On Thursday evening last week, a 45-year-old American pastor from Maryville, Tennessee named Josh Sullivan was abducted by four armed and masked men while preaching at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, South Africa. The attackers stole two cell phones and Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned.

Sullivan, a missionary who moved to South Africa in 2018 with his family, is the subject of an ongoing investigation by South Africa’s Anti-Gang Unit for abduction and armed robbery. No ransom demand has been reported, but the case could escalate to the Hawks if one arises.

Supporters, including Sullivan’s home church in Maryville, Tennessee, and global well-wishers, are praying for his safe return, with posts on social media and his blog expressing hope and faith.