On January 31, World Relief, a well-known evangelical organization focused on aiding refugees around the world, especially in the U.S., received an unexpected notice from the U.S. Department of State. This directive required the charity to immediately cease all activities associated with its contract with the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. The timing was particularly perplexing, as a group of Afghan allies, who had supported American troops during the lengthy conflict, were due to arrive at Sacramento airport that evening, and World Relief was set to assist with their integration.
“The directive was unequivocal: stop all operations,” stated Matthew Soerens, World Relief’s vice president of advocacy and policy. “Nonetheless, we had no plans to abandon our commitment at the airport. We were dedicated to ensuring these individuals had safe shelter and a warm meal.” While welcoming newcomers and providing meals might seem manageable, World Relief’s broader concern hinges on who will fund the rent for these families over the subsequent three months. Typically, federal assistance covers this period through various partnerships, allowing refugees the necessary time to find jobs and establish stability. However, the State Department’s order to halt this support has raised alarms about the financial stability of countless families that World Relief serves both within the U.S. and abroad.
Since the new administration took charge, 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), operating on a budget of approximately $40 billion—accounting for less than 1% of the federal budget—has had its funding suspended for 90 days, except for a select few programs aimed at addressing urgent needs related to hunger and health crises. This funding freeze has led to numerous layoffs among USAID contractors and staff, with the agency’s website also being taken offline. Similar restrictions have affected the State Department’s development and humanitarian efforts.
On February 4, shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his temporary oversight of USAID, most of the agency’s personnel—not involved in mission-critical tasks—were placed on leave. Employees stationed in international missions were informed that arrangements would be made for their return to the U.S. within 30 days.
Read More: Inside the Chaos, Confusion, and Heartbreak of Trump’s Foreign-Aid Freeze
Evangelical and various Christian charities have also been significantly affected by these funding cuts. Major organizations, including World Vision, International Justice Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, and Catholic Relief Services—which was the largest recipient of USAID funding in 2024 at $476 billion—have seen their support diminish. The uncertainty surrounding which programs would continue receiving funding has led some charities to preemptively reduce their expenditures. “World Vision is adjusting to the executive order that pauses U.S. foreign assistance funding—except for emergency food aid—for the next 90 days while programs are assessed for alignment with the new administration’s foreign policy,” the organization communicated to TIME.
Drew Angerer—AFP/Getty Images
In contrast, some organizations have chosen to continue their operations despite the halt orders. “Even after receiving suspension notifications, we are persisting with our work in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia,” a representative from Medical Teams International stated in an email. “We’ve made this choice for now because, as a Christian organization, we hold the dignity and worth of each person we serve in high regard.” Currently, only a specific segment of a program in Uganda has received approval to continue, and the organization is aware that they may not be reimbursed for other projects.
“Our understanding is that critical emergency supplies are exempt from the stop order,” commented Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, in a conversation with TIME. “However, the details of the waiver process are still unclear.” He added that his organization, which relies on USAID for less than 5% of its international aid budget, intends to proceed with projects in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia.
Read More: Can He Do That? What Legal Experts Say About Trump’s Most Radical Moves
Some organizations are leveraging connections within the Trump Administration or the State Department to clarify the future of USAID and its funded initiatives. Others are urging the President to reconsider his approach. “If President Trump believes evangelical Christians want secure borders, he’s correct,” Soerens remarked. “However, if he thinks that evangelicals want to deny entry to carefully vetted refugees, many of whom are persecuted Christians, he’s mistaken.”
Despite 80% of white evangelicals supporting Trump during the election, Soerens cites a recent survey by LifeWay Research, which indicates that 70% of U.S. evangelicals feel the country has a moral responsibility to accept refugees. This sentiment might explain why, in the two weeks following the funding freeze, World Relief raised $3 million, primarily from smaller donors. However, this amount does not sufficiently cover the three months of rent that the government had previously committed to providing. “About 4,000 individuals are being invited to the United States, with travel plans already set by the government,” he emphasizes. “This scenario is fundamentally different from other immigration debates.” The organization anticipates an $8 million shortfall in its budget if the U.S. government continues to withhold rent support for legally approved refugees.
For Christians involved with USAID, the stop-work orders and funding suspensions—along with ongoing criticism of the agency’s efforts from individuals like Elon Musk, who labeled it “evil,” and Trump adviser Stephen Miller—represent a significant betrayal of what they see as a sacred mission. “I’m committed to doing my part as the hands and feet of God in this world,” expressed Anne Linn, who has devoted her career to fighting malaria, working both in various African nations and in Washington, D.C. “What can I do to alleviate the suffering of others, my neighbors?” She faced a layoff last Friday when her contract with the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative was terminated, mirroring the plight of World Relief.
Linn understands that many Americans believe that countries suffering from malaria should take charge of their own healthcare rather than relying excessively on U.S. assistance. “Those nations desire that as well,” she admits. “However, a significant portion of their GDP is spent on servicing debt. We must give them a launching pad; it cannot happen overnight.” With the rainy season approaching in numerous affected countries, Linn fears that mosquitoes will soon invade, but the bed nets essential for preventing malaria are stuck in warehouses, and those tasked with delivering them are also facing stop-work orders. She is particularly concerned about vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children under five, who are at a heightened risk for malaria. “How can one 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 condone this situation.”
