American missionary pastor successfully rescued after gunfight in South Africa
Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old American pastor from Maryville, Tenn., who was kidnapped at gunpoint by six men during a church service in South Africa last week, has been rescued, a Facebook post by his church confirmed April 16.
“Josh has been released. I just got the go ahead to let it be known,” Tom Hatley, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, posted. “SA (South African) media has started broadcasting. American media will follow. Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans. Praise The Lord Jesus Christ!”
The South African Police Service announced it had successfully rescued Sullivan after a “high-intensity shootout with suspects” at a safe house in Gqeberha. Sullivan was found unharmed and reported to be in excellent condition following the incident. Police reported that three kidnapping suspects were killed in Sullivan’s rescue.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory urging Americans to exercise increased caution when traveling to South Africa due to the risks of crime, civil unrest, and potential kidnappings, particularly targeting foreign nationals for financial gain.
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- U.S. missionary kidnapped at gunpoint in South Africa; family requests prayer for his safe return