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12-04-2025
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US Pastor Kidnapped at Gunpoint in South Africa Church

Date: 12-04-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 1

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Image Prompt:

A tense scene inside a modest church in Motherwell, South Africa: rows of simple wooden pews, sunlight filtering through dusty windows, a scattered congregation frozen in shock. In the foreground, four masked men in dark clothing usher a middle-aged man in a suit (the pastor) toward the exit, one gesturing toward a doorway. A woman clutching small children watches anxiously from a pew. Outside the open door, a white SUV is visible, engine running. Subtle police tape and distant siren lights suggest an unfolding investigation. The mood is urgent and somber, emphasizing a targeted abduction without graphic violence.

Summary

US Pastor Josh Sullivan Kidnapped at Gunpoint in South Africa

US pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped by four armed and masked men during a church service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa, sparking a multi-agency investigation and international concern. The kidnappers, who knew Sullivan by name, took him from the church where his family was present, and fled in his vehicle. The motive behind the kidnapping is believed to be financial, with authorities awaiting a potential ransom demand.

Key points from the cluster include:

  • The kidnappers were armed and masked, and specifically targeted Sullivan, suggesting a level of premeditation.
  • Sullivan's family, including his wife and six children, were present at the church during the kidnapping.
  • The US State Department is aware of the situation and is prioritizing the safety of US citizens abroad, likely working closely with South African authorities.
  • Kidnappings are on the rise in South Africa, with over 17,000 reported in the 2023-2024 financial year, making it a significant concern for law enforcement.
  • Experts, including retired FBI agent Jason Pack, believe that a safe return is more likely if authorities "slow things down" and engage in open dialogue with the kidnappers, prioritizing the pastor's safety above all else.

Articles in this Cluster

US pastor Josh Sullivan kidnapped during church service in South AfricaBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

12-04-2025

US pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped by four armed and masked men during a church service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa. The kidnappers stole two phones and fled in Sullivan's vehicle, which was later found abandoned. The US State Department is aware of the kidnapping and is prioritizing the safety of US citizens abroad. The South African police have handed the case to their elite unit, the Hawks, and are following all possible leads to locate Sullivan and apprehend the perpetrators. No ransom has been requested. Sullivan, who moved to South Africa in 2018 to establish a church, is described as a "church planting missionary".

U.S. pastor abducted at gunpoint while delivering sermon in South Africa: "They knew him by name" - CBS News

12-04-2025

US pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted at gunpoint while delivering a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa. The kidnappers, four armed and masked men, knew him by name and took him from the church where his wife and six children were present. The abduction is believed to be financially motivated, with police awaiting a potential ransom demand before handing the case over to a specialized unit. Sullivan, a missionary from Tennessee, has been in South Africa since 2018. The US State Department is aware of the situation, and supporters are praying for his safe return. Kidnappings are on the rise in South Africa, with over 17,000 reported in the 2023-2024 financial year.

Retired FBI agent discusses Tennessee pastor being abducted in South Africa | Fox News

12-04-2025

A Tennessee pastor was kidnapped by armed, masked men while preaching at a church in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. Retired FBI agent Jason Pack said the key to a safe return is to "slow things down" and have an open dialogue with the hostage takers, stressing that the main goal is the pastor's safe return without anyone getting hurt. Pack believes the kidnapping may be for money rather than a political statement, and notes that the US and South African authorities are likely working together to secure the pastor's release.