South Florida

South Florida Youth Pastor Killed in Burkina Faso Terrorist Attack

A South Florida youth pastor was one among more than two dozen killed by Al-Qaeda linked militants in an attack in the capital of Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Mike Riddering, 45, a youth pastor at Hollywood Community Church, was at a cafe when gunmen entered and opened fire.

The South Florida native had had been living in Africa with his family since 2011, where Riddering led an orphanage and a woman's crisis center.

"They left everything to go serve some of the neediest in the world. And that's been a message that has been contagious here at his home church, but also at other churches in the community," said Brian Burkholder, Pastor of Hollywood Community Church.

Riddering leaves behind a wife and four children.

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A memorial fund has been set up to assist Riddering's wife and family. Click here to donate.

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