In the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily suspending the United States Refugee Admission Program (USRAP), a number of public figures have criticized several of the refugee resettlement organizations that carry out the program. 

Some of these criticisms appear to have come from a misunderstanding of how USRAP works and what refugee resettlement entails. 

Chief among the misconceptions is that the U.S. government has been giving public funds to private refugee resettlement organizations to promote mass illegal migration.

Recent Misconceptions About USRAP and Refugee Resettlement Organizations

Questions about the legitimacy of USRAP and the federal government’s partnerships with private nonprofit organizations have swirled amid tech mogul Elon Musk’s claim that the funds provided to nonprofits for refugee resettlement are “illegal payments.”

Musk, who is the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and a self-described “cultural Christian,” made the claim on X after former U.S. national security advisor Michael Flynn accused Global Refuge of being “a money laundering operation.” 

Flynn, a convicted felon himself, provided no evidence to support this claim.

Musk reposted Flynn’s post, saying, “The @DOGE team is rapidly shutting down these illegal payments.”

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is partnered with Global Refuge, responded to Musk’s post with a video statement, saying, “Despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church.”

Formerly called Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Global Refuge is one of 10 refugee resettlement organizations. Others include World Relief and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

During an interview with CBS News, Vice President J.D. Vance responded to a statement from the USCCB asking the Trump administration to reconsider its recent freeze on incoming refugees. Vance said that as a devout Catholic, he was “actually heartbroken by that statement.”

RELATED: With Federal Funds Stopped, Local Faith Groups Plan To Redouble Private Efforts To Settle Refugees

Referring to refugees as “illegal immigrants,” Vance also implied that the USCCB has less than pure motives.

Award-winning comedian and actor Tim Allen is most well-known for his work on “Home Improvement” as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor. Allen is continuing his journey of reading through the entire Bible. He posted an update recently of his “humbling” experience.

“After nearly a year I have finished [the] entire Old Testament,” said Allen in a recent social media post.

Tim Allen Continues His Journey Through the Entire Bible

Allen has also provided the voice behind Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” played the role of Santa in “The Santa Clause,” and starred in “Last Man Standing” as Mike Baxter.

Last year, the actor shared his own commitment to reading the Bible in its entirety. He chose a chronological approach, starting with the Old Testament.

“Never took the time in all my years to ever read and really read the Bible,” Allen on Feb. 9. “Currently almost through the Jerusalem Bible Old Testament and almost done with the Prophets. Next up to New Testament. So far amazing and not at all what I was expecting.”

After 18 months, he finished the Old Testament. Allen is moving on and is now “three days into” the New Testament.

“After nearly a year I have finished [the] entire Old Testament and the experience of reading, dedicated focus and no drifting has made this a humbling overwhelming experience,” said Allen. “What a treasure.”

After nearly a year I have finished entire Old Testament and the experience of re reading, dedicated focus and no drifting has made this a humbling overwhelming experience. What a treasure.
Three days into New Testament. pic.twitter.com/un2XHROhBj

— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) February 9, 2025

With 1.4 million views and thousands of comments—some of which compare Scripture to the “filthy” content of his standup routines—people are paying attention to the actor’s endeavor.

“Once you fully grasp the Old Testament, you see things completely different. Now the New Testament will be seen in an entirely different light,” one person wrote. “The two should never be separated. It’s all one story point to Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.”

Another said, “You’re in for a journey brother!”

Some asked Allen for advice or for passages he’d recommend. “I don’t know too many people that don’t struggle with their past,” said one person. “Any verses in there that you personally think would help someone still fighting tooth and nail with their past? Thanks.”

Someone else offered his own reading plan, saying, “I continuously try to read a chapter every day and I’m on my 4th reading of the Bible. I will never forget when I finished it for the first time. It was an overwhelming love and understanding from the Holy Spirit.”

As confetti fell at the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX Sunday night (Feb. 9) in New Orleans, leaders of the victorious Philadelphia Eagles began post-game interviews by praising God. The Eagles defeated Kansas City 40-22, ending the Chiefs’ hopes of a first-ever Super Bowl three-peat.

Philadelphia dominated throughout the game, going up 34-0 before letting the Chiefs score during garbage time. Sunday’s big game was a rematch from two years ago, when Philadelphia lost to the Chiefs 38-35. After that defeat, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts vowed to return to the big stage.

RELATED: Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, ‘You Have To Put [God] at the Center of Everything That You Do’

Now Hurts is a world champion, as well as a Super Bowl MVP. Speaking to Erin Andrews of Fox Sports following Sunday’s victory, the 26-year-old QB first gave credit to the Lord. “God is good,” he said. “He’s greater than all the highs and the lows.”

Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts: ‘God Is Good’

For Hurts, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy is the result of what he called an “unprecedented” football journey. While playing college football at Alabama, Hurts was benched at halftime of the 2018 national championship game. After later being demoted to a backup role, the QB transferred to Oklahoma.

In 2020, his first season with the Eagles, Hurts replaced starter Carson Wentz by December. Amid the ups and downs of sports, Hurts said God has sustained him. “I’ve just been able to use every experience and learn from it,” he said after the Super Bowl win. “The good, the bad, all of it. Using it as fuel to pursue my own greatness.” Hurts also credited his teammates, noting they were able to “learn from the past.”

Last week, the QB told the media gathered in New Orleans how important faith has been to him. “I’ve always wanted to root myself in that and keep [Jesus] in the center of my life and everything that I do,” said Hurts.

Philadelphia Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni: ‘God’s Blessed Us Very Much’

Also acknowledging God’s goodness after Sunday’s win was Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. “God’s blessed us very much,” he said during a post-game interview. “He gave us all the talents to be able to get here. So first and foremost, thanks to him.”

Sirianni, who was raised Catholic, later said, “Thank God, thank you, Jesus.” During another interview, he said, “All glory to God, first and foremost.”

Award-winning Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman debuted his new song, “Forever the Love of My Life,” for attendees of a special event at Colorado Christian University (CCU) in Lakewood, Colorado, on Friday, Feb. 7.

Chapman was the featured guest in the second event in the newly launched President’s Speaker Series. He wrote his new song as a birthday gift for his wife, Mary Beth, and said it was his first time performing it publicly.

“It just came out,” Chapman told the audience at the McDonald Performance Hall Friday evening. “I wrote this song for my wife, for her birthday.”

Over 500 people came to see Chapman perform and to listen to a moderated conversation with Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman and CCU President Eric Hogue and First Lady Tammy Hogue.

Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman at CCU

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of the most decorated artists in Christian music. He is the winner of five Grammys, 60 Dove Awards, and one American Music Award. He has had 50 No. 1 hits and has sold 16 million albums, with 10 of them being RIAA-certified Gold or Platinum. 

Last July, Chapman was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chapman told CCU students and staff that his induction into the Grand Ole Opry was particularly meaningful to him because he performed there in his youth, and his father had given up a dream of being a Grand Ole Opry singer.

The event with the Chapmans follows CCU’s inaugural event in its President’s Speaker Series, which was held on Friday, Nov. 15, and featured former Vice President Mike Pence and former Second Lady Karen Pence.

RELATED: Former Vice President Mike Pence Urges Conservatives To Resist the ‘Siren Song of Populism’

During Chapman’s performance Friday, he played a number of his top hits, including the love song he wrote for Mary Beth five years into their marriage, titled, “I Will Be Here.” 

Evangelist Shane Pruitt recently reflected on the loss of one of his children while answering the question, “Do babies and young children go to heaven?”

Pruitt and his wife, Kasi, are parents to six children. On the morning of July 25, 2023, their son Titus, who had “unique needs,” died at the age of 10.

This past Saturday, Feb. 8, Pruitt asked his social media followers whether a statement like, “All babies and children go to Heaven,” is just a “wishing this to be true” kind of hope or if it is biblically supported.

“Is there support in Scripture that God welcomes babies (born and unborn), young children, and those with unique mental needs (meaning they may be older, but have the mind of a child) immediately into Heaven?” Pruitt asked.

RELATED: ‘Lyrics Matter’—Evangelist Shane Pruitt Sounds the Alarm on Taylor Swift’s Album

“I absolutely believe the Bible answers this,” Pruitt said, proceeding to provide 12 biblical passages to support his argument. They are as follows:

God’s Knowledge: The Lord knows every child at conception and values them. They are considered a person, known and loved by God, from the very beginning (Psalm 139:13-16).

God’s Declaration: God refers to young children as “innocents.” Not that they were perfect or without a sin nature, but they were innocent of the ability to understand the need of repentance and forgiveness (Jeremiah 19:4).

God’s Promise: In Deuteronomy, we find an unbelieving generation of Israelites being prevented from entering the Promised Land, but their children were exempt from that penalty and were able to enter (Deuteronomy 1:39).

God’s Possession: He considers all babies to be His. God condemns Israel in Ezekiel 16:21, of the wretched act of child sacrifice. “You slaughtered My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire.”

God’s Compassion: He has compassion on all little ones and infants, and is not willing that even one of them should perish (Matthew 18:14). His grace covers them, until they realize their need of a Savior.

