American Pastor Rescued After Kidnapping in South Africa

American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa but was rescued after a shootout involving police. Sullivan was found unharmed, and the incident points to the alarming rise in kidnappings in South Africa, which exceeded 17,000 last year.

Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old American pastor and missionary, was rescued in South Africa following his kidnapping during a church service. Authorities announced that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation led a successful rescue operation in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, where officers engaged in a shootout with the suspects. The incident resulted in the death of three kidnappers, while Sullivan was found unharmed and in excellent condition.

Sullivan had been taken hostage while leading a service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, where approximately 30 attendees were present. His wife and children were also in the church but escaped without injury. Reports suggest that the kidnappers showed knowledge of Sullivan’s identity, as they initially held his wife before abducting him.

Following his rescue, Tom Hatley, a fellow pastor from Tennessee, confirmed the news via Facebook, expressing gratitude for the prayers and support extended to the Sullivan family. Sullivan has been actively involved in church planting efforts in South Africa since moving there in 2018, aiming to reach out to the Xhosa speaking communities.

The surge in kidnappings in South Africa is a growing concern, with over 17,000 reported incidents in the previous year, highlighted by the Institute for Security Studies. These kidnappings are often linked to armed robberies, reflecting a broader trend in criminal activities in the region.

The dramatic rescue of Pastor Josh Sullivan underscores the dangers posed by rising kidnappings in South Africa, where such instances have increased significantly in recent years. While Sullivan was unharmed, this incident highlights serious security issues and the personal risks faced by those engaged in missionary work. Continued prayers and support for family members remain essential as the community rallies around them during this challenging time.

Original Source: www.fox9.com