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Tennessee Pastor Rescued from South African Kidnappers After Shootout
Gqeberha, South Africa – A dramatic rescue operation involving a “high-intensity shootout” led to the freeing of American pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped from his Eastern Cape church last week. Three suspects were killed in the exchange of fire. Miraculously, Sullivan was unharmed.
The 34-year-old Tennessee native was abducted from Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell on April 15th by armed, masked men. His truck was later found abandoned.
News of his safe return was first shared by Tom Hatley, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, Sullivan’s home church, in an early morning Facebook post. He expressed gratitude for prayers and support, urging continued prayers for the Sullivan family.
South African authorities, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), confirmed the rescue, stating they acted on a tip that Sullivan was being held in a safe house in Gqeberha. Upon arrival, suspects in a vehicle on the property opened fire on law enforcement and attempted to escape, leading to the deadly shootout. Sullivan was found inside the same vehicle as the suspects.
The U.S. State Department had previously confirmed their involvement in the case, stating a multi-agency team, including the Diplomatic Security Service, was actively working to locate Sullivan and support his family.
Sullivan moved to South Africa with his wife and two children in 2018 after completing a six-month internship in 2015. He dedicated himself to learning the local Xhosa language to better connect with the community he served.