Latest news with #JoshSullivan
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
8 shooting victims found "lying in a pool of blood" in South Africa bar
Police in South Africa launched a manhunt on Saturday for gunmen who killed eight customers at a tavern in the southeastern city of Durban. The attack late on Friday evening was the latest mass shooting in the crime-weary African nation that has one of the world's highest murder rates. The incident unfolded when an unknown number of gunmen entered the bar in Umlazi township and opened fire, police said. First responders found the eight dead people "lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds", police said in a statement, adding that two of them were women. The victims were aged between 22 and 40 years old, police said. "Investigations into the possible motive of the killings are underway," they said. Shootings are common in South Africa, often fueled by gang violence and alcohol. Many people own licensed firearms for personal protection, yet there are many more illegal guns in circulation. There are around 75 murders a day in South Africa, according to police data. According to the most recent government crime statistics, 6,953 people were murdered in the country from October 2024 to December 2024. Sometimes entire families are targeted. Last September, gunmen shot dead seven members of the same family, including three children, in an execution-style killing in their home in a rural part of the country. In 2013, 10 members of the same family — including a 13-year-old — were killed in a mass shooting at their house in South Africa. Sometimes, more high-profile people are targeted. Last month, gunmen in South Africa abducted a U.S. missionary from his church as he was delivering a sermon. Pastor Josh Sullivan was later rescued during a shootout between police and his captors that left three suspects dead. In April 2024, soccer star Luke Fleurs was gunned down as he refilled his car at a gas station in South Africa. Six suspects were arrested. Surprising facts about Mark Twain that biographer Ron Chernow learned while writing new book Family's goodbye to beloved dog becomes a lesson in letting go Saturday Sessions: Jensen McRae performs "I Don't Do Drugs"
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Archer Aviation Skyrockets 23%: The Electric Jetmaker Making Noise Without Making a Sound
Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR) just gave investors a reason to look up. The stock jumped 23% at 1.38pm, after the company reported a narrower-than-expected Q1 loss and laid out a series of updates that could reshape its trajectory. Archer posted a loss of 17 cents per share, beating Wall Street's 28-cent forecast. This isn't a one-off either. Archer has now beat earnings expectations in three of the past five quarters, according to GuruFocus data, pointing to what could be improving cost discipline and better operational execution. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with ACHR. Operating expenses came in at $144 million, and with over $1 billion in cash on hand, Archer appears well-positioned to fund its path toward commercialization. The company's narrative is also gaining altitude. Archer expects to launch its Midnight eVTOL aircraft in the UAE this summer, with Abu Dhabi Aviation already on board. In the U.S., the FAA certification process is progressing, supported by what management described as favorable standard clarifications. Meanwhile, the company is turning heads in tech and defense circles: it's now partnering with Palantir Technologies to integrate AI into its aviation systems, and its joint program with defense firm Anduril to develop a military-grade eVTOL continues to advance. Benchmark analyst Josh Sullivan maintained his Buy rating and $12 price target, calling the Anduril opportunity one of the largest on Archer's radar. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible, said CEO Adam Goldstein. Investors seem to agree. After a tough Q1 that saw the stock drop nearly 9%, Archer's sharp bounce reflects growing confidence in both its vision and execution. With a strengthened balance sheet, expanding strategic partnerships, and key commercial milestones now within reach, Archer may be entering a new phaseone that could bring it from pre-revenue concept to high-impact operator in next-gen aviation. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
East Tennessee pastor recounts ‘miracle' rescue after kidnapping in South Africa
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — An East Tennessee pastor who was abducted at gunpoint from the pulpit in South Africa has returned home and is sharing his story of faith and how a 'miracle' unfolded after six days of being held captive. Josh Sullivan, 34, his wife Meagan and their six children have been living in South Africa's Eastern Cape providence, where they are church planting missionaries and lead a life on a mission to share the gospel. The Sullivans sat down with 6 News' Lori Tucker, saying that as they shared their story of Josh's kidnapping and rescue, they wanted to be intentional to keep the focus on the sovereign hand of God that got them through. The full interview can be watched at 7:30 p.m. on WATE6+. Report identifies teens who died after jumping from I-75 bridge in Loudon County On April 10, Josh Sullivan was preaching at a prayer meeting when four armed men broke into the Fellowship Baptist Church in the Motherwell Township. Meagan Sullivan recounted how many thoughts when through her mind in the first few moments, quickly shifting from excitement to see men coming to the church, which is mainly attended by women and children, to noticing that the men had firearms, and then again to the realization that they may be robbed soon. Josh Sullivan explained that the men came in a few minutes into the service. 'I assumed they all had guns, but we definitely saw two different guns because one came to me and one came to her. We originally thought they were going to rob us – that happens, unfortunately, a lot in our area – so I was prepared to give them my phone and iPad. But then once he hit me over the head with his gun, I knew this was not a normal robbery.' Josh Sullivan said. Josh Sullivan said his eyes went black for a moment, and he wondered what happened because he didn't see it coming. 'Then I heard my wife speaking to one of the other individuals, they were looking for the car keys to our vehicle, and then I was on the ground after that,' he recalled. Ultimately, the men took Josh Sullivan to a location where he was kept for 122 hours. He said the men who kidnapped him were seeking a ransom of 5 million rand, which is worth upwards of $250,000. The couple explained that kidnapping for ransoms in the region are something that seems to be frequent, a statement that aligns with a BBC's report that there has been a dramatic increase in kidnappings for ransom in South Africa over the past decade. Josh Sullivan recounted that the men who were keeping him offered him food and water frequently, but when it came to the phone calls they had him make for ransom money, they would say things to him to try to make him afraid. Throughout those six days, Josh Sullivan said it was hard to tell how much time was passing. He knew when the sun rose and set, but other than that, not much happened to show the passing of time. On the final day, he said there were mixed signals from the men on if he would be staying at the home another night or if they would be taking him to another location. That night, another man he had not seen before brought him his shoes and told him they were leaving. That night, Josh Sullivan described how he felt the hand of the Lord intervene. Before that point, the men had used the shoelaces from Josh Sullivan's shoes to bind his hands, so the shoelaces had to be put back into his shoes. Then, as they led him to the vehicle with his head covered, he said he tripped on multiple steps because he could not see where he was going. All these actions slowed down the process, which the men were attempting to make go as quickly as possible. Once they were finally in the vehicle, Josh Sullivan's head was in one of the men's laps when shots rang out. The South African Police Service previously said that a multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation, known as the Hawks, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation rescued Josh Sullivan. He explained that the officers who rescued him were actually going to a different location and made a wrong turn. That mistake led officers to the home he was being kept at, where the men who were holding him opened fire. The South African Police Service described what followed as a 'high-intensity shootout.' Once the gunfire ended, an officer checking the scene was surprised to find Josh Sullivan alive and asked if he was the American pastor that had been kidnapped. Hundreds evacuated, charges pending after gas leak in Maryville Sullivan described the events that led to his rescue as 'a miracle,' and 'the sovereign hand of God.' Within a few hours, Josh Sullivan was reunited with the rest of his family. The family had been moved to a safe house about an hour away, and Josh Sullivan added that both of his brothers-in-law travelled to South Africa to help look after his family. Meagan Sullivan said while her husband was kept captive, she wrote a letter of all the things he missed. She also said she heard from people in about 10 countries that they were praying for her family, and she knew there were thousands praying for them. Since his rescue, the family has returned to the United States to rest and recover, but both Josh and Meagan Sullivan said they feel they will go back to South Africa. Josh Sullivan explained they feel strongly that the gospel message needs to be shared in South Africa. Meagan Sullivan added that if she was asked years ago, she would not have believed she would such a strong love and calling to the people of South Africa, but when her husband is ready, they plan to return to their mission field and continue their life's work of helping save souls. Those interested in supporting the Sullivans can visit The family also shares prayer letters and more information about their work on their website, Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The South African
26-04-2025
- The South African
Kidnapped pastor Josh Sullivan returns to US after ordeal
Josh Sullivan, the US pastor who was kidnapped and rescued in a dramatic showdown, has returned to America. Earlier this week, the Tennessee-born preacher broke his silence about the traumatic ordeal, which he labelled the 'worst experience' of his life. In 2018, Sullivan and his family relocated to South Africa, where they established a church in the Eastern Cape. In a Facebook post, Josh Sullivan posted an update about himself, now in the US. The 45-year-old tagged his location, back in his home in Tennessee. Earlier this week, the US pastor broke his silence about his kidnapping experience, which occurred mid-sermon earlier this week. After five days of being held ransom, Josh was rescued by police, who shot dead three suspects. He shared: 'I want to begin by thanking God for delivering me from what was undoubtedly the worst experience of my life. I also want to thank him for delivering me from my sin 28 years ago when I accepted Jesus Christ. Because of my personal relationship with Jesus, He gave me the peace I needed to get through'. Josh Sullivan thanked the public for their prayers, which he believes resulted in the 'miracle' of his rescue. He also thanked the South African police, the FBI, and other law enforcement authorities for their rescue mission. He added, 'As we begin the difficult process of healing and moving forward, we kindly ask for Meanwhile, the US Embassy has thanked authorities for rescuing Josh Sullivan, five days after his kidnapping. It shared in a press statement: 'We commend the swift, coordinated SAPS response, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), in collaboration with the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, and other partners. We are grateful for their cooperation with the U.S. Mission. It added that the mission was 'committed to continued collaboration with South African counterparts to promote the safety and security of U.S. citizens'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Tennessee pastor 'miraculously unharmed' after high-intensity rescue in South Africa. What we know
East Tennessee pastor Josh Sullivan was found "miraculously unharmed" in South Africa after a shootout following days under captivity. The kidnapped missionary was found April 15, the South Africa's elite police unit Hawks said in a statement. Three suspects were killed in a high-intensity shootout during the rescue, according to a Reuters report. "The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack. Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition," police said. Sullivan, a local missionary from Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, was kidnapped last week while preaching. Sullivan was seized by armed men as he led a prayer service at his church in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape Province, according to the Reuters report. Sullivan was abducted from his church in Gqeberha, one of the southernmost cities in South Africa. Gqeberha is in the Eastern Cape Province. Yes, Sullivan was released, according to Tom Hatley, pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville. He posted the news on his Facebook page. "Josh has been released. I just got 'the go-ahead to let it be known.' SA media has started broadcasting. American media will follow. Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans. Praise The Lord Jesus Christ!" Josh has been released. I just got 'the go ahead to let it be known'. SA media has started broadcasting. American media... Posted by Tom Hatley on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 This is a developing story, check back for updates. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Kidnapped Tennessee pastor Josh Sullivan rescued in South Africa
