In a tragic turn of events, Jude Montis, the local director of Missions in Haiti Inc., and American missionaries Davy and Natalie Lloyd were brutally murdered by gang members in the Lizon community of northern Port-au-Prince.
The couple, recently married and dedicated to humanitarian work in Haiti, were ambushed after leaving a youth group activity at a local church. The incident occurred amidst the escalating gang violence that has seized control of 80% of the capital city, leaving the authorities in anticipation of a U.N.-backed police force from Kenya to restore order.
Missions in Haiti Inc., the organization at the heart of this tragedy, is a faith-based group with a mission to "see the Gospel of Christ make a difference in the lives of Haiti's young people." The organization was founded in 2000 by David and Alicia Lloyd, parents of the slain Davy Lloyd, with a focus on alleviating the suffering of Haitian children. The Lloyds, who are full-time missionaries in Haiti, noted on the organization's website that "Thousands [of children] are malnourished, uneducated, and headed for hopeless lives apart from Christ."
Davy Lloyd, who grew up in Haiti, returned to the U.S. for Bible college education and married Natalie in June 2022. The couple promptly moved back to Haiti after their wedding to continue their humanitarian work. Jude Montis, a native Haitian, had been a dedicated employee of Missions in Haiti for two decades.
The organization's initiatives include the House of Compassion, a home for 36 children, and the Good Hope Boys' Home, which houses 22 boys. Additionally, the organization has established a church, a bakery, and a school with over 240 students.
The fatal incident unfolded as Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with some children, were leaving a church service. They were ambushed by gang members in three trucks. Davy Lloyd managed to contact his family, recounting that he was hit on the head with a gun, robbed, and left tied up. As he was being untied, another group of armed men arrived. The couple and Montis sought refuge in a nearby mission house, but the gang members shot up the house, resulting in their tragic deaths.
Ben Baker, Natalie Lloyd's father and a Republican state representative in Missouri, confirmed on Facebook that the bodies of Davy and Natalie Lloyd were safely transported to the U.S. Embassy. Jude Montis is survived by his two children, aged 2 and 6.
The incident has left the families and the community in shock and grief. Baker expressed his heartbreak on Facebook, writing, "I've never felt this kind of pain. Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together. Please pray for my family we desperately need strength. And please pray for the Lloyd family as well."
The tragic incident underscores the escalating gang violence in Haiti and the urgent need for international intervention. As the community mourns the loss of these dedicated missionaries, their legacy of service to the children of Haiti remains a testament to their faith and commitment.
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