Overview

• Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old pastor from Tennessee, was abducted at gunpoint during a Thursday evening sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa.
• Four armed and masked men entered the church, robbed two cell phones, and forcibly took Sullivan, leaving his wife and children unharmed but shaken.
• South African Police Service recovered Sullivan's stolen vehicle shortly after the incident and have transferred the case to specialized units, including the Anti-Gang Unit and the Hawks.
• Authorities have not confirmed any ransom demands, but the abduction reflects a growing trend of kidnappings in South Africa, often linked to financial motives.
• The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the case and emphasized its commitment to the safety of American citizens abroad, as prayers and support pour in for Sullivan's safe return.