Minnesota Missionary Killed in Angola Amid Security Concerns

Beau Shroyer, a pastor and former police officer from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, was killed on October 25 while serving as a missionary with his wife, Jackie, and their five children in Lubango, Angola. Shroyer, 44, had relocated with his family to the area as part of Society for International Ministries USA (SIM USA), an international Christian missions organization.

Randy Fairman, SIM USA‘s president, confirmed Shroyer’s death in a statement, noting, “Beau Shroyer was killed while serving Jesus in Angola and is now with his Savior.” Fairman indicated he would travel to Lubango to support the family, who had previously raised concerns about security risks in the region.

The Shroyer family, who embarked on missionary work after COVID lockdowns eased, spent their first year in Lubango adapting to the language and local customs. However, their mission was marked by challenges, including repeated break-ins, mistrust of local security guards, and recurring illnesses such as malaria. “We went through many guards and had several break-ins during the night while we were at home sleeping,” Jackie Shroyer told Country Faith Church in a presentation last June.

Despite these challenges, the family remained committed to their mission, motivated by faith. In recent months, Beau Shroyer sought to enhance security for the youth ministry property they were developing, located near an orange farm frequently targeted by thieves. According to Shroyer, the farm had resorted to hiring over 50 guards and installing a high razor-wire fence due to crime rates exacerbated by food insecurity in the area.

Troy Easton, lead pastor at Lakes Area Vineyard Church, where the Shroyer family are longtime members, confirmed to the congregation that Shroyer’s death was “an act of violence.” Easton stated that Jackie Shroyer and the children are safe and receiving care.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Angola, issued in September, warned of prevalent violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide. The advisory highlighted that local police resources are limited, making effective response to serious incidents challenging.

The Shroyer family expressed their resolve to continue their mission in Angola despite adversity, underscoring their dedication and belief in their work.

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice