After watching the United Nations and the State Department funnel millions of dollars in U.S. aid to Muslims and other groups in the middle East – in spite of pledges by the President – the Trump Administration has taken the dramatic action of removing aid from the UN and focusing it to Christians through the USAID – the United States Agency for International Development.
Vice President Mike Pence made the announcement this week, along with saying he will visit the region in December. Solidarity with the Persecuted Church has called for the Administration to fulfill its commitment to Christians in the Middle East, citing the State Department’s failure to comply with President’s Trump’s promises.
Now, President Trump has ordered the USAID to fund churches, agencies, and organizations working with communities that have been persecuted by the Islamic State group and other terrorist groups.
“Christians in the Middle East should not have to rely on multinational institutions when America can help them directly,” said Vice President Mike Pence, acknowledging that Trump ordered the State Department to stop funding United Nations relief efforts for the affected communities. Instead, the USAID will fund the relief efforts directly. “We will no longer rely on the United Nations alone to assist persecuted Christians and minorities in the wake of genocide and the atrocities of terrorist groups. The United States will work hand-in-hand with faith-based groups and private organizations to help those who are persecuted for their faith.”
Solidarity with the Persecuted Church already funds the Holy Family Center, a job-training center in Erbil in the Kurdistan region in Northern Iraq. In addition, SPC is aiding in the local efforts to rebuild the devastated Christian villages.
“This is a much needed and long awaited move by the Trump Administration,” said Frank Petsche, Director of Operations for SPC. “President Trump and Vice President Pence have long stood for America’s commitment to religious liberty and protecting our Christian Heritage. Now they have taken the steps necessary to put their words into action.
“When Vice President Pence visits the region, he will see the terrible destruction and desecration of Christian churches and villages I saw on my recent trip,” continued Petsche. “I believe that will motivate this administration to even more dramatic action on behalf of Middle Eastern Christians.”
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