A family from Claremore is sharing the story of their son, daughter-in-law, and longtime ministry worker who were killed in Haiti through a newly released book focused on faith, grief, and sacrifice.
David Lloyd and Alicia Lloyd recently published Strong to the End, a book that reflects on the lives and ministry work of Davy Lloyd, Natalie Lloyd, and Judes Montis.
The three were killed in Haiti in May 2024 while serving with Missions in Haiti, a ministry founded by the Lloyd family nearly three decades ago.
The book shares details about Davy and Natalie’s lives, their work in Haiti, and the tragic events leading up to the deadly attack.
Quick Summary of the Story
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Family | David and Alicia Lloyd |
| Book Title | Strong to the End |
| Victims Honored | Davy Lloyd, Natalie Lloyd, Judes Montis |
| Location of Attack | Haiti |
| Year of Attack | 2024 |
| Organization | Missions in Haiti |
| Main Themes | Faith, sacrifice, grief, mission work |
| Family Goal | Preserve legacy and raise awareness about Haiti |
Family Says They Never Expected Tragedy
David Lloyd said the family had just returned home to Oklahoma from Haiti one day before the attack happened.
“We never imagined death entering the picture,” he said.
According to the Lloyd family, the violence began when gang members attacked Davy Lloyd as he was leaving a youth service connected to the church on the mission compound.
David Lloyd said Davy initially survived the first encounter. However, Davy, Natalie, and Judes Montis later barricaded themselves inside a nearby house while armed gang members surrounded the area.
The family said they spent hours desperately trying to get help while staying in contact by phone from Oklahoma.
Later that night, they learned that Davy and Judes had been killed. Natalie later died from her injuries.
The killings shocked both Oklahoma communities and missionary organizations nationwide, drawing renewed attention to Haiti’s worsening gang violence and humanitarian crisis.
Book Focuses on Faith and Purpose, Not Just Tragedy
Although the attack forms part of the story, the Lloyd family said they wanted the book to primarily reflect the faith, purpose, and mission work that defined Davy and Natalie’s lives.
“Our son Davy grew up in Haiti,” David Lloyd said. “He always loved the Haitian people.”
According to his family, Davy spoke Creole fluently and always planned to return to Haiti permanently after completing Bible college.
David recalled his son once joking:
“Natalie is the missionary. I’m just going home.”
The family said the title Strong to the End represents Davy and Natalie’s commitment to their faith throughout the final moments of their lives.
Eyewitnesses Described Davy Sharing Scripture During Attack
The decision to write the book became deeply personal after the Lloyd family returned to Haiti following the funeral.
While there, they heard eyewitness accounts describing Davy continuing to speak about faith and quote scripture during the attack itself.
“One of the young people there said Davy kept quoting scripture and telling them how to be saved,” David Lloyd said.
Even after someone reportedly told him to stop speaking, Davy refused.
“He said, ‘I can’t. This might be their only chance to hear the gospel,’” David recalled.
The family said those stories reinforced their desire to document the lives and faith of Davy, Natalie, and Judes.
Writing the Book Became Part of the Family’s Healing Process
Alicia Lloyd said telling their story through the book became emotionally difficult but also healing.
“Telling our story initially was kind of healing in a sense,” she said. “It helped us kind of get everything together and settle it for us in some sense.”
Still, she admitted revisiting the memories after publication has been painful.
“It’s been harder since it came out than I thought it would be,” Alicia said.
The family hopes the book keeps the memories of Davy, Natalie, and Judes alive while also inspiring others through their story of faith and sacrifice.
Family Wants More Attention on Haiti’s Crisis
Beyond honoring their loved ones, the Lloyd family hopes the book raises awareness about Haiti’s ongoing violence and humanitarian emergency.
Gang violence in Haiti has intensified in recent years, forcing many families to flee their homes while armed groups continue battling for control in parts of the country.
The Lloyds said the world needs greater awareness of the conditions Haitians continue facing daily.
“It’s a terrible situation that the world needs to be aware of,” David Lloyd said.
Despite everything that happened, the family says they remain committed to continuing the ministry work that has connected them to Haiti for nearly 30 years.
Mission Work Continues Despite Loss
The Lloyd family said they still feel called to serve the people of Haiti despite the trauma and grief they have experienced.
Missions in Haiti has operated for decades providing spiritual outreach, community support, and assistance to local families.
The deaths of Davy, Natalie, and Judes deeply affected both the ministry and the wider missionary community, but the family says their mission has not ended.
Instead, they hope the book helps continue the work and values their loved ones devoted their lives to.
