Leading the way in the face of funding uncertainties
What can I do right now?
This is a question I have been asked several times over the past two weeks since I’ve stepped into the role of President & CEO of World Hope International (WHI). It’s no exaggeration to say that nonprofits (as well as many others) are reeling from the swift cuts and abrupt pause to nearly all U.S. foreign aid that has taken place under the new administration. The reality is that stopping—even pausing—external funding to vulnerable communities has immediate impact.
While we at WHI know, understand, and have relied upon the importance of government aid, at the same time we know that foreign aid policies can change very quickly. My former colleague, Eric Ha at Medical Teams International, wrote a fantastic piece for Time magazine about this.
As a faith-based organization, however, we also know that our strongest support has been and must continue to be the Church; it is the people of God, showing up time after time, year after year, staying after others have left, going where others won’t go, giving sacrificially and joyfully, who make the most lasting and deepest impact.
I come from the Wesleyan tradition of Christianity. In fact, I am an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church. Historically, Wesleyans are known as a holiness movement. But this holiness is not just meant to be personal. While it is personal, it is also so much more. Holiness should have a ripple effect that reaches out to all of society, making lives better and pointing to a Kingdom that is coming where all will be made right and new. Thus, it is a social holiness: loving God, loving others, and caring for the world through the renewing love and power of the Holy Spirit.
At her best, the Church steps in when other entities step out.
The Church leads the way.
The Church stays.
Long before there was USAID, the UN, or even the USA, there were faithful followers of Jesus, serving people in poverty, walking with the sick, bringing healing to the wounded and broken. This is what we do. Why? Because this is the heart of God. Because the work of mercy and compassion and justice is what God calls his followers to do. Because this is core to the Gospel:
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
As global humanitarian needs reach unprecedented levels, WHI is continuing to fill the critical gaps in aid and relief. Whether it’s providing clean water, healthcare, education, or emergency response, WHI is committed to serving the most vulnerable communities with sustainable, life-changing solutions. By mobilizing resources, fostering strategic partnerships, and leveraging innovative approaches, we are ensuring that no one is left behind.
Each small act of love and generosity matters. When we come together—whether through prayer, giving, or volunteering—our collective effort becomes a force for transformation in the world. The power of the church isn’t just in numbers; it’s in the shared vision of a better future for all.
Why? Because this is what Jesus would do, and this is how Jesus calls us to follow:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’” The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Here are a few practical things you can do:
- Pray for all who have been impacted.
- Give to non-profits that need your giving now more than ever.
- Give unrestricted gifts so gaps in funding can be covered. You can donate to our Hope Fund here.
- Give through your DAF (Donor-Advised Fund) or through other means of giving.
- Give recurring gifts. This enables non-profits to plan and budget with confidence.
- Give now. Instead of waiting until December, give now so that non-profits can continue serving and planning.
- Ask the non-profit organization you love how you can best come alongside them.
What if this is a moment in which the Church can lead the way to HOPE?
Let’s be that kind of Church, together.
Jenn Petersen
President & CEO
World Hope International