Published on: 1 November 2024
DOHI STAFF
Missionary Beau Shroyer, 44, was killed in what is being called “an act of violence” while serving with SIM USA in Angola, a Portuguese-speaking country on the west-central coast of Africa.
Three years ago, Beau, his wife Jackie and their five children all moved from their home state of Minnesota to Lubango, Angola, to work with impoverished youth, teens and young adults.
While home on a recent furlough, Jackie shared how their ministry began, “Shortly after arriving in country, we saw the hunger. The hunger in Angola and in the city is heartbreaking. I would cry myself to sleep every night imagining how hungry these children are.” After a lot of praying, God gave Jackie and Beau the idea of a “soup night” to meet some of the real needs they saw around them.
“This has been our biggest ministry. Our main focus has been once a week, every Tuesday night, we make soup during the day, we bring it out on the street in front of our house and we serve it to the kids with bread. We thought this would be a good way to deal with the hunger and get to know the kids in our neighborhood and practice our Portuguese. But, of course, God had way bigger plans than we could ever see!”
The number of children standing in line in front of the Shroyer’s house on Tuesday nights grew year after year. In the beginning they were feeding 25 kids. By the summer of 2024, over 300 children were dropping by for soup, conversation, hugs and to listen to Bible stories.
In addition to the weekly feedings and reaching out to both orphan and street children with physical and spiritual food, Beau was working on developing a 7-acre plot of land that the Angolan government had gifted SIM USA. His hope was to turn the property into a place where local children could receive a free education, attend VBS, join a sports ministry, and get vocational training.
In a statement published online, Pastor Troy Easton of Lakes Area Vineyard Church, where Beau and Jackie were longtime members, shared:
“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.”
Please, let us pray that the God of all comfort would minister to Jackie, Bella, Avery, Oakley, Iva and Eden during this very difficult time.
