What Happens When Foreign Aid Gets Cut? Lessons from the Front Lines

What happens when humanitarian aid gets pulled, but the needs don't stop? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Beth Stuebing, a missionary surgeon in Malawi with the Christian Health Service Corps. She shares what it's like on the front lines of healthcare when funding disappears—and why faith-based organizations working on the ground can't do it alone. You'll hear stories of courage and sacrifice, including one from a local surgeon, Dr. Mumba, who literally gave his own blood to save a patient. We also discuss how local churches are stepping up, the power of partnerships, and why global health needs more attention from governments and Christian communities alike. Beth also shares her journey from growing up in Zambia to mentoring young doctors in Malawi. It's a conversation about hope, grit, and what it means to show up when it counts. Explore More of Beth's Writing: Jesus fed the 5,000, but the people of God can't fill the chasm left by USAID: Jesus fed the 5,000, but the people of God can't fill the chasm left by USAID Why the World Needs Africa to Be Healthy: Why the World Needs Africa to Be Healthy | Think Global Health USAID aid freeze triggers health care crisis in Africa: USAID aid freeze triggers health care crisis in Africa Beth's Missions Sending Organization: Beth Stuebing & Ben Adams - Christian Health Service Corps Beth and Ben's Ministry Facebook Page About Dr. Stuebing – Dr. Beth Stuebing is a missionary surgeon with Christian Health Service Corps and lives in Lilongwe, Malawi, with her husband and three children. She graduated from Wheaton College in 2000. Before moving to Malawi, Beth spent 9 years as a trauma surgeon and ICU doctor in Washington. ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative Theme Song: "Turning Over Tables" by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter: @drjamieaten | @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to "do good, better" involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices