Four masked men who abducted a Tennessee pastor at gunpoint in South Africa held his wife then released her before speeding off with the churchman.
The gunmen snatched Josh Sullivan, 45, while he was delivering a sermon in front of around 30 people including his horrified wife and children.
The horrific incident unfolded at the Fellowship Baptist church in Motherwell Township, Gqeberha, on Thursday evening, and the pastor has not been seen since.
Chilling new details have emerged about how the suspects appeared to know Sullivan by name, and threatened his wife before abducting him in front of his family.
‘They knew his name,’ the family’s spokesperson who also works as a pastor in the area, Reverend Jeremy Hall, told Times Live.
‘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.
‘The car was found a few kilometers away shortly afterwards.’
Four masked men who abducted American pastor Josh Sullivan (pictured center-left) at in South Africa also pushed his wife to the ground before they sped off with the churchman
Chilling new details have emerged about how the suspects appeared to know Sullivan by name, and threatened his wife before abducting him in front of his family
An American pastor, identified by local media as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, was abducted by masked gunmen as he was preaching a sermon before a congregation in South Africa ‘s Eastern Cape province
Hall said Sullivan’s wife and children escaped unharmed. He believes they are holding Sullivan for ransom of an unknown amount – but no demand has been issued.
The gunmen also stole two cellphones from members of the congregation. Police have launched an investigation into abduction and armed robbery.
‘It is alleged that while a sermon was conducted at the church, four armed and masked male suspects entered the church,’ police told CBS News previously.
‘They robbed two cell phones and then took the 45-year-old male pastor with them and fled the scene.’
On Saturday, Sullivan’s wife, Meagan, issued a statement through a family spokesperson, saying: ‘I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers.
‘We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home.’
The church wrote in a statement: ‘He was kidnapped at gunpoint. Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa.’
Police confirmed that Sullivan’s stolen vehicle, a silver Toyota FourRunner, was found abandoned in Motherwell shortly after the abduction.
‘Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa,’ the church wrote in a statement. ‘He was kidnapped at gunpoint by six men during their church service this evening.’ Pictured: Pastor Josh Sullivan (left) with his wife, Meagan, and their children
On Saturday, Sullivan’s wife, Meagan (left), issued a statement through a family spokesperson, saying, ‘I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home’
The investigation has since been taken over by the Anti-Gang Unit and South African authorities have opened a case in the Motherwell precinct.
Captain Andre Beetge, a police spokesperson, stated that if a ransom is demanded, the case will be handed over to the Hawks, a specialized unit tasked with investigating organized crime, corruption and serious offenses.
‘Hawks officials are following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the suspects,’ Lt. Col. Avele Fumba, a Hawks spokesperson, told the BBC.
‘As far as we know, no ransom has been demanded.’
Beetge encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
According to the Fellowship Baptist Church blog, Sullivan, along with his wife Meagan and their children, arrived in South Africa in November 2018 to establish the Motherwell branch.
On his blog, Sullivan described himself as a ‘church-planting missionary’ who hoped to soon complete language school and reach out to the Xhosa-speaking community.
Sullivan had been a staff member at Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, since February 2012.
As the search for Sullivan (left) continues, his supporters have flooded the church’s website and social media platforms with messages of hope and prayer
Tonya Rinker, a woman from Maryville, Tennessee, who identified herself as Sullivan’s mother, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, asking for continued prayers for her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
She also noted that the US embassy in South Africa is involved in the search.
As the search for Sullivan continues, his supporters have flooded the church’s website and social media platforms with messages of hope and prayer.
‘We are now praying that you delivered from these evil men,’ a poster named Richard Stockton said on the church website.
‘Praying the Holy Spirit well work on their hearts and be saved. And release you!!!’
Kody Moore, another supporter, described Josh as a ‘faithful brother doing much to make Christ known in Africa,’ adding, ‘Please pray for Josh’s safe return and for his family during this incredibly difficult time. May Christ be glorified.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .