Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, missionary killed in ‘act of violence’ in Africa

The lead pastor of Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes said a missionary was killed Friday in an act of violence in Angola, Africa.

Beau Shroyer moved there in 2021 with his wife, Jackie, and their five children. They cooperated with the SIM USA missionary organization, founded in 1893 in Charlotte, North Carolina. SIM USA President Randy Fairman said in a message to the Lakes Area Vineyard congregation that the Shroyers were among the first families to move to Angola after pandemic restrictions eased.

Fairman said many details about Shroyer’s death are still unknown. He said he called on Friday “to say that Beau Shroyer had died while serving Jesus in Angola and was now with his Savior.”

“I believe that from his perspective he sees how his family will be cared for, and it is not difficult for him to trust our good Father,” Fairman wrote. “From our perspective and that of Jackie and the children, we must now trust Jesus in a season we never imagined. We must trust Him without requiring Him to understand why He allowed it to happen. It is difficult and it strains our faith.”

Troy Easton, lead pastor of Lakes Area Vineyard Church, said in a message to congregants that “moments like these raise many unanswered questions for us, and the realization that we may never understand why our Father would allow such a thing to happen… makes the pain worse.” happen.”

“As more details become available about what’s next for the family, what arrangements have been made to celebrate and honor Beau’s life, and practical ways you can love and serve them, we will be sure to share them with you.”

Along with his wife, Shroyer, 44, the former Detroit Lakes police officer and real estate agent, left behind children: Bella, Avery, Oakley, Iva and Eden.

This is a developing story. Check for updates.