American pastor kidnapped from church by masked gunmen while preaching sermon in South Africa

An American pastor living in South Africa was reportedly kidnapped from his church mid-sermon by a group of masked gunmen who stole from congregants and whisked the cleric away in his own truck.Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old Tennessee native, was taken away at gunpoint Thursday night when four men broke into the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell while the pastor was preaching to a congregation of roughly 30 people, which included his wife and six children, multiple outlets reported.The alleged kidnappers, who also stole two cell phones from churchgoers, then sped off with the clergyman in his silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned about a mile away shortly after the harrowing ordeal, police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge told the BBC.He said the case is being handled by the Hawks, a specialized police unit in the region that investigates organized crime, economic crime, corruption, and other serious offenses.

“The police is currently following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” Hawks spokesman Lt.Col.

Avele Fumba said, the outlet reported.Rev.

Jeremy Hall, a pastor based in the Eastern Cape province and the Sullivan family’s spokesperson, said he witness the disturbing events unfold and fears his colleague was abducted for ransom.“They knew his name,” Hall told TimesLive.

“The men came into the church and initially held Meagan and walked her towards the door before saying, ‘Josh, is this your wife?’ They then pushed her to the ground and took Josh before driving off in his vehicle.”No ransom has been requested, Beetge noted, while urging anyone with information to come forward.Sullivan, who describes himself as “a church planting missionary,” moved to South Africa with his family from Tennessee in November 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking people, according to his personal website.

“We are looking to finish language school soon and plant a church to the Xhosa speaking...