American Pastor Rescued in Deadly South Africa Kidnapping Shootout

Gunfire lit up a quiet street in KwaMagxaki on Tuesday as South African police rescued an American pastor kidnapped during church service in what authorities described as a “high-intensity shootout.” Three kidnappers died in the exchange, but their hostage – Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan – emerged unscathed.

The 45-year-old pastor had vanished Monday night when masked men stormed into Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell township, interrupting evening prayers and forcing him away at gunpoint. His wife, six children, and about two dozen church members witnessed the abduction.

South Africa’s elite police unit, known as HAWKS, tracked Sullivan to a safe house across town. When officers moved in, the suspects tried to flee in a vehicle. The ensuing firefight left three suspects dead.

“He was miraculously unharmed,” HAWKS officials said in a statement, adding that Sullivan was “in excellent condition” when found inside the suspects’ vehicle.

Sullivan’s journey to South Africa began in late 2018, when he left Maryville, Tennessee for the Eastern Cape Province. He’d come to learn Xhosa and start a church. What began as a missionary posting turned into something deeper – a calling that saw Sullivan and his family embed themselves in Motherwell’s daily life.

While South Africa grapples with serious crime, attacks on church leaders mid-service are rare. Rev. Jeremy Hall, a local pastor familiar with the situation, suggested the kidnapping might have been financially motivated, according to Fox News reports.

Back at Fellowship Baptist, Sullivan’s wife Meagan had kept a prayer vigil going since the abduction. By Tuesday evening, mentor Tom Hatley confirmed the good news on social media: “Josh has been released.”

“We extend sincere appreciation to all role players that includes our law enforcement members, the public, international partners, both local and international media whose support and vigilance were instrumental in this success,” HAWKS said in their statement.

–Metro Voice and wire services