American Pastor Josh Sullivan Abducted During Church Service in South Africa

South African police, including specialized units, are intensifying efforts to locate Sullivan as a ransom demand adds urgency to the investigation.

Josh Sullivan, a Tennessee pastor and missionary, was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell Township, South Africa, on April 10, 2025.
Four armed men entered the Fellowship Baptist Church, stole cellphones, and abducted Sullivan in his truck, which was later recovered by authorities.
The kidnappers have issued a ransom demand, though details about the amount or conditions remain undisclosed.
South African law enforcement, including the elite Hawks unit, is actively investigating the case and pursuing leads to locate Sullivan and apprehend the perpetrators.
Sullivan, in South Africa since 2018 to establish a church for the Xhosa-speaking community, remains missing, drawing international attention and calls for prayer from his family and church community.