American pastor Josh Sullivan was rescued after a dramatic shootout in South Africa, crediting divine intervention and prayers for his survival following a five-day kidnapping ordeal.
At a Glance
- American missionary Josh Sullivan was rescued on April 15, 2025, after being kidnapped from his pulpit in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province
- Elite HAWKS unit led the rescue operation that involved a deadly shootout at a safe house in KwaMagxaki
- FBI and Diplomatic Security Service agents collaborated with South African authorities in the rescue
- Sullivan has served as a missionary in South Africa with his family since 2018
- The pastor credits his faith in Jesus Christ and worldwide prayers for his survival
Violent Abduction and Rescue Operation
Josh Sullivan, an American pastor serving in South Africa since 2018, was abducted by four armed men who stormed his church on April 10, 2025. The kidnappers took Sullivan directly from the pulpit at the Motherwell township branch of the Fellowship Baptist Church where he has been based. Hours after the abduction, authorities located Sullivan’s abandoned truck, but the pastor remained missing for five days while an intensive search operation was mobilized across the Eastern Cape Province.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), South Africa’s elite police unit, led the operation that culminated in Sullivan’s rescue on April 15. HAWKS officers tracked the pastor to a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, where a dangerous shootout ensued during the rescue operation. The coordinated effort included support from the FBI and Diplomatic Security Service special agents who worked alongside South African authorities throughout the search and rescue mission.
Faith Through Ordeal
Following his rescue, Sullivan expressed profound gratitude for divine intervention during what he described as “undoubtedly the worst experience of our life.” The pastor has been consistent in attributing his survival to his personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the thousands of prayers offered on his behalf from supporters worldwide. This powerful testimony highlights how Sullivan’s faith sustained him through the traumatic kidnapping experience that could have ended tragically.
Sullivan specifically acknowledged the critical role that prayer played in his rescue, stating, “It was because of these prayers that God performed a miracle a few nights ago.” This statement reflects his conviction that spiritual intervention was instrumental in the successful rescue operation. The pastor’s unwavering faith throughout the ordeal demonstrates the strength of his religious convictions, which have been central to his missionary work in South Africa.
Family Support and Recovery
In addition to thanking his rescuers and acknowledging divine intervention, Sullivan expressed deep appreciation for his wife, whom he described as “the strongest woman in the world last week.” Her resilience during the crisis provided crucial support for the family throughout the ordeal. The American missionary couple has been serving in South Africa with their family since 2018, building strong connections within the local community through their work at the Fellowship Baptist Church.
Sullivan has requested privacy as he recovers from the traumatic experience but indicated he intends to share more details about his ordeal “when the time is right.” The pastor’s immediate focus appears to be on personal healing and reconnecting with his family following the harrowing kidnapping experience. The Sullivan family has received an outpouring of support from both their local South African community and from supporters back in the United States throughout this crisis.
International Collaboration
The successful rescue operation demonstrates effective international cooperation between American and South African law enforcement agencies. Sullivan specifically thanked the HAWKS, FBI, and Diplomatic Security Service for their roles in securing his freedom. This coordinated effort highlights the importance of international security partnerships in responding to crimes against American citizens abroad. The agencies worked seamlessly across borders to locate and rescue the American pastor.
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Sullivan’s kidnapping and dramatic rescue underscores the potential dangers faced by American missionaries serving in certain regions. Despite these risks, thousands of American religious workers continue their service abroad, motivated by their faith commitments. The successful resolution of this case provides a powerful testament to both effective law enforcement collaboration and what Sullivan describes as divine protection through the prayers of supporters worldwide.