God’s Illustration: He used a child to illustrate what one must become like to enter His Kingdom (Matthew 18:1-5). If infants and children would end up in Hell if they died young, He most likely wouldn’t use them as an illustration of how to enter the Kingdom.

(RNS) — Les Bernal has a message for the millions of Americans who will bet on this year’s Super Bowl using betting apps and other legal sports books.

The house always wins.

Which means you will likely lose.

“We laugh it off and say, oh the house always wins,” said Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, an anti-gambling nonprofit founded by a Methodist minister in the 1990s. But Americans lose billions gambling, he said, while sports-betting companies rack up profits.

Once considered a vice and the realm of Vegas casinos and organized crime, legal commercial sports betting has become America’s favorite pastime. Americans are expected to bet $1.39 billion with commercial gaming companies during Sunday’s Super Bowl — to be held Feb. 9 in New Orleans, pitting the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles — according to projections from the American Gaming Association.

Since the Supreme Court struck down a 1992 federal law that limited legal sports betting to Nevada in 2018, $450 billion has been wagered on sporting events in the United States, according to Legal Sports Report, a website that covers the sports-gaming industry. Sports-betting company revenues have reached nearly $40 billion. Much of that growth has been driven by online and mobile betting, which essentially turn cell phones into sports-betting windows, say critics like Bernal.

Data from a 2024 AGA survey found that 88% of Americans see gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment, and many (76%) see gambling as good for the economy. Gaming industry officials see rising revenue as a sign that Americans love to bet — and that legal betting is a good thing.

“No single event unites sports fans like the Super Bowl, and that excitement extends to sports betting, with this year’s record legal handle reflecting its widespread appeal,” Bill Miller, AGA president and CEO, said in a recent press release, referring to the total amount bet on the big game.

The success of the gaming industry has critics like Bernal and faith leaders who oppose sports betting often fighting an uphill battle. They have little money to work with — Stop Predatory Gambling, for example, has a budget of $138,000. And because the gaming industry is regulated by states, there’s not a national coalition of gambling critics. (Thirty-nine states currently allow legal sports betting, though some, like Wisconsin and Washington, restrict wagers to in-person betting sites.)

Bernal, who is Catholic, said commercialized gambling is the only business where the relationship with customers is “adversarial and predatory.”

“They want to take you down,” he said.

The advent of smart phone apps and online betting and the growth of parlay bets — where bettors wager on a series of outcomes in a game, like which player scores the first touchdown — has changed the nature of sports betting, he said, allowing customers to place repeated bets on the same game.

Ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday (Feb. 9), players from the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs have been speaking boldly about believing in Jesus. As ChurchLeaders has reported, both teams feature outspoken Christian athletes who talk about prioritizing their faith and using their platforms to glorify God.

Amid preparations for the big game, numerous players talked to the media this week about what Jesus means to them. Here’s a recap of what some Eagles and Chiefs proclaimed about their Christian faith:

Super Bowl LIX: Philadelphia Eagles Who Are Rooted in Jesus

The Eagles, who went 14-3 this year, hope to avenge their narrow loss to Kansas City in the 2023 Super Bowl. From stars to rookies, Philadelphia players aren’t shy about discussing the role of religion in their lives.

During Super Bowl media events this week, quarterback Jalen Hurts said, “I’ve always wanted to root myself in [faith] and keep [Jesus] in the center of my life, in everything I do.” He added, “Through the highs and the lows, [Jesus is] greater than all of them, and that’s something that I can always acknowledge…and lean on and remember.”

Running back Saquon Barkley, this season’s Offensive Player of the Year, told a Sports Spectrum reporter, “I don’t think it’s ironic the year that I try to really hone in and grow my faith, I happen to have my best season.”

Barkley admitted he’s still learning about the Bible but said he’s challenging himself to grow spiritually. One way he does that is by studying the Bible with his agent, who’s also a pastor. At the NFL Honors awards show on Feb. 6, Barkley began his acceptance speech by giving thanks to God. “Without him, none of this would be possible,” he said.

Rookie running back Will Shipley said Jesus is “everything to me; he plays a role in every decision I make in my life.” Ahead of the big game, Shipley thanked his parents “for raising me to always put God first.”

Another Eagles rookie, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., said, “I’ve always been a man of faith, a man of God. I give him thanks through the ups and downs…trusting in God’s plan.” The 22-year-old added, “As a Christian…you can’t be afraid to put it out that you’re a man of faith… You’ve got to speak out about [Jesus’] glory and really praise his name.”

A new study conducted by Lifeway Research has found strong support among evangelicals for refugee resettlement, legal immigration, border security, and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. 

