Christ-less Christianity on Display

TLDR Summary

• Cuts/freezes to U.S. foreign aid, championed by "Christians" is Christ-less.

• I’ve seen USAID/PEPFAR programs in Africa save lives, build schools, and earn real trust.

• China benefits elites; citizens suffer—this is what the US has become.

• Foreign aid is moral leadership, trust, and hope. Pulling back undermines all three.

I need to say this straight: the Trump administration’s freezing and cutting of foreign aid is terrible beyond words. It's the selfish, self-centered outcome of believing that "America First" is more important than loving your neighbor. That's "Christian Nationalism", which is Christ-less.

I spent over a decade living in Africa as a Christian missionary, working with orphans and vulnerable kids. While there, I witnessed firsthand that USAID and PEPFAR weren’t just writing checks—they were building healthcare, schools, vocational programs, and hope for the extremely poor and disadvantaged. Many people's perspective of us as Christian missionaries was helped by the general knowledge that America was helping the country. We were actually helping, not just taking. That goodwill? Priceless.

Compare that to China. Leaders of that country got rich, and citizens got squeezed. Chinese companies dominate mining and construction, mistreat workers, and make life harder for locals. That’s transactional. That’s what cutting U.S. aid looks like—and it’s exactly the wrong message to send.

USAID and PEPFAR programs have poured millions into saving lives and supporting orphans. This may be “optional spending”, but it's worthwhile spending. These programs save lives, create opportunity, and build real trust. If we say that we're a Christian nation, but we act like the atheistic communist government of China, what does that say about us?

The Bible says it best. Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfish ambition, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.” That’s exactly what we’re tossing aside when we cut aid.

Foreign aid isn’t just money. It’s trust, it’s moral leadership, it’s hope. And pulling back because it’s politically convenient hurts kids, communities, and America’s reputation.