On the afternoon of January 31, World Relief—a well-known evangelical organization focused on aiding refugees worldwide, particularly within the United States—received an unexpected communication from the U.S. Department of State. The directive ordered the charity to cease all operations related to its contract with the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. This announcement created confusion, especially since a group of Afghans, who had supported American forces during the lengthy conflict, was set to arrive at Sacramento airport that evening. World Relief had been tasked with facilitating their resettlement.

“The message was unequivocal: stop all operations,” said Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief. “However, we were determined to be present at the airport. Our commitment was to ensure they had a safe place to stay and a warm meal.” While welcoming newcomers and providing a meal might seem manageable, the larger issue for World Relief is the uncertainty surrounding who will cover the rent for these families over the next three months. Normally, federal funds would finance this period through various partners, allowing refugees the necessary time to find work and establish a stable life. Now, however, the State Department has mandated an immediate halt to this support, raising concerns about the financial stability of thousands of families that rely on World Relief both in the U.S. and abroad.

Since the new administration assumed office, a spending freeze and stop-work orders have been implemented across various aspects of American foreign aid. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which operates with a budget of approximately $40 billion—less than 1% of the federal budget—has seen funding paused for 90 days, with exceptions only for a limited number of programs focused on urgent hunger and medical crises. This funding freeze has led to many USAID contractors and staff being laid off or placed on administrative leave, and the agency’s website has been taken offline. Similar measures have also affected the developmental and humanitarian projects of the State Department.

On February 4, soon after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would temporarily oversee USAID, most of the agency’s staff—except those engaged in critical missions or designated programs—were also put on leave. Employees stationed in overseas missions were informed that arrangements would be made for their return to the U.S. within 30 days.

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Evangelical groups and various Christian charities have also felt the ramifications of these funding reductions. Major organizations like 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 experienced significant losses. Due to unclear guidelines about which programs would continue receiving funding, some charities have chosen to reduce their expenditures as a precaution. “World Vision is responding to the executive order that pauses U.S. foreign assistance funding—except for emergency food assistance—for the next 90 days while programs are being reassessed for compatibility with the current administration’s foreign policy,” stated the organization in a communication to TIME.

On the other hand, some organizations have decided to continue their operations despite the orders. “Despite receiving suspension notices, we are moving forward with our efforts in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia,” a spokesperson for Medical Teams International mentioned in an email. “We’ve made this choice for now because, as a Christian organization, we prioritize the dignity and worth of every individual we serve and our staff.” Currently, only a small segment of a program in Uganda has received permission to continue, and the organization is aware of the possibility that they may not be reimbursed for their other initiatives.

“Our understanding is that essential emergency supplies are exempt from the stop order,” commented Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, in a statement to TIME. “However, the specifics regarding the waiver process are still unclear.” He elaborated that his organization, which relies on USAID for less than 5% of its international aid budget, plans to continue projects in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia.

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Some organizations have connections within the Trump Administration or State Department and are exploring back channels to clarify the future of USAID and its funded projects. Others are advocating for the President to reconsider his position. “If President Trump believes that evangelical Christians want secure borders, he’s right,” Soerens stated. “However, if he thinks evangelicals want to deny entry to thoroughly vetted refugees, many of whom are persecuted Christians, he is mistaken.”

Even though 80% of white evangelicals voted for Trump, Soerens points to a recent survey by LifeWay Research, the polling division of the Southern Baptist Convention, indicating that 70% of U.S. evangelicals feel the nation has a moral duty to accept refugees. This belief may explain why, in the two weeks since the funding freeze, World Relief has managed to raise $3 million, primarily from small donors. However, this amount is insufficient to cover the three months of rent that the government had committed to providing. “About 4,000 individuals are being invited to the United States, with travel arrangements already finalized by the government,” he stresses. “This situation is fundamentally different from other immigration discussions.” The organization projects an $8 million budget shortfall if the U.S. government continues to withhold rental support for legal refugees.

For Christians involved with USAID, the stop-work orders and funding suspensions, alongside ongoing criticism of the agency’s efforts from figures like Elon Musk—who labeled it “evil”—and Trump adviser Stephen Miller, represent a significant betrayal of what they consider a sacred mission. “I’m dedicated to doing my part as the hands and feet of God in this world,” shared Anne Linn, who has devoted her career to combating malaria, both on the ground 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 on Friday when her contract with the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative was terminated, mirroring the situation encountered by World Relief.

Linn understands that many Americans believe countries struggling with malaria should take charge of their own healthcare instead of relying on U.S. aid. “Those nations desire that as well,” she admits. “However, a significant portion of their GDP is directed toward servicing debt. We need to provide them with a launching pad; it cannot happen overnight.” With the rainy season approaching in several affected regions, Linn worries that mosquitoes will soon emerge, but the bed nets required to combat malaria are stuck in warehouses, and those tasked with delivering them are also facing stop-work orders. She is particularly concerned for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children under five, who are at high risk of malaria. “How can one read the teachings of Jesus Christ and find this situation acceptable?” she questions. “It’s unfathomable to me. If we claim to be pro-life, we cannot tolerate this reality.”