🔥🕊️ Pastor Josh Sullivan Rescued After Hostage Standoff in South Africa

GOOD MORNING.

Sanctuaries are under siege.

Newly released police data reveals that in 2023, churches and religious sites in England and Wales were hit by criminals over 4,000 times—that’s eight attacks a day on average. From arson and theft to violent confrontations, even vicars haven’t been spared. One was threatened with a screwdriver inside his own church.

What should be places of peace are becoming targets—and the trend isn’t slowing down.

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SPECIAL REPORT

American Pastor Rescued in South Africa After Hostage Ordeal

In a high-stakes operation on April 11, 2025, South African police rescued American Baptist pastor Josh Sullivan, who had been kidnapped earlier in the week in Cape Town. The pastor, based in Mississippi, had traveled to South Africa on a mission trip when he was abducted under circumstances that remain under investigation.

Authorities traced Sullivan’s location to a residence in Khayelitsha, a township outside Cape Town known for its high crime rates and security challenges. During the raid, police engaged in a brief but intense shootout to neutralize potential threats. Despite the tension, the operation ended without any injuries, and Sullivan was safely recovered.

The Shootout and Rescue Operation

The rescue unfolded rapidly as tactical units stormed the building where Sullivan was held. Gunfire erupted during the entry, but law enforcement managed to subdue the situation and extract the pastor without harm. Both South African and U.S. officials later confirmed Sullivan’s safety and reported that he is receiving appropriate medical and psychological care following the ordeal.

The incident has sparked renewed concern about the risks faced by international missionaries and humanitarian workers in volatile regions. Religious communities across the United States have expressed deep relief and gratitude, praising the swift response of South African authorities and the cooperation between both nations.

Sullivan’s family and congregation in Mississippi have publicly thanked law enforcement and supporters worldwide for their prayers and assistance during a harrowing week.

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REGIONAL THREATS

AFRICA

• ZIKKE, NIGERIA – On April 14, 2025, Fulani militants launched a pre-dawn attack on the predominantly Christian village of Zikke in Bassa County, Plateau State, killing at least 51 people, including children and the elderly, and destroying numerous homes.

MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA

• GAZA CITY, GAZA – On April 13, 2025, Israeli forces bombed the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, citing intelligence that the facility was being used by Hamas as a command and control center. Casualties and structural damage were reported. The Al Ahli Arab Hospital is a Christian-run medical facility operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA

• CHIN STATE, MYANMAR – Amid earthquake recovery efforts, a Christian pastor was killed when a church building collapsed in western Myanmar on April 14, 2025. The church, located in the predominantly Christian Chin State, was destroyed during the disaster response, highlighting the vulnerability of religious minorities in a region already affected by conflict.

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

• SANTIAGO, CUBA – On April 11, 2025, an explosion during a midweek evangelical worship service injured at least 20 people, several critically. The blast caused major structural damage to the church, and emergency services swiftly transported victims to local hospitals. The cause remains under investigation.

NORTH AMERICA

• GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI – On April 12, 2025, Deacon James Smith, 62, was fatally shot while protecting children during a shooting at a church-hosted Easter egg hunt. The attack occurred during Easter weekend, and Smith is being hailed as a hero for sacrificing his life to shield others from gunfire.

EUROPE

• ZERNOVO, RUSSIA – Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly conducted a mortar and drone attack on a chapel in the village of Zernovo, Bryansk Oblast, on April 17, 2025, according to Russian state media. No casualties were reported, but the structure sustained damage. Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.

• SUMY, UKRAINE – On April 13, 2025, Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles into the center of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations, killing at least 35 civilians, including two children, and injuring over 117 others.

• WALTHAMSTOW, UNITED KINGDOM – On April 14, 2025, St. Mary’s Primary School in Walthamstow received an emailed threat of violence, prompting the closure of its nursery as a precaution. A 17-year-old male was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of malicious communications in connection with similar threats sent to multiple schools in Sheffield.

AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA

• No current updates.

PRAYER REQUESTS

We want to take a moment to thank God for the miraculous rescue of Pastor Josh Sullivan, who was recently kidnapped in South Africa while on mission. After several harrowing days, he was safely recovered in a police operation and is now in good condition. We praise God for His protection, for the swift action of law enforcement, and for the power of prayer during this ordeal.

As we approach Easter Sunday, we are reminded once again of the victory of life over death, of light breaking through darkness, and of the hope we have in the risen Christ. Let Pastor Sullivan’s rescue be a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, even in the most dangerous and uncertain circumstances.

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