatley posted a photo on X showing Sullivan preaching behind a pulpit.

Sullivan’s blog described Hatley as his “childhood and training pastor.”

Hatley, posting on behalf of Sullivan’s wife, wrote: “We are praying for his safe return.”

On Facebook, a Tennessee woman, Tonya Rinker, who identified Sullivan as her son, wrote: “Please pray for my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.”

She said the American embassy in South Africa is involved in efforts to find him.

Supporters have flooded Sullivan’s blog and church website with prayers and messages of support.

A poster, Richard Stockton, wrote: “We are now praying that you delivered from these evil men.”

“Praying the Holy Spirit well work on their hearts and be saved. And release you!!!” he added.

Another supporter, Kody Moore, described Sullivan as a “faithful brother doing much to make Christ known in Africa.”

“Please pray for Josh to be brought home safely and especially his family during this absolutely terrible time. May Christ be magnified,” Moore wrote on X.

Beetge urged members of the public to provide any useful information to assist the ongoing investigation.