6 Harrowing Days: The Full Story Of Josh Sullivan, The American Missionary Kidnapped In South Africa

The harrowing ordeal of Josh Sullivan, a U.S. Baptist missionary kidnapped while preaching in South Africa, remains one of the most compelling stories of faith and resilience in the face of escalating global crime. As of December 2025, the full details of the six-day captivity and the dramatic rescue operation have been widely reported, confirming the dangers faced by missionaries and local communities in regions plagued by organized crime and escalating kidnapping-for-ransom operations. Sullivan's story is a powerful testament to survival, highlighting the intense fear he faced and the community's global prayer rally that followed the shocking April 2025 abduction.

The incident not only brought international attention to the dangers American missionaries face but also shone a light on the severe kidnapping crisis gripping parts of South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape Province. Sullivan, who was held hostage for nearly a week, was ultimately rescued by South African police in a deadly shootout, an event he later described as a miracle.

Josh Sullivan: A Profile of The Church Planting Missionary

Josh Sullivan is a dedicated U.S. Baptist missionary and pastor whose life's work centers on "church planting" in South Africa. His mission is a joint effort with his family, who relocated to the country to serve the local Xhosa-speaking people. Here is a detailed look at the man at the center of the international incident:

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• Full Name: Josh Sullivan
• Age: 45 years old (at the time of the abduction in April 2025)
• Home Base (U.S.): Maryville, Tennessee
• Family: Married to Meagan Sullivan, with whom he serves on the mission field. They document their work on a family blog, "Sullivan's in South Africa."
• Missionary Organization: Sent out of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, and supported by the Central Missionary Clearing House. He is also associated with Vision Baptist Church of South Forsyth.
• Mission Focus: Church planting missionary to the country of South Africa, specifically aiming to establish a church for the Xhosa-speaking people.
• Service Timeline: He and his family arrived in South Africa in November 2018.
• Location of Abduction: Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Sullivan's work in the Motherwell Township, a community in the Eastern Cape, placed him directly in an area increasingly vulnerable to criminal activity. His commitment to continuing his mission after the traumatic event underscores his deep faith and dedication to the people he serves.

The Shocking Kidnapping Incident in Motherwell Township

The abduction took place on a Thursday evening in April 2025, during a routine church service. The brazenness of the attack sent shockwaves through the local community and the global missionary network.

The Abduction: A Sermon Interrupted by Armed Men

Josh Sullivan was delivering a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell when several armed, masked men stormed the building. The assailants acted quickly, taking Sullivan at gunpoint and forcing him into a waiting vehicle. This type of organized, violent crime is indicative of the growing kidnapping-for-ransom crisis that has become a significant security concern across South Africa.

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The Ransom Demand and Global Prayer Rally

Following the abduction, the kidnappers demanded an undisclosed ransom for Sullivan's safe return. While U.S. and South African authorities worked on the case, a global prayer rally was immediately triggered, starting with Sullivan's home church in Maryville, Tennessee. The intense focus of the international Christian community and the efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) put immense pressure on the captors.

The Dramatic Rescue and Aftermath of His Captivity

The end of Sullivan's six-day ordeal came in a dramatic fashion, involving a tactical operation by South African law enforcement. The details of the rescue highlight the high-stakes nature of the operation and the immediate danger Sullivan was in.

The Shootout and Miraculous Release

On the following Tuesday, Sullivan was rescued during a police operation that culminated in a deadly shootout between the authorities and his captors. The police located the hiding spot, and in the ensuing gun battle, three of the suspects were killed. Remarkably, Sullivan was found "miraculously unharmed" in a vehicle, a testament to the success of the law enforcement effort.

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Tom Hatley, Sullivan's training pastor, was among the first to confirm the good news, announcing online that "Josh has been released." The swift and decisive action by the police brought a positive resolution to a situation that often ends tragically in kidnapping-for-ransom cases.

The Revealed Trauma and Return to Mission

After his release, Josh Sullivan issued a statement expressing profound gratitude and thanking God for his rescue. He later revealed the intense psychological toll of the experience, speaking about the "trauma" of the six days he spent as a hostage. He constantly struggled between waves of paralyzing fear and the strength of his faith, which he credits with his survival.

Despite the harrowing experience, Sullivan quickly returned to his mission work. His decision to briefly return to work shortly after his rescue demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Xhosa-speaking community he serves in the Eastern Cape. His story serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in missionary work in high-crime areas, but also the enduring power of faith and community support in overcoming such trauma.

The case of Josh Sullivan continues to be studied by security experts and missionary organizations as an example of a successful rescue operation in a complex kidnapping environment. It underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to combat the rising tide of organized crime and kidnapping that threatens local populations and international workers alike in regions like South Africa.