A virtual prayer session led by Ghanaian pastor Isaac Anderson in London came to a dramatic end on Monday when masked thieves on bicycles snatched his phone mid-broadcast, leaving his online congregation stunned.
The incident occurred on Hoe Street, Walthamstow, as Anderson prayed for his followers during a morning livestream. Video clips circulating on social media show the pastor deep in prayer moments before two cyclists, wearing ski masks, rode up and grabbed his iPhone 16 Pro Max.
A bus driver nearby honked repeatedly, seemingly trying to alert Anderson, but he remained engrossed in his prayer until the device was snatched. The stream abruptly ended with only the sound of rushing wind before the screen went black.
In a follow-up video filmed on his tablet, Anderson confirmed the theft, lamenting the loss of personal files stored on the phone. He added that he had tried to chase the assailants but fell and injured himself in the process.
Later, from a hospital bed, the pastor appeared in another video, showing his injuries and asking his followers to pray for his swift recovery. Despite the ordeal, he expressed faith that God would provide him with a new phone.