In a dramatic and faith-filled rescue, American pastor Josh Sullivan was found alive after being abducted by armed gunmen during a church service in South Africa. The rescue carried out during a high-stakes shootout with law enforcement, resulted in the deaths of three suspects and the miraculous recovery of the Tennessee missionary.

Sullivan, 45, was preaching to a congregation of about 30 people at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell on April 10 when four armed men burst into the church. According to the Rev. Jeremy Hall, a spokesperson for the Sullivan family, the intruders appeared to know exactly who they were looking for.

“They knew his name,” Hall told TimesLive. “The men came into the church and initially held Meagan, his wife, and walked her toward the door before saying, ‘Josh, is this your wife?’ They then pushed her to the ground and took Josh before driving off in his vehicle.”

In addition to abducting Sullivan, the gunmen stole two cell phones and his Toyota Fortuner SUV, which they later abandoned a short distance away. Authorities have not released a specific motive, though Hall suggested the attack may have been financially driven. South Africa has seen a surge in kidnappings over the last decade, with incidents up more than 260%, according to local reports. Police later confirmed that a ransom demand was made.

Sullivan’s rescue took place five days later in the southeastern port city of Gqeberha. The South African Police Service, along with an elite unit known as the “Hawks” — the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation — tracked Sullivan to a suspected safe house. When officers moved in, they found three suspects inside a vehicle. The men attempted to flee and opened fire on police, prompting a shootout in which all three were killed.

Authorities then discovered Sullivan inside the vehicle. Miraculously, he was unharmed. He was treated by medical personnel on the scene and determined to be in “excellent condition.”

“This operation demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organized crime,” South African police said in a statement. “The Hawks commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers and support personnel involved in securing the victim’s safe return.”

Back in the U.S., churches and family members rejoiced at the news of Sullivan’s safe recovery. His wife, Meagan, had previously taken to Facebook asking for continued prayer: “We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home,” she wrote.

That plea was answered. “Hallelujah,” wrote Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, where Sullivan previously served. “Praise the Lord,” echoed another church in Mossy Grove, Tennessee.

Sullivan and his family moved to South Africa in November 2018 to plant a church and minister to the Xhosa-speaking population. Describing himself as a “church planting missionary,” Sullivan has long been committed to spreading the gospel in challenging places.

Despite the trauma, those close to the family say their faith remains unshaken. “God was with him every step of the way,” one church member shared. “And we give Him all the glory.”