East TN pastor taken hostage in South Africa has been rescued

An East Tennessee pastor who was abducted in South Africa has reportedly been rescued following a police operation ending in a shootout. The Associated Press reported 45-year-old Josh Sullivan of Maryville was kidnapped at gunpoint last Thursday during a sermon in South Africa’s Motherwell Township. Reports say four armed and masked men broke into the church, stole cellphones from members of the congregation and left with Sullivan. Officials said after he was abducted, the pastor was held at a safe house. A law enforcement team arrived at the house and engaged in a shootout, killing three suspects. Reports are that he was uninjured and remains in good condition.