Josh Sullivan, an American pastor, was rescued in a dramatic operation in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province after being kidnapped.

According to Fox News, American pastor Josh Sullivan was freed from captivity after a deadly shootout involving law enforcement in South Africa, highlighting international cooperation in his rescue.

Josh Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, faced harrowing circumstances starting April 10, 2025, when he was abducted by armed individuals during a church service. His capture occurred while he was preaching to his congregation, taking the community by surprise.

The abduction scene was chaotic, with four assailants forcibly removing Sullivan from the pulpit. The pastor's truck was later discovered abandoned, a few hours after his kidnapping, marking a grim indicator of the seriousness of the situation.

Intense Collaboration Leads to Pastor's Rescue

Following Sullivan’s kidnapping, a week-long search ensued, involving multiple agencies. The rescue operation was spearheaded by the South African Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as HAWKS, with significant aid from the FBI, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and local police forces.

The culmination of these efforts was on April 15, 2025, in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, where a tense standoff between law enforcement and the kidnappers led to Sullivan’s liberation. The operation was marked by a deadly shootout, which ultimately resulted in the pastor's safe recovery.

Since 2018, Sullivan, alongside his wife and children, has been residing in South Africa, dedicating his life to missionary work at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell township. His commitment to his faith and community made the news of his kidnapping even more shocking to those who knew him.

Pastor Sullivan Expresses Gratitude and Faith

In the aftermath of his rescue, Josh Sullivan issued a heartfelt statement. He began by expressing his gratitude to God, attributing his survival to divine intervention and the prayers of thousands worldwide.

"I want to begin by thanking God for delivering me from what was undoubtedly the worst experience of our lives," Sullivan stated, acknowledging the spiritual support that he felt during his captivity. "It was because of these prayers that God performed a miracle a few nights ago."

Sullivan did not overlook the bravery and dedication of the law enforcement teams involved in his rescue. He expressed deep appreciation for their efforts, stating, "I am deeply grateful to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), the FBI, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agents, and the South African police."

Support and Rebuilding in the Wake of Ordeal

The ordeal has seemingly strengthened the bond between Sullivan and his wife, who was praised for her resilience during the crisis. "I am thankful for my wife, whose strength and resilience made her the strongest woman in the world last week," he mentioned in his statement.

While Sullivan has requested privacy to recover from the traumatic events, he has indicated a willingness to eventually share the details of his experience. "I will tell my 'miraculous' story when the time is right," he explained, suggesting that the full narrative of his ordeal and rescue will be made public in due course.

As the Sullivan family seeks to heal and move forward from this distressing chapter, the impact of Josh Sullivan's abduction and rescue continues to resonate. It underscores the perils faced by missionaries abroad and the critical importance of international cooperation in ensuring their safety.