A young father who was serving as a missionary for SIM-USA was tragically killed last Friday.
44-year-old Beau Shroyer was killed on Oct. 25, 2024, in an act of violence while serving Jesus in a remote area of 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," said Pastor Troy Easton of Lakes Area Vineyard Church, Shroyer's sending church.
"Be assured that even in their shock and grief, they are strong in the Lord and His word and have wonderful support around them."
Pastor Troy says moments like these create many unanswerable questions and pain that many will never understand.
"And yet, amidst the shock and grief, we must not forget the truths found in the scriptures that point to His wise, merciful, gracious, faithful, trustworthy, and always loving character as well as the truth that Beau was a man who, because of his love for the Lord, gave His life to pointing the lost, the hurting, the desperate and the broken to the God who rescued, saved and transformed his life."
The church is heartbroken for Beau's wife, Jackie, their children, and their families, but say they are rejoicing that Beau is now present with the Lord.
"The coming days and weeks will undoubtedly be overwhelming and exhausting for Jackie and the children," said Pastor Troy.
"Please be in prayer that the God of all comfort would make His love, His nearness and His presence so obvious to Jackie, Bella, Avery, Oakley, Iva and Eden, and that they would cling to Him."
Before becoming a missionary, Shroyer worked as a police officer with the Detroit Lakes Police Department. He joined the team in 2013. Beau eventually shifted careers becoming a real estate agent before deciding in 2021 to relocate to Africa with his wife and their five children to become a first-time missionary.