Your Questions - Tearfund Canada

What are the consequences of the USAID funding pause?

On Jan 20th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing all foreign aid funding in an effort to reevaluate and realign funding to "America First" interests. Thankfully, thanks to donors like YOU, Tearfund Canada is minimally affected by this announcement. Yet we know that many around the world, including some of our partners, are. Read thoughts from our Executive Director, Trish, on this issue below.

Your questions: Why give to Tearfund and not directly to your partners?

At Tearfund, we do our international development and relief work almost exclusively through local partners.

Your questions: What does the Bible say about climate change?

If we take the Bible seriously, we have to listen to what it says about important issues of our time. But what does it say about climate change or the environment?

Your questions: How are faith-based development organizations different from secular ones?

With 31% of the world’s population identifying as Christian, it’s no wonder there are so many faith-based organizations that are Christian.

Your questions: What standards do you adhere to?

In addition to our own values, mission, goals, and our commitment to do no harm, Tearfund Canada adheres to the three recognized sets of standards for humanitarian work.

Your questions: Village Savings and Loans vs Self Help Groups vs Microfinance

The lack of banking services in rural areas of developing countries make it difficult for the poor to start new businesses, replace broken farm equipment, or survive in times of crisis.

Your questions: Conservation Agriculture vs Traditional Agriculture

At Tearfund Canada, we don’t believe that hunger is part of God’s Kingdom. Through local churches, farmers are being trained on Conservation Agriculture principles and are able to grow more crops, alleviate hunger, increase their incomes, and escape poverty for good.

Your questions: How can I invite a speaker to my church?

We have a number of dynamic speakers across Canada who would love to come and speak at your church.

Your questions: Can I trust your charity?

One of the core values—and one of the things that we believe sets us apart—is “maximizing impact.” We are absolutely committed to utilizing the skills and resources that God has given us to achieve effective, quality results.

Your questions: What is Tearfund’s statement of faith?

We believe in... The Holy Scriptures as given by God, divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

Your questions: Where exactly does my money go?

Financial transparency and proper management is a key measurement of any organization’s effectiveness and efficiency.

Your questions: Why doesn’t Tearfund send staff to live fulltime overseas?

Some organizations send their staff to live overseas and implement their poverty alleviation and relief programs. Why doesn’t Tearfund Canada?

Your questions: Why are there so many Christian relief and development organizations?

Christians are called to care for the poor, oppressed and marginalized. In the Bible there are over 2000 verses that highlight God's care for those in poverty and our duty as his people to care for them.

Your questions: What about poverty and injustice in Canada?

At Tearfund we try to follow Jesus where the need is greatest, serving in countries torn apart by war, famine, drought and cyclical extreme poverty. But what about poverty in Canada? How are we addressing injustice here?

Your questions: Should Christians believe in climate change?

When Tearfund is asked about our work caring for creation, we often get asked if we ‘believe’ in climate change, and if Christians should ‘believe’ in climate change.

Your questions: How does Tearfund Canada interact with local governments?

At Tearfund, we believe the local church can play a major role in ending extreme poverty. Using our Church-based Community Transformation model, we’ve seen thousands of people lift themselves out of extreme poverty. But when we work with the local church, is the local government involved?

Your questions: Does giving to charity hurt people?

There are countless articles about why giving to charity is important. There are even articles on how giving to charity can make you happier! But does giving to charity hurt people?

Your questions: Can I practice conservation agriculture in Canada?

One of the techniques our church partners teach farmers living in poverty is called conservation agriculture. Using this sustainable farming method, some farmers can increase their harvests by 2-3x despite droughts and poor soil quality!

Your questions: Will poverty ever go away?

One of the questions we frequently receive is if poverty can ever truly be eliminated. After decades of efforts and billions of dollars spent, it seems as if poverty is still thriving in many parts of the world - both at home and abroad.

Your questions: What denomination is Tearfund affiliated with?

Tearfund Canada represents six denominations/affiliations of churches as their relief and development partner. In addition to these affiliations, we serve hundreds of other churches who align with our passion to follow Jesus where the need is greatest.

Your questions: How do you work with Canadian churches?

Tearfund is so honoured to work alongside churches in Canada and around the world to love others in the name of Jesus. It is our desire to work with churches in Canada to help them in their mandate of proclaiming the love of Christ and his call to help the poor and suffering throughout the world.