Why Dismantling USAID is Hurting Christians and the World

In recent years, efforts to scale back or dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have gained traction in certain political circles. While some argue that cutting foreign aid reduces government spending, the reality is far more concerning—especially for Christian organizations that rely on USAID funding to carry out their mission of helping the poor, sick, and vulnerable worldwide. Ironically, this effort to curb spending is hurting the very faith-based communities that conservative Christians support, leaving millions of people without critical aid and undermining America's global influence as a force for good.

Christian Organizations and USAID: A Longstanding Partnership

For decades, USAID has worked hand in hand with faith-based groups to provide relief to those in need. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, and other Christian organizations have received funding to carry out humanitarian projects, from disaster relief to food assistance and medical care. These partnerships have been an essential component of America’s commitment to helping the world’s most vulnerable people.

CRS and similar organizations rely heavily on USAID funding. According to their financial reports, CRS receives a significant portion of its funding from the U.S. government, which enables it to serve millions worldwide. A reduction in USAID funding would mean fewer resources to assist those in crisis.

World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse have similarly depended on USAID funding to support emergency responses and development programs in struggling communities. Despite the obvious benefits of these partnerships, the effort to dismantle USAID has left Christian organizations scrambling for resources and unsure how they will continue their work.

The Local Impact: Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child

One of the most well-known programs run by Samaritan’s Purse is Operation Christmas Child. Many churches across the country, including in our local communities, participate in this initiative, packing shoeboxes with gifts, school supplies, and essentials for children in need worldwide. This beloved tradition is not only a way for congregations to spread the love of Christ, but it also directly connects them to the larger mission of Christian humanitarian aid.

However, with USAID funding cuts affecting Samaritan’s Purse, the ability of the organization to carry out its broader global mission is under threat. While Operation Christmas Child is largely donation-driven, the infrastructure and logistics that make it possible are supported by the same networks that USAID funding helps sustain. Without USAID’s logistical support, Samaritan’s Purse may still be able to collect shoeboxes, but it will lack the means to distribute them efficiently to children in need across the globe. The complex network of transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery to remote areas often depends on USAID-backed resources and partnerships. If the organization is forced to scale back its broader efforts, programs like Operation Christmas Child could also feel the strain, reducing their reach and effectiveness, and leaving many children without the gifts and essential supplies they rely on.

This isn’t just a distant issue affecting people in other countries—it’s a local concern impacting churches and families who take pride in their participation in global outreach efforts. When USAID funding is slashed, it weakens the very organizations that allow communities to live out their faith through action.

The Consequences of Gutting USAID

Efforts to reduce USAID funding have had immediate and concerning effects on faith-based organizations. These cuts have resulted in funding freezes and stop-work orders, forcing organizations like CRS to plan for substantial budget cuts and staff reductions. Many faith-based groups that depend on USAID funding are struggling to maintain their programs and provide much-needed aid.

When USAID funding is slashed, it is not just bureaucrats who feel the impact—it is Christian missionaries, aid workers, and, most importantly, the people they serve. Without this support, disaster-stricken areas remain in crisis, families lose access to food and medical care, and countless lives are put in danger. Christian charities are being forced to make impossible choices, cutting back on lifesaving programs or turning away those in desperate need.

A Call to Action for Christian Conservatives

If Christian conservatives truly believe in the biblical call to serve "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40), then supporting USAID should be a priority. Dismantling USAID is not just a political issue—it is a moral one. It directly impacts the ability of faith-based organizations to carry out their God-given mission.

Some may argue that private donations can make up the difference, but the sheer scale of USAID funding—billions of dollars annually—cannot be easily replaced. Organizations like CRS and World Vision rely on the stability of these funds to plan long-term projects and respond to global crises.

Faith-based groups are among the hardest hit by funding losses, struggling to maintain their programs in the face of abrupt budget cuts. Without stable funding, these organizations will be forced to scale back operations, limiting their ability to provide aid and spreading uncertainty among their donors and volunteers.

This is not about partisan politics. It is about ensuring that the most effective means of helping those in need—Christian organizations with decades of experience—continue to have the resources to carry out their missions.

Conclusion: Keeping Faith in Action

Christians have long been at the forefront of humanitarian aid, driven by their faith’s call to serve others. The push to dismantle USAID is a direct threat to this mission, and its effects are already being felt by faith-based organizations across the globe. If we truly care about our Christian values, we must fight to preserve USAID funding and ensure that America remains a leader in compassionate service to the world.

It is time for Christians to speak out. The lives of millions—and the work of countless faith-based organizations—depend on it.