Kidnapped American Pastor Rescued in South Africa Is ‘Miraculously Unharmed’
The American pastor who was kidnapped during a prayer service at gunpoint in South Africa has been rescued. Missionary Josh Sullivan of Tennessee was rescued Tuesday during a multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation at a home in the province of Eastern Cape. Although three kidnappers were killed, Sullivan was rescued unharmed.
“As officers approached the house, they observed a vehicle on the premises,” a police statement said. “The suspects inside the vehicle, upon seeing law enforcement, allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team.”
The officers returned fire, fatally wounding three suspects. Sullivan was found inside the same vehicle.
“Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition,” the statement said.
Sullivan’s home church is Fellowship Baptist in Maryville, Tenn. The 45-year-old missionary was kidnapped at gunpoint last week by a group of men who then stole his truck and drove away.
“We’re overjoyed to share that Missionary Josh Sullivan has been safely rescued. After days of uncertainty and fervent prayer, we rejoice in the faithfulness and protection of our great God,” missionary Mark Coffee, a friend of Sullivan, wrote on Facebook. “Thank you to the countless people who prayed, encouraged, and supported us during this time. Your care was deeply appreciated. We’re also grateful for the local authorities and rescue teams whose efforts helped bring Josh home.
“Above all,” Coffee wrote, “we give glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He sustained Josh through captivity, comforted our hearts, and reminded us that He is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).”
Sullivan has a wife and two young children.
“Thank you again for your prayers,” Coffee wrote. “Please continue to lift up the Sullivan family as they recover, and pray for the ongoing gospel work in South Africa.”
Related Article: American Missionary Taken Hostage in South Africa, Church Pleads for Prayer
Photo Credit: ©Facbeook/Josh Sullivan
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published April 16, 2025.