The study also found little support for deportation of immigrants who are not violent criminals.

Lifeway Research conducted the study in January and surveyed over 1,000 Americans who self-identified as evangelicals and/or strongly affirmed evangelical theological beliefs. 

While 90% of those surveyed said they support legislation to “ensure secure national borders,” 90% also said that immigration legislation should “protect the unity of the immediate family” and “respect the God-given dignity of each person.” 

RELATED: Vance Defends Trump Policy Allowing ICE Raids of Churches, Schools Amid Backlash from US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Of those surveyed, 74% support potential immigration legislation that would establish a path toward citizenship for those currently living in the United States illegally. 

When asked who should be prioritized for deportation, 70% of evangelicals identified by belief and 67% self-identified evangelicals said that “individuals who have been convicted of violent crimes” should be prioritized.

Conversely, 25% of those surveyed said that “individuals who entered the country in the last five years” should be prioritized for deportation, and 18% that “individuals who were brought to the country unlawfully when they were children” should be prioritized.

The study found that most evangelicals also support refugee resettlement programs in the United States, and roughly a third of those surveyed have been personally involved with a ministry that serves refugees or other immigrants. 

One such ministry is World Relief, a global Christian humanitarian organization that has partnered with local churches to serve hundreds of thousands of refugees and other immigrants throughout the United States.

RELATED: Was What Vance Told Hannity About Immigration Actually a ‘Christian Concept’?

“Seven in ten evangelical Christians believe that the U.S. has a moral responsibility to receive refugees, including about two-thirds of evangelical Christians who voted for President Trump last November,” Myal Greene, president & CEO of World Relief, said of the study in a press release. “This study also affirms that the vast majority of evangelical Christians believe that legal immigration has benefited our country, a conviction that President Trump has repeatedly expressed as well.”

Lucy Pat Curl, 85, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, Feb. 4, after she was severely beaten by a man posing as a community service officer to gain access to her home.

Lucy Pat is the wife of pastor Bill Curl, who serves on the pastoral care team at First Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida. The husband and wife team had been serving in ministry together for 50 years, including 18 years on the mission field.

According to police, on the morning of Jan. 31, Ronald Davis, 55, forced his way into the Curls’ residence after he falsely identified himself as a community service officer and claimed he needed to check the home.

Lucy Pat informed officers that Davis hit her multiple times until she was knocked unconscious. She was later found by her husband after he returned home from counseling someone at a local pregnancy center.

RELATED: Pastor’s Wife Severely Beaten and on Life Support Following Robbery

Lucy Pat was immediately taken to the hospital by emergency medical services and was later placed on life support due to a brain bleed, which doctors determined was inoperable.

Law enforcement found Davis’ wallet inside the Curls’ home. They were able to locate and arrest the assailant the following morning.

Lucy Pat’s daughter shared the news of her mother’s death on a CaringBridge page dedicated to sharing updates on Lucy Pat’s condition.

“On Tuesday Lucy Pat was taken off life support. She went on to Heaven early this morning. We rejoice that she is no longer in pain,” Lucy Pat’s daughter wrote.

“The circumstances of her passing are shocking and abrupt, and not what we would have expected or chosen,” she added. “But as our Lord has forgiven us, we are asked to forgive each other.”

The update shared how Bill plans to show a photo of his wife to her attacker.

Over 800 churches in more than 60 countries will be participating in Night to Shine on Friday, Feb. 7, Tim Tebow announced. Today marks the 11th year of the annual event celebrating people who have special needs, and Tebow thanked everyone who has made it possible over the years.

“I just want to say to so many people, thank you,” said Tebow in a post on X the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 6. “Thank you for making this happen. Churches, pastors, volunteers, coordinators, so many of you guys that have just been prayer warriors for so long, I just want to say thank you, and we are just so humbled to just be a part of this.”

RELATED: Tim Tebow’s ‘Night To Shine’ Celebrates 10 Years of Sharing God’s Love

What started out with one church has now turned into over 800. I’m so grateful that we get to share the love of God with people living with disabilities and celebrate their worth and value! @tebowfoundation pic.twitter.com/Rv4BaoOFY0

— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) February 6, 2025

Night to Shine Celebrates 11 Years

Night to Shine is an event celebrating people with special needs sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, whose focus is fighting for “the most vulnerable people around the world.” Night to Shine takes place every year in February on the Friday before Valentine’s Day and is open to anyone living with special needs who is age 14 and over. 

“Each event is unique to its location,” says the foundation’s website, “but some cornerstone activities included across all of them are a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi.”

