It is with a heavy heart that I write this column today. Our nation has been shaken by the tragic loss of State Rep. Ben Baker’s daughter, Natalie, and her husband, Davy, who were killed while serving as missionaries in Haiti. Rep. Baker and I were elected to office at the same time, and we have fought side-by-side to protect our conservative values. The loss of these two incredible young people is a devastating blow to all who knew and loved them.
Natalie and Davy dedicated their lives to helping others. Their commitment to their faith and their mission work was unwavering. Unfortunately, their dedication led them into danger. When Sen. Josh Hawley was informed that Natalie and Davy were in trouble, he sought assistance from the Biden administration. He was met with a disheartening response. “Last night, as my office urged the American Embassy to send help to Natalie and Davy as they were under siege, the Embassy told us it was ‘too dangerous’ to send police,” Hawley wrote. “What a weak country we have become. We cannot protect our own citizens from wanton violence.”
The failure of President Biden to secure Americans living in Haiti is a stark reminder of his administration’s shortcomings. U.S. Rep. Cory Mills of Florida has aptly criticized the president, stating, “Joe Biden has a history of abandoning American citizens, from the botched Afghan withdrawal to Israel, and now Haiti. He has failed to uphold his oath to protect American citizens, both at home and abroad…”
Natalie Elizabeth Lloyd was a beloved daughter of Ben and Naomi Baker. Born on March 2, 2003, in Joplin, Missouri, Natalie spent her life in Neosho. She attended Ozark Christian Academy and Ozark Bible Institute and College. Natalie was deeply loved by her family and had a nurturing spirit, especially for children. She had a special bond with a little boy named Kelly from the Haitian orphanage where she served, and he affectionately called her ‘momma’. Natalie is survived by her parents, her sisters Sylvia, Sydney, and Nicole, and a large extended family who will forever cherish her memory.
David Joseph Lloyd III, known as Davy, was born on July 3, 2000, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in Haiti, where his first language was Haitian Creole. Davy faced many challenges, including being kidnapped at the age of five and surviving the devastating 2010 earthquake. He graduated from Good Hope Christian Academy in Haiti and later from Ozark Bible Institute and College with honors. Davy was a gifted preacher, avid outdoorsman and skilled in construction. He is survived by his parents, his sister Hannah, his brother Samuel, his grandparents, and many other relatives who loved him dearly.
Davy and Natalie were married on June 18, 2022, in a beautiful ceremony at Bible Holiness Assembly of God in Neosho. They made their home in Neosho and attended Bible Holiness Assembly of God. In January 2023, they became full-time missionaries with Missions in Haiti, Inc., dedicating their lives to serving the people of Haiti. Their love for each other and their commitment to their mission work were truly inspiring.
The loss of Natalie and Davy is a profound tragedy for their families, their friends, and our entire community. Their dedication to helping others and their unwavering faith were examples to us all. As we mourn their passing, let us also remember the joy and love they brought into the world.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes Butler County.