Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
The world reeled. And wept. Our hearts tried to absorb the shockwaves. To make sense of the madness. The peace of a Haitian children’s home and school shattered with cries and fire. And blood. Three beautiful servant hearts murdered . . . brutally. Judes, Davy, and Natalie joined the ranks of that grand company of martyrs in May 2024.
When David and Alicia Lloyd opened a children’s home in Haiti, they had no idea how their hearts would soar, humbled by the way God was expanding and blessing the ministry. And they had no idea how much it would cost—their son, his young wife, and their dear friend. Strong to the End tells the story of Davy, Natalie, and Judes—their lives, dreams, love, faith, and deaths. It tells the story of Haiti, a beautiful land besieged by natural disasters, poverty, and gang violence. And it asks the hard questions of the Christian life.
What does it mean to count the cost before you know the price?
What are moral, ethical, and spiritual dynamics in modern missions?
When should you protect yourself and your family?
How do you love those bent on persecuting you?
Is Jesus really worth living—and dying—for?
With the bodies of their loved ones in the ground, these questions were raised in their hearts. This book invites listeners to weep, wrestle, rejoice . . . and draw courage from the faithful.
About a month ago, my sweet friend Naomi asked me if I would be willing to read an advanced copy of “Strong to the End.” She warned me that it would be a hard read due to the evil killings of her daughter, Natalie, along with husband Davy and family friend Judes Montis.
Of course I said yes. It’s the most simple thing I could do to support their family and share their story.
Davy and Natalie’s story made international headlines in May 2024. I remember waking up the morning of Friday, May 24th for work. I was laying in bed scrolling Facebook when I came across Ben’s post. I read it two or three times trying to make sense of it.
Two young, beautiful, innocent missionaries who were barely starting their lives together as a married couple, dedicated to serving God and others. Murdered. Brutally. With no rhyme or reason. Of course it captured the attention and the hearts of the nation.
But behind the headlines were real stories. Real people. Real heartache. And most importantly, real Faith.
The book tells the stories of Davy, Natalie, and Judes. Individually and collectively. It shares the history of Haiti and the ongoing violence, while also shining a light on the hope of those still there, waiting to be free.
It was a hard read. I cried a couple times. I even laughed a couple times at the stories told. And I felt a sense of pride when I read of sweet little Natalie physically fighting back against the gangs trying to protect her husband.
Closing the book, I felt both the weight of grief and the quiet power of faith that runs through every page. I’m so grateful Naomi trusted me to read it, and even more grateful that the lives of Davy, Natalie, and Judes are being remembered in a way that points others toward hope, even in the darkest of days.
A sobering, inspiring, and challenging read. And being about the same age as Davy and Natalie made it really hit harder... They were so on fire for God! Davy's life motto was I want to live life intentionally, in light of eternity. And that is just what he did. Such an inspiration! And I want to be more than inspired--I want to be intentional about living in light of eternity, too.
This is a story I heard about as it unfolded. Reports began appearing on social media that something had gone terribly wrong for a group of missionaries in Haiti. Soon afterward came the heartbreaking confirmation that they had been killed. Unlike the missionary martyrs of previous generations, whose stories often took weeks or months to reach the wider world, the news of these deaths traveled with unprecedented speed. The deaths of John Stam and Betty Stam became known only after a long delay. In contrast, the deaths of Davy, Natalie, and their faithful friend, Judes, were reported worldwide within hours.
This is not a feel-good story—how could it be? But it is a reminder that there are still people around the world living in darkness. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, carrying the message of God’s salvation to all
As the scripture says in Matthew 5:16 (KJV): “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
No words could do this book justice, to go thru what these Christians went thru is just unbelievable. My heart still breaks for these families but also makes my heart swell with pride knowing there are still Christians who listen to God's leading and stand for what they believe no matter the consequences.
Not an easy read but it will stir your heart to consider what you are living for and who you are helping. Instead of pursuing health, safety, and comfort we need to chase after what Jesus calls us to do.
An amazing story of two young missionaries that will inspire, challenge, and encourage you’re faith. May we all strive to “live intentionally in light of eternity” -Davy Lloyd.