A U.S. missionary from Tennessee was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint by several men during a church service in South Africa.

Josh Sullivan was at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Thursday night, preaching to a congregation of around 30 people, including his wife and six children, when the incident happened, multiple outlets reported.

South African Police Service told the BBC the alleged kidnappers stole two phones before fleeing in the pastor’s silver Toyota Fortuner. Police later found the vehicle abandoned with no trace of Sullivan.

Police spokesman Cpt. Andre Beetge said the case was handed over to an elite police unit known as the Hawks, which investigates serious organized and commercial crimes.

According to Sullivan’s website, he first arrived in South Africa with his family in November 2018 to finish a language school and start a church for the Xhosa speaking people.

Tonay Rinker, Sullivan’s mother, also confirmed to ABC News her son was the one abducted.

“As a mother, you never think about something like this happening to your child but faith carries you through the uncertainty,” Rinker said in her statement. “Joshua’s humor and wit are a blessing, he’s always ready with a joke, and forever seeking to make people laugh.”

Rinker added, “He’s an exceptional father, husband, and son, embodying kindness, strength and generosity. He has a servant’s heart, a kind compassionate spirit and is filled with selflessness. He has a burden for lost souls and has devoted his life to serving God in South Africa. I pray for his safe return, filled with faith and assurance.”

A U.S. Department of State spokesperson told People the organization is aware of a U.S. citizen being kidnapped in South Africa, adding there is no “greater priority than the safety and security of a U.S. citizen abroad.”

Statistics from the South African Police Service show kidnappings have increased by 264% over the past decade in the country.

Have a news tip? Contact Alexx Altman-Devilbiss at aaltman-devilbiss@sbgtv.com.