There are also “hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, gifts, [and] a catered dinner,” as well as “a Sensory Room, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a King or a Queen – the way God sees them each and every day.”

“Eleven years ago, as we were watching the first one in North Carolina, I stood outside the parking lot to watch some of the kings and queens go down the red carpet,” said Tebow, “and I couldn’t help but have tears fall down the side of my face.” 

“And I realized,” he said, “there was something special when you could see someone [who] was made in the image of God finally realize their true value and worth, because that is what Night to Shine is all about.”

“And for all of you that are volunteering or all of you that are on the fence, if you’re going to, please show up,” Tebow said, “because what’s just different in God’s economy is when we give, we actually get, and it is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

“And there’s something about it that you just leave and you’re like, what just happened?” said Tebow. “Because I feel fuller. I feel filled up. And what’s different is, it’s God’s economy.”

PHILADELPHIA (RNS) — Surrounded by the soaring ceilings and stained glass of Christ Community Church, the gathering looked like a typical worship service. Speakers taught and testified as the 100 or so attendees prayed and nodded along.

But the event, which took place in early January, was aimed not at praise but at raising awareness among Christians about how their communities can better welcome and look out for those who suffer from mental illness. After an opening song, the group settled in for a panel and Q&A titled “It’s a Family Affair: Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health, Spirituality and Faith.”

It was hosted by the American Psychiatric Association in partnership with the Christian Mental Health Initiative and the church.

RELATED: Why Mental Health and Spiritual Health Must Go Hand in Hand

“I would love to see more of this in churches,” said Christian Mackey, a college student considering a mental health career. “I think it was really helpful getting the combination of spirituality and mental health. … There’s more than just prayer; there are other options available.”

Long a taboo topic in religious circles — whether clergy burning out on ministry or laypeople turning to faith communities for help — mental health has become a topic too prevalent to avoid inside many faith communities, while local and national outside initiatives have recognized that houses of worship have a nearly unique ability to reach underserved communities.

One such latter enterprise is the Christian Mental Health Initiative, a nonprofit that takes free mental health trainings into churches, especially primarily Black churches like Christ Community.

Dr. Atasha Jordan, center, poses with colleagues during the community roundtable, “It’s a Family Affair: Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health, Spirituality and Faith,” at Christ Community Church of Philadelphia, on Jan. 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Christian Mental Health Initiative)

At the January event, CMHI founder Dr. Atasha Jordan, a psychiatrist at Cooper University Health Care in Camden, New Jersey, wore a top that said “JESUS + THERAPY.”

“Before I’m a doctor, before being a nonprofit founder, I’m a daughter,” said Jordan, who stressed that community is an important value in mental health, as in faith. “I was born in Barbados. I’m a wife. … I am a sister.”

Cheryssa Hislop, a second-year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania and volunteer with CMHI, said: “Sometimes people embark on this journey of medicine and forget why they started, or forget where they came from. It’s just so inspiring to me that Dr. Jordan clearly not only remembers where she came from, but tries to honor it by giving back.”

RELATED: Chris Adams: Pastors Have a Role ‘Nobody Else Can Fill’ When It Comes to Helping People’s Mental Health

In her close-knit Christian family, mental health wasn’t a frequent topic of conversation, said Jordan, who faced mental health challenges while in college at Harvard University and, later, in medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. As her awareness of mental health grew, so did her understanding that Christianity and therapy could coexist.

The connection truly clicked, she said, on the first day of her psychiatry rotation as a medical student. At the Veterans Hospital in Philadelphia, Jordan watched as patients shared how the care they’d received inspired hope.

“That was a very spiritual moment for me,” said Jordan.

(Image by Rosy/Bad Homburg/Pixabay/Creative Commons)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan, still a medical resident, was invited by a Philadelphia church to speak about depression. She was struck by the number of people who attended, which laid bare the hunger in the church at large for informed discussions about mental health.

Around the same time, Jordan said, she received what she described as “a very clear word from God” to start CMHI — “like it was downloaded” to her mind, she said.

“Mental illness is a real thing, like diabetes, like cancer or like high blood pressure, that can be treated and is not a derogatory term,” Jordan said about CMHI’s message. “We bring down the stigma, so that people can say ‘I’m a Christian and I can experience mental illness, and it says nothing about my faith if I reach out for support from a therapist or from a psychiatrist.’”

Her first step was to gather data to assess the needs of the local faith community. With the help of a fellowship and $25,000 grant through the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Jordan conducted a pilot study on the use of mental health first aid — a type of training that equips laypeople to recognize warning signs of mental illness, effectively intervene and provide access to professional help — in Black churches across Philadelphia.