U.S. Pastor Allegedly Kidnapped in South Africa Rescued, 3 Useless: Police

• A U.S. pastor who was allegedly kidnapped by a bunch of armed males throughout a church service in South Africa has been rescued
• Missionary Josh Sullivan, 45, was present in a car at a protected home on April 15, 5 days after he was believed to have gone lacking
• The South African Police Service mentioned the pastor was rescued following a “high-intensity shoot-out” that left three useless

A U.S. pastor who was allegedly kidnapped by a number of armed males throughout a service at his church in South Africa has been rescued, based on native police.

Missionary Josh Sullivan, 45, was present in a car at a protected home within the metropolis of Gqeberha on Tuesday, April 15. PEOPLE beforehand reported he was believed to have been kidnapped on the night of April 10 on the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, exterior of Gqeberha. 

In a assertion launched on April 16, the South African Police Service (SAPS) mentioned the pastor was rescued following a “high-intensity shoot-out” that left “three unidentified suspects” useless.

Authorities mentioned officers approached the protected home the place Sullivan was allegedly being held and noticed a car on the premises, per the assertion.

“The suspects contained in the car, upon seeing legislation enforcement, allegedly tried to flee and opened hearth on the group,” the SAPS mentioned. “The officers responded with tactical precision, resulting in a high-intensity shootout during which three unidentified suspects have been fatally wounded.”

After being discovered “miraculously unhurt” within the car, Sullivan was “instantly assessed by medical personnel” and is at present in “glorious situation.”

“As investigations proceed, we respectfully request privateness for the sufferer and his household as they navigate this era of restoration,” the assertion added.

The BBC and AFP (through CBS Information), citing native police in South Africa, reported that the alleged kidnapping occurred when “4 armed and masked male suspects entered” the church throughout a sermon.

Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge instructed the BBC that the boys allegedly stole two telephones earlier than fleeing the scene in Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner. Police later discovered the car deserted with no hint of Sullivan.

Rev. Jeremy Corridor, a pastor in the identical metropolis, instructed AFP (through CBS Information) that the alleged kidnapping was possible “financially” motivated. He claimed it occurred throughout a prayer assembly attended by about 30 individuals, together with Sullivan’s spouse and 6 youngsters.

“They knew him by identify,” Corridor mentioned of the boys who allegedly kidnapped Sullivan.

On April 10, Tennessee-based Fellowship Baptist Church shared a Fb submit asking for prayers for Sullivan.

“Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa,” the church wrote in an announcement. “He was kidnapped at gunpoint by six males throughout their church service this night.”

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This was adopted by a submit within the early hours of April 16 commenting on Sullivan’s rescue.

“Reward the Lord!” the church wrote as they reshared a submit from Tom Hatley, a pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Tennessee.

“Josh has been launched,” Hatley wrote. “Thanks on your help and prayers. Please don’t cease praying for the Sullivans.”

PEOPLE beforehand reported Sullivan has been on employees on the Fellowship Baptist Church since February 2012, coaching underneath Hatley. The next 12 months, he “accepted the decision to go the mission area in South Africa,” earlier than arriving in November 2018, the church mentioned in a social media submit.