On June 18, 2025, renowned artist Amy Grant took to the stage at Otter Creek Church in Brentwood, Tennessee, to advocate for global health and rally support for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In a heartfelt moment captured on video, Grant called Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty from the stage, urging him to ensure the program continues to receive full funding. “We want to see full funding of PEPFAR so that we can stay on track to end the HIV AIDS epidemic by 2030,” she emphasized to an enthusiastic audience.
PEPFAR, initiated during the George W. Bush administration, has been pivotal in saving approximately 26 million lives worldwide. However, its future has come under threat as the current administration proposes sweeping cuts, including a $400 million reduction for the current fiscal year and an additional $1.9 billion cut for the next. As reported in The Lancet, such reductions could lead to over 14 million deaths by 2030, including more than 4 million children under five.
Jenny Dyer, founder of The 2030 Collaborative, underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “We can’t let these cuts happen.” Dyer, who has been actively involved with global health initiatives, is hopeful that faith communities will once again unite in support of PEPFAR, just as they did in its early days with key figures like Rick and Kay Warren and Bill Frist advocating for the initiative.
At the rally, former Senator Bill Frist shared his experiences working in clinics in sub-Saharan Africa, reminding attendees of the tremendous impact PEPFAR has had over two decades. “We are just five years away from the end of the HIV/AIDS pandemic,” he declared, emphasizing the need for continued commitment.
Josh Graves, a minister at Otter Creek Church, voiced concerns over the implications of funding cuts, noting that many in the community desire policies that embody justice and compassion. He highlighted the importance of reconnecting evangelical Christians to the cause and recognizing the need to serve those less fortunate, echoing sentiments shared by Kristine Torjesen, president of BioLogos, who believes that support for PEPFAR aligns with Christ’s teachings.
As the rally concluded, the hope remained strong among attendees and leaders that once again, faith communities, including the next generation of evangelical leaders, would rise to champion the cause of AIDS relief and support lifesaving measures for those in need. The sense of communal responsibility and compassion reflects a broader desire to enhance global health and save lives, encouraging a collective action rooted in service and empathy.