Sunday’s service at Lakes Area Vineyard Church started on a somber note.

The lead pastor says one of their members, a man from Detroit Lakes, was killed while on a mission trip in Angola.

According to Lead Pastor Troy Easton, the church was notified of the death of Beau Shroyer on Friday by SIM-USA, which specializes in mission work.

“Many of us are still in shock and experiencing deep grief and sadness about the unbelievable news about our dear brother and friend Beau Shroyer,” Easton shared.

Easton added that Shroyer was “killed in an act of violence while serving Jesus in Angola, Africa.”

Mark Bosscher, who is with SIM-USA, said Shroyer had been working with the organization since 2021. “What the Shroyers did, as well as anybody, is just love people,” Bosscher said.

Bosscher added that Shroyer had a background in law enforcement in northern Minnesota. “[He had] a beautiful, thick Minnesota accent, when you talk to him, and moved into real estate, and then, the Lord called them to the mission field.”

In a prepared statement, Easton said, “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.”

The statement also added that Shroyer is survived by his wife and five children.