In a dramatic turn of events, Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan was freed from captivity in South Africa after a perilous encounter with armed captors. The rescue operation culminated in a “high-intensity shootout,” leaving three individuals dead while Sullivan emerged “miraculously unharmed.”
The South African Police Service reported that the confrontation took place at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, where Sullivan was held hostage. As law enforcement approached, suspects attempted to escape, leading to a gunfight that resulted in their fatalities.
Sullivan, a 34-year-old pastor, was discovered inside the vehicle involved in the attack. Despite the violence, he was unscathed and is reported to be in excellent health following medical evaluation.
The ongoing investigation into the kidnapping has prompted requests for privacy for Sullivan and his family during their recovery period.
Initially abducted by armed men during a sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, near Gqeberha, Sullivan’s captors demanded an undisclosed ransom. The incident sparked an international prayer effort led by his home church in Maryville, Tennessee.
Pastor Tom Hatley from the Maryville church expressed gratitude for Sullivan’s release in a Facebook post, urging continued prayers for Sullivan and his family: “Josh has been released. I just got ‘the go ahead to let it be known,’” he wrote. “Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans. Praise The Lord Jesus Christ!”
Heather Shirley, the church secretary, mentioned that the congregation has yet to receive complete details of the rescue from local authorities but emphasized their relief and gratitude for Sullivan’s safe return, attributing his protection to divine intervention.
“He (God) was the one protecting him and taking care of him. And that’s what we were praying for all along, that He would take care of him and bring him home,” Shirley remarked, eager to hear Sullivan’s personal account.
Sullivan and his wife Meagan embarked on their mission to South Africa in 2015, initially for a six-month internship, which evolved into a full-time church planting mission by 2018. Their dedication to the Xhosa community led to the establishment of Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell.
Overcoming language barriers, Sullivan dedicated two years to mastering Xhosa to effectively spread his message. The couple has also embraced local culture by welcoming two Xhosa children into their family.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
