The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible stewardship of American resources, whilst encouraging compassion for vulnerable people. In the newly adopted motion, the organization calls on the federal government to maintain its international aid programs and work with faith-based organizations to help those in need both at home and abroad.
The NAE board of directors passed a motion entitled “A compassionate world for a compassionate world” on March 6, highlighting the US’s influential role in global issues.
“As citizens of a country with rich, unparalleled global impact, we also recognize our responsibility to manage our nation’s resources in a way that leads to a more peaceful and prosperous world. Such a world is in our national interest and contributes to our health, security, wealth, and more,” the move states.
The allegations cited biblical examples of public-private partnerships, including Nehemiah 2:1–10, Ezra 1:1–8, and Luke 7:1–6.
The NAE also highlighted the Supreme Court’s ruling confirming that faith-based organizations should be included when governments work with secular bodies on public aid and faith-based initiatives. The organization “emphasized the biblical principle that (f) many people are given, many are required, and many are asked by those who are entrusted with much” (Luke 12:48).
“We celebrated the lives of millions saved, celebrated the enormous contributions to human prosperity in the United States and around the world, making it possible through both public and faith-based initiatives,” said NAE President Dr. Walter Kim.
“Although every administration has the right and responsibility to assess the effectiveness of its support programs, such reviews and reforms should be achieved without indiscriminate disruptions in programs that work well and save lives.”
As part of the motion, the NAE urged evangelicals to pray and generously give to support ministries with evangelical efforts and compassion. It was also called to Jesus’ followers: “Welcome, become friends, share and share the love of Jesus with the immigrants and refugees that God sent to our community.”
The evangelical institutions also called on members of Congress and Trump administration to defend themselves with members of the Congress and members of the Trump administration to resume international aid to the poor. This follows a recent executive stopwork order that has impacted aid programs for poor populations overseas, such as Previolsy reported by Christian Daily International.
In February, evangelical leaders from several organizations expressed concern about the order. Gallen Carey, NAE Vice President of Government Affairs, outlined the challenges facing foreign aid partners.
“We acknowledge that all administrations have the right and responsibility to review the effectiveness of support programs established by Congress and implemented by the administrative department,” Carey said at the time. “So we assert that there are aspects of foreign aid programs that should be terminated, and other aspects that could be reformed for greater effectiveness.
“But this review and reform can be achieved without wholesale many programs that work well and save lives.”
Carrie reiterated the NAE’s stance that review of the US Foreign Aid Budget should maintain the country’s commitment to helping people in desperate need.
“While our country cannot solve all the problems in the world, our foreign aid should be available to care for the victims of war and disasters, reduce crime and poverty, and ensure healthcare for those exposed to preventable diseases,” he said.
The NAE’s call for action also told Congress and the Trump administration that “we will not hammer the current operation.
Additionally, the organization called for sustaining international support focused on poverty and support for resettlement of refugees, while continuing to work with faith-based partners when necessary.
The NAE further urged the government to “clear the persuasive basis for US leadership in ongoing global engagement and international humanitarian development cooperation and refugee resettlement.”
Kim emphasized that gospel values are central to Christian involvement in global issues as they follow the Great Commission.
“For 2000 years, Christians have followed Jesus’ commands, entered the world, preaching the gospel in words and deeds, and making disciples of all nations. We accept the call to respect the dignity of God’s image of all people, to protect the holiness of all human lives, to show compassion for orphans, widows, and to vulnerable people wherever they are found,” he said.
“Evangelicals are not utopians,” the NAE statement said it acknowledged that some aid programs are ineffective or promote values ”most Americans don’t share.”
“These programs should be reformed or discontinued,” acknowledged the NAE statement. “We also understand that human suffering will last until Christ returns, but this reality should spur greater involvement and generosity for us.
“As the apostle Paul urged the Corinthians, “Remember this, anyone who was spun will reap modestly. God loves the cheerful giftor, so you should give what you have reluctantly or decided to give under forced care. And God can bless you with a wealth of blessings, and you will be filled with all good work, since you have all that you need at all times (Corinthians 9:6–8).”
