Jude Montis and family (Photo courtesy Missions in Haiti, Inc.)
Haiti (MNN)—The social media posts on Missions in Haiti, Inc.‘s Facebook page are foreboding.
Knowing what we know today, the situation’s outcome, and reading back to their thoughts on May 19 is disturbing. The post ten days ago reads of hope due to a lull in gang violence, conversations with gang members, and a resumption of commercial flights back into Haiti.
Davy and Natalie Lloyd, with kids at Missions in Haiti, Inc. (Photo courtesy Missions in Haiti, Inc.)
Abruptly, the tone darkens. On Thursday, May 23, there’s an urgent call to prayer. A tenuous situation is outlined: the gang surrounds a house where Davy, Natalie Lloyd, and Jude Montis, the local director of Missions in Haiti Inc., are hiding. That post closes with these words: “PLEASE PRAY—It’s going to be a long night. The phones have all died. I can’t get a hold of anybody for the past several hours now to know what’s going on.”
Hours later, this announcement follows: “Davy, and Natalie, and Jude were shot and killed by the gang about 9 o’clock this evening. We all are devastated.”
The ministry is making arrangements for Natalie and Davy’s remains to be returned to the United States. They also say that “the children and staff of Missions in Haiti have been relocated to safer locations.”
Missions in Haiti, Inc.’s goal is “to see the Gospel of Christ make a difference in the lives of Haiti’s young people.” Their work includes children’s homes, schools, sponsorship programs, and church planting, among other things. Their ministry targets the darkness of Haiti with the Gospel, and like many other ministries in Haiti, they are united in a common purpose to make disciples. For those who remain in Port au Prince, their peril is made more evident by these deaths.
Kate Michel serves with Radio 4 VEH, TWR’s partner in Haiti. MNN reached out to her to ask her for some prayer points as the mission community grieves its loss. She shared these thoughts:
“(It’s) very sad news in Haiti. Violent gangs have taken over in many areas in and around the capital city, Port au Prince, in recent months, and tragically, a young American missionary couple and their missions Haitian director are the latest victims of this violence. We pray for God’s comfort for their families and communities, and for local and foreign ministry workers who are still working in these dangerous areas in and around Port au Prince, and in other places around the country. We ask for prayer for God’s protection and provision, and perseverance for them. We know God is at work in Haiti, and we long to see a peace restored, and for people to be able to live a life in all its fullest as they find hope in the Gospel that Jesus offers.”
