Minnesota Pastor Murdered In Angola While Serving As First-Time Missionary

A Minnesota pastor working as a first-time missionary in Angola was killed last week, according to the church that sent him.

Beau Shroyer was a Detroit Lakes Police officer, pastor, and married father of five when he and his wife Jackie moved to Angola three years ago to work as missionaries for SIM USA. He was killed last Friday, according to a statement shared by Pastor Troy Easton of Lakes Area Vineyard Church, where Shroyer had been a long-term member:

Yesterday, Friday, October 25, we were notified by Mark Bosscher, the Chief Personnel Officer & General Counsel of SIM-USA, that our dear brother and friend Beau Shroyer was killed in an act of violence while serving Jesus in Angola, Africa.

At this point, there are many details about what’s happened that are still unknown, however we have been in contact with his wife Jackie, and are doing what we can to come alongside them in this shocking and awful time. Be assured that even in their shock and grief, they are strong in the Lord and His word and have wonderful support around them.

Likewise SIM USA, the missionary organization that sent Shroyer, added:

On Friday, October 25, I received a phone call informing me that Beau Shroyer was killed while serving Jesus in Angola and is now with his Savior. It is my belief that from his vantage point, he can see how his family will be cared for, and it is not hard for him to trust our good Father. From our perspective and the perspective of Jackie and the kids, we now must trust Jesus in a season that we never imagined. We must trust Him without requiring Him to give us an understanding of why He allowed this. It is difficult and stretches our faith.

I have not yet spoken to Jackie, and many details are still unknown. It is important for us to remember that oftentimes it can be exhausting to answer many questions when we are in the middle of a crisis. I know that you love Jackie and the kids, but please do not overwhelm them with communication

The day before he was killed, Shroyer posted an update on Facebook, talking about his goals of providing training and education to young people and developing a thriving youth minister center.

In a presentation of their missionary work to County Faith Chruch in June, Beau and Jackie spoke of the perils of the work they were doing, battling frequent thefts and threats of violence that resulted in “fear and trauma,” but which left them more determined than ever to continue their work at reaching the lost.