“In the meantime, I want to invite you to continue to pray,” said Easton. “Pray that the truth about what happened would be undeniably clear and that it would come into the light quickly, that there would be no question about what really took place.” He encouraged people to pray that justice would be done, that God would humble whoever is guilty, and that God would comfort and heal the Shroyer children and “their whole family.”
Easton also encouraged people to pray for Jackie Shroyer, emphasizing “we simply just don’t have all the facts, and therefore we do not know for sure what’s all true.”
“On one hand, it is unfathomable,” he said, that someone seemingly so devoted to God could commit such a crime, and it is valid that people might wonder if “corruption” or even “persecution” are involved. On the other hand, Easton said the Bible warns all Christians of the power of Satan and our own sin natures if we are not humbly faithful in our pursuit of God.
“The truth is, believe it or not, we are all capable of falling into the traps of the enemy and catastrophic sin,” said Easton. “Every single one of us has the potential to severely blow up our lives.”
“It includes me, it includes you, and it includes Jackie Shroyer. And I’m not saying this because I think that Jackie’s guilty,” he continued.
“I’m saying this today because if you don’t think that human beings who say they know and love God aren’t capable of falling into such evil and sin,” said Easton, “then you are lying to yourself about the reality of yours and my corrupted humanity and ignorant of our desperate need for Jesus.”
On Feb. 20, SIM published a statement, saying, “Following the formal charging of Jackie Shroyer in connection with recent events in Lubango, Angola, SIM is working closely with her legal team to determine the most appropriate next steps. She continues to be held in custody, supported by SIM colleagues and others.”
“We are deeply thankful for the prayers and support from around the world,” said SIM. “We ask for continued prayer for all those impacted by this tragedy. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not comment further at this time.”
“The court date has not yet been set,” said Easton in his message updating the church about the charge against Jackie, “but will likely occur within the next 6 months. Beau and Jackie’s children will continue to be cared for by close family with support from both SIM and Lakes Area Vineyard Church.”
“In light of the ongoing judicial process, we will not be able to comment any further at this time. I’m so very sorry,” said Easton. “Please continue to cling to the Lord and His unchanging character, nature and love and continue to pray for truth to be clear, for justice to be served and for God’s kingdom to come and will to be done.”
