On January 31, World Relief, a well-known evangelical organization focused on refugee assistance both in the United States and worldwide, encountered an unexpected challenge. The U.S. Department of State issued a directive that instructed the organization to suspend all operations associated with its contract with the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. This sudden announcement left many stakeholders in confusion, particularly since a group of Afghan allies who had supported American forces was set to arrive at Sacramento airport that very evening, for which World Relief had been contracted to facilitate their resettlement.
Matthew Soerens, World Relief’s vice president of advocacy and policy, remarked, “The message was unequivocal: cease all activities.” However, he stressed their commitment to be present at the airport to welcome the newcomers, ensuring they had a safe place to stay and a warm meal. While providing airport greetings and meals may seem minor, the larger issue at hand is the uncertainty surrounding the financial support for these families over the upcoming three months. Typically, this period is covered by federal funds through various partners, allowing refugees to transition into employment and stability. Now, with the State Department’s order to halt this support, there are rising concerns about the financial well-being of thousands of families that World Relief supports both domestically and globally.
Since the new administration took office, a freeze on spending and stop-work orders have been implemented across various areas of American foreign aid. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which operates on a budget of around $40 billion—less than 1% of the federal budget—has experienced a 90-day funding pause, save for a limited number of programs aimed at addressing urgent food and medical crises. This funding freeze has led to layoffs and administrative leave for many USAID contractors and employees, alongside the suspension of operations on the agency’s website. Similar restrictions have impacted developmental and humanitarian initiatives run by the State Department.
On February 4, following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement that he would temporarily oversee USAID, most of the agency’s staff—except those in critical mission roles—were also placed on leave. Employees stationed in overseas missions were notified that arrangements would soon be made for their return to the U.S. within a month.
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The funding cuts have also severely affected various evangelical and Christian charities. Major organizations like World Vision, International Justice Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, and Catholic Relief Services—who was the largest recipient of USAID funding in 2024 with $476 billion—have faced substantial losses. Due to the unclear guidelines about which programs will continue to receive funding, some charities are choosing to reduce their spending as a precautionary measure. World Vision, in a communication to TIME, stated, “We are adapting to the executive order that halts U.S. foreign assistance funding, except for emergency food aid, for the next 90 days while programs are evaluated for alignment with the current administration’s foreign policy.”
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In contrast, some organizations have chosen to persist with their operations despite the suspension orders. “Even with suspension notices in hand, we are continuing our work in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia,” a spokesperson for Medical Teams International shared via email. “We’ve decided to move forward for now because, as a Christian organization, we believe in the dignity and worth of every individual we serve and our staff.” Currently, only a specific segment of a program in Uganda has been authorized to continue, and the organization is aware that they may not receive reimbursement for their other projects.
“Our understanding is that critical emergency supplies are exempt from the stop order,” stated Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, in a communication to TIME. “However, the details regarding the waiver process remain somewhat vague.” He further explained that his organization, which relies on USAID for less than 5% of its international aid budget, is forging ahead with projects in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia.
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Some organizations are leveraging their connections within the Trump Administration or the State Department to find clarity on the future of USAID and its funded initiatives. Others are actively advocating for the President to reconsider his position. “If President Trump believes that evangelical Christians want secure borders, he is correct,” Soerens remarked. “However, if he thinks that evangelicals support denying entry to thoroughly vetted refugees, many of whom are persecuted Christians, he is mistaken.”
Although 80% of white evangelicals voted for Trump, Soerens points to a recent survey by LifeWay Research, the polling arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, showing that 70% of U.S. evangelicals feel the nation has a moral duty to accept refugees. This perspective may explain why, since the funding freeze was announced, World Relief has raised $3 million, primarily from small donors. Nonetheless, this amount does not cover the three months of rent the government had committed to. “About 4,000 individuals are being invited to the United States, with travel arrangements already made by the government,” he underscores. “This situation is fundamentally different from other discussions about immigration.” World Relief predicts an $8 million shortfall in its budget if the U.S. government continues to withhold rental support for legal refugees.
For Christians involved with USAID, the funding suspensions and stop-work orders, combined with ongoing criticism of the agency from figures like Elon Musk—who has called it “evil”—and Trump adviser Stephen Miller, signify a profound betrayal of what they regard as a sacred mission. “I’m committed to doing my part as the hands and feet of God in this world,” stated Anne Linn, who has devoted her career to combating malaria in various African countries and in Washington, D.C. “What can I do to alleviate the suffering of others, my neighbors?” She faced a layoff on Friday when her contract with the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative was terminated, mirroring the situation many at World Relief are experiencing.
Linn acknowledges that many Americans believe that countries suffering from malaria should take charge of their own healthcare instead of relying on U.S. aid. “Those nations desire that as well,” she agrees. “However, a significant portion of their GDP is dedicated to servicing debt. We need to provide them with a launching pad; it can’t happen overnight.” With the rainy season approaching in several affected regions, Linn is particularly worried about the imminent arrival of mosquitoes, as bed nets crucial for malaria prevention remain stuck in warehouses, and those tasked with delivering them are also facing stop-work orders. Her greatest concern is for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children under five, who are particularly susceptible to malaria. “How can anyone read the teachings of Jesus Christ and find this acceptable?” she questions. “It’s incomprehensible to me. If we claim to be pro-life, we cannot accept this situation.”
