Former Texas church staff member killed in Libya

BENGHAZI, Libya — A former staff member at The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas, was shot and killed in Benghazi, Libya, Dec. 5. Ronnie Smith, 33, had moved to Libya with his wife, Anita, and their son, Hosea, a year and a half ago to teach chemistry at the International School Benghazi and “be a blessing to the Libyan people,” according to a statement posted on the church website.

He was shot while out for a morning run just days before his planned return to the U.S. for the holidays. His wife and son had already returned to the U.S. — he had stayed behind “out of a sense of dedication” to be with his students during their midterm exams.