Maryville, TN – A pastor with connections to Maryville has been safely rescued after being abducted during a sermon in South Africa earlier this month. Josh Sullivan, a missionary from Maryville, was taken by armed assailants during a service at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, Eastern Cape, on Thursday evening, April 11.
According to reports from the South African Police Service, four men stormed the church, stealing two cell phones before abducting Sullivan in his own truck. The assailants fled with the pastor in the vehicle, leaving the congregation in shock and confusion. The police later revealed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom for his release.
A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation—known as the Hawks—resulted in Sullivan’s dramatic rescue four days later. On April 15, a team that included members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, the Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, and the Tactical Response Team was able to trace the suspects to a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha.
As officers closed in on the location, a vehicle carrying the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a high-intensity shootout between the law enforcement team and the criminals. According to the police, three of the unidentified suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Sullivan was found inside the same vehicle he had been taken in and was immediately evaluated by medical personnel. Authorities confirmed that the pastor was unharmed and in good health following his ordeal.
“We extend sincere appreciation to all role players, including our law enforcement members, international partners, and the public,” said a spokesperson for the South African Police Service. “We respectfully request privacy for the victim and his family as they navigate this period of recovery.”
Sullivan’s rescue has sparked immense relief and joy within his community and among his colleagues in the mission field. Two missionaries affiliated with the South African mission group Sullivan is part of—Mark and Amy Coffey—expressed their gratitude in a statement following the news of his safe return.
“We’re overjoyed to share that Missionary Josh Sullivan has been safely rescued. After days of uncertainty and fervent prayer, we rejoice in the faithfulness and protection of our great God,” the Coffeys wrote. “Thank you to the countless people who prayed, encouraged, and supported us during this time. Your love was deeply felt, and we are confident God heard every prayer. We’re also grateful for the local authorities and rescue teams whose efforts helped bring Josh home.”
The rescue marks a successful conclusion to what was a tense and dangerous situation, as law enforcement continues its investigation into the abduction. The South African authorities have yet to release further details about the suspects involved in the crime, as investigations are ongoing.
In the wake of the ordeal, Josh Sullivan’s family and mission group have expressed their deep gratitude for the law enforcement efforts and the outpouring of support they received from around the world during the past several days. The case also underscores the ongoing risks faced by missionaries and individuals in vulnerable areas, and the importance of global cooperation in addressing such crimes.
