On May 24, 2024, three U.S. missionaries were ambushed and fatally shot in Haiti. The victims included a young married couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, and Jude Montis, a Haitian man who worked with them. Davy and Natalie Lloyd were a young married couple from the United States.
They were passionate about their missionary work in Haiti, focusing on helping the country’s children. After their wedding in June 2022, they wasted no time moving to Haiti to engage in humanitarian efforts.
Natalie Lloyd was the daughter of Missouri state representative Ben Baker. Davy Lloyd, also known as David Lloyd III, was a 23-year-old American missionary. He grew up in Haiti and later went to the U.S. to attend a Bible college. After his studies, he married Natalie in June 2022.
Natalie’s passion for helping others led her to join Davy in their mission to assist the children of Haiti. Jude Montis was the local director of Missions in Haiti Inc. He had worked with the organization for 20 years before tragically losing his life. As the local director, he played a crucial role in the organization’s efforts to improve the lives of Haiti’s young people.His commitment to the cause made him an integral part of the team.
The incident occurred in the community of Lizon in northern Port-au-Prince. The missionaries were attacked by gang members after leaving a youth group activity at a local church.Haiti’s capital has been grappling with violent gangs that control 80% of the city, and authorities have been awaiting the arrival of a police force from Kenya to address the situation.The situation with armed gangs in Haiti is deeply concerning and has had a significant impact on the country. Let me provide you with more information about these gangs
Number of Gangs:
- There are approximately 200 armed gangs operating in Haiti.
- About half of these gangs have a presence in the capital city, Port-au-Prince.
Major Gang Coalitions in Port-au-Prince:
- G9 Family and Allies (G9):
- Led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, a former Haitian police officer.
- Cherizier is under UN and United States sanctions for his involvement in Haiti’s violence.
- G9 has been accused of mass killings and sexual violence in areas under their authority.
- GPep:
- Led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, also known as Ti Gabriel.
- Before the creation of G-Pep, Jean-Pierre was the leader of a gang called Nan Brooklyn.
- GPep is based in Port-au-Prince’s impoverished Cite Soleil district.
- Like G9, GPep has also been involved in violence and territorial disputes.
Rivalry and Control:
- G9 and GPep have been rivals for years, battling for control of neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince.
- Both groups seek dominance over specific areas and have engaged in violent acts to assert their authority.
- Their actions have caused immense suffering and instability in the affected communities.
Challenges and Impact:
- The gangs’ activities have paralyzed the city, leading to attacks on police stations, prisons, and other institutions.
- They control around 80% of Port-au-Prince, making it difficult for authorities to maintain law and order.
- Efforts to address the crisis, including the deployment of a multinational armed force led by Kenya, have faced obstacles.
Humanitarian Crisis:
- Haiti’s ongoing political and humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the gangs’ actions.
- The consequences of their violence have been devastating for the country and its people.
It’s important to recognize that the situation in Haiti is complex, and addressing the gang violence requires a multifaceted approach. The international community, local authorities, and organizations must work together to find sustainable solutions and restore safety and stability for the Haitian population.
Missionary Work in Haiti:
https://www.missionsinhaiti.com/about_us
Missions in Haiti was established in 2000 by David and Alicia Lloyd, driven by their deep compassion for Haiti’s young people. Despite the pervasive poverty in the nation, their primary focus lay in aiding malnourished and uneducated children, offering a beacon of hope through their faith-based initiatives. The foundational goal of Missions in Haiti remains to harness the power of the Gospel of Christ to foster positive change in the lives of the country’s children.
Despite the nation’s widespread poverty, the Lloyds recognized that the children suffered the most. They aimed to address this by providing essential support, education, and hope to the young people of Haiti. House of Compassion is a ministry that provides housing for 36 children (18 boys and 18 girls).
The children stay at House of Compassion until they finish school and are ready to be independent. Good Hope Boys’ Home is a home for 22 boys, offering a safe and nurturing environment. Missions in Haiti has built churches, a bakery, and three schools with over 240 students. Their efforts extend beyond basic needs, aiming to empower the next generation of Haitians.
U.S. Response:
As of now, there is no specific information available regarding the official response from the U.S. government or the Department of Justice (DoJ).
This tragic event highlights the risks and challenges faced by missionaries working in volatile regions. Our thoughts go out to the victims’ families and the entire community affected by this senseless violence.
the lives of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, Jude Montis, and the organization “Missions in Haiti”:Despite the challenges faced by missionaries in Haiti, the dedication of individuals like Davy, Natalie, and Jude continues to inspire hope and change in a troubled Caribbean country. The organization’s work remains vital, especially in the face of gang violence and poverty