A Minnesota church community is reeling from the shocking loss of Pastor Beau Shroyer, who was killed in an act of violence while serving as a missionary in Angola, Africa. Shroyer, 44, pastor of Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, was in the African nation with his family when the tragedy occurred on Friday.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Troy Easton, lead pastor of Lakes Area Vineyard Church, who shared the details in a letter to the congregation. “Our dear brother and friend Beau Shroyer was killed in an act of violence while serving Jesus in Angola, Africa,” Easton wrote. He went on to explain that while many details of the incident remain unknown, they are in touch with Shroyer’s wife, Jackie, and are doing everything possible to support her and their five children—Bella, Avery, Oakley, Iva, and Eden—during this unimaginable time.

Shroyer’s passing leaves a void not only in his local church community but in the hearts of those in the remote Angolan village where he and his family had recently moved to spread the love of Christ. The family had embarked on this mission through SIM USA, an organization dedicated to cross-cultural missions, with a passion for teaching the region’s children about Jesus.

Beau and Jackie Shroyer had shared their excitement about their move with the Detroit Lakes Tribune just before leaving for Angola. The couple described the location as a “remote bush village” without mail service, electricity, or modern utilities. Jackie explained that their goal was to introduce the local children to the love of God. “Most of these kids have never even heard the name of Jesus,” she said, expressing the family’s deep sense of purpose in bringing the message of the Gospel to those who had never encountered it before.

For the Shroyers, the mission was about more than just teaching—it was about building relationships and offering hope to a community far removed from the comforts of modern life. Their oldest daughter, 13-year-old Bella, had been particularly excited to meet new people and form bonds within the village.

Beau Shroyer’s journey to full-time missionary work had been filled with diverse experiences. He had previously served as a police officer with the Detroit Lakes Police Department and worked as a real estate agent before answering the call to ministry. In 2021, he and Jackie began missionary work together, committing to long-term service in Angola.

Following his death, Randy Fairman, president of SIM USA, wrote to the Lakes Area Vineyard Church, offering words of comfort. Fairman expressed his belief that from Beau’s vantage point in heaven, he can now see how his family will be cared for. “It is not hard for him to trust our good Father,” Fairman said, emphasizing that although this is a season of deep sorrow and uncertainty for those left behind, they must now trust in Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we come to You with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of Your faithful servant, Beau Shroyer. Lord, we ask that You wrap Your arms of love and comfort around Jackie, Bella, Avery, Oakley, Iva, and Eden as they walk through this valley of deep sorrow. May they feel Your presence more powerfully than ever before, knowing that You are near to the brokenhearted. Grant them peace that surpasses all understanding, and surround them with a community of love and support. We trust in Your promise that Beau is now with You, and we hold fast to the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.