In a significant development, leaders from prominent Christian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) convened with the Trump administration this week to address the recent suspension of foreign aid disbursements—a move that has critically impacted their humanitarian operations.
The meeting, held at the White House, included leaders from 35 organizations such as World Relief, Samaritan’s Purse, Christian Aid, Food for the Hungry, Compassion International and National Association of Evangelicals. These NGOs have been grappling with the abrupt funding freeze implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has led to program closures and significant staff layoffs.
“Millions of people rely on U.S.-funded humanitarian assistance for their survival, and these funding cuts are not just numbers—they represent children going hungry, mothers unable to access maternal healthcare and entire communities left vulnerable to preventable diseases,” said Lanre Williams-Ayedun, senior vice president of International Programs at World Relief. “Without urgent action to restore these funds, countless lives will be at risk.”
Edward Brown, vice president of World Vision, indicated that his organization will have to lay off thousands of workers if the policies weren’t reversed.
The administration, represented by senior officials from USAID and the State Department, acknowledged the concerns raised by the NGO leaders. They assured attendees that the funding suspension is under review and emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting faith-based organizations in their humanitarian efforts.
However, administration representatives also highlighted their efforts to cut foreign aid and suggested that church groups and private donors should play a more substantial role in supporting vulnerable populations.
Albert Gombis, a State Department political appointee, posed the question, “Do you want the country to get credit for foreign aid, or do you want the Creator to get the credit?”
While faith-based aid groups have long partnered with the U.S. government in relief efforts, many in attendance expressed concern that the administration’s push to eliminate funding could cripple their ability to provide food, medical care and emergency response services in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
“The only information we’ve been given is to stop work,” Matthew Soerens, World Relief’s vice president of advocacy, told RELEVANT. “But of course, we’re not going to do that. We feel a moral obligation to provide aid for those in need, and we’re scrambling and leaning on our church partners to help fill in as much of that gap as necessary.”
Peter Marocco, the current Director for Foreign Assistance at the State Department, sought to reassure attendees, stating, “We recognize the invaluable work that faith-based organizations contribute globally. Our goal is to ensure that aid is both effective and aligned with our national interests.”
In the meantime, these NGOs continue to advocate for the restoration of funds, hoping to keep critical aid flowing to those who need it most.
“As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve ‘the least of these,’ and cutting off life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities is an abdication of that responsibility,” said Myal Greene, President and CEO of World Relief. “The Church has long played a role in alleviating suffering, but we cannot do it alone. Our government must uphold its commitment to protecting human dignity and aiding those in greatest need.”
Title: Christian Nonprofit Leaders Sound the Alarm After Meeting With Trump Administration Over Humanitarian Funding Freeze
URL: https://relevantmagazine.com/current/nation/christian-nonprofit-leaders-sound-the-alarm-after-meeting-with-trump-administration-over-humanitarian-funding-freeze/
Source: REL ::: RELEVANT
Source URL: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rss/relevantmagazine.xml
Date: March 7, 2025 at 11:35PM
Feedly Board(s): Religion