Strong to the End: Oklahoma Parents Release Book Honoring Missionary Couple Killed in Haiti

TULSA, OK -- Two years after a Haitian gang killed a missionary couple from Oklahoma, their parents are detailing their lives and sacrifice in a new book. David and Alicia Lloyd lost their son, Davy, and his wife, Natalie, in May 2024. The young couple, who married in 2022, were serving in Haiti’s mission field when they were ambushed and shot alongside their friend, Judes. Now, the Lloyds are sharing their story through a book titled Strong to the End.

The Calling to Haiti

Married in 2022, the young couple began serving in Haiti shortly after. Alicia Lloyd recalls advising her son not to return to Haiti unless he felt it was his true purpose. She urged him not to go out of pity for his parents or the people, but because he knew it was what he was supposed to do with his life.

The couple grew close to the community in Haiti, viewing their service as a lifelong calling. However, in May 2024, that journey ended in tragedy when they were ambushed by a local gang and killed.

A Testament of Faith

The Lloyds have spent the last two years grappling with the loss and readjusting their perspective on the risks associated with global mission work. David Lloyd noted that while they previously believed their calling might ensure their physical safety, they have had to accept that suffering and death can be part of the cost of total surrender to their faith.

In writing the book, the parents uncovered details about the couple's final days that were previously unknown to them. They learned that Davy spent his final moments spreading his faith to the very gang members who were responsible for the attack. David Lloyd shared that his son never wavered in his love for Jesus and his excitement about his faith, even in the face of death.

Continuing the Legacy

Strong to the End is intended to be an example and an encouragement for others. The parents hope the book inspires people to have a closer relationship with their faith and a more dedicated walk in their own lives. Beyond the message, the book serves a practical purpose for the couple's alma mater.

• All proceeds from the book will go toward building a new facility.

• The facility will be named the Davy and Natalie’s Academic Center.

• It will be located at the Ozark Bible Institute, where the couple attended college.

Despite the loss of what David Lloyd estimated could have been 30 or 40 years of life on earth, the parents expressed peace. They maintain a focus on their belief in an eternal reunion, stating that while they miss their children now, they are settled in the knowledge that they will spend eternity together.

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