U.S. Pastor Josh Sullivan Rescued After Gunpoint Abduction in South Africa

Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old pastor from the United States, was abducted at gunpoint on Thursday while he was preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church located in Motherwell Township, near the coastal city of Gqeberha, South Africa. He was reportedly taken by four armed and masked men who robbed the church and drove away in Sullivan's vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, which was later discovered abandoned.

Law enforcement officials from the Hawks, a specialized police unit in South Africa that handles serious crimes, received a tip-off that led them to a safehouse where Sullivan was being held. Responding to this information, various police agencies arrived at the location on Tuesday and encountered the suspects who attempted to escape while firing at the officers. This prompted a fierce exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of three of the suspects, while Sullivan was found in the vehicle remarkably unharmed.

Following his rescue, Sullivan was assessed by medical personnel and reported to be in excellent health. Meanwhile, the search for a fourth suspect connected to the incident continues, although there have been no updates on their whereabouts. Sullivan had been in South Africa since November 2018 with his family, intending to finish language school and establish a church for the Xhosa-speaking community. His wife, Megan, expressed gratitude through a spokesperson for the support and prayers received during this ordeal.