The organizer of last weekend’s storming of a a St. Paul church made a higher salary from her “anti-poverty” non-profit than what they actually distributed in grants to the poor, Fox News has learned. Over six years, she raked in over $1 million, far more than what they actually gave to the people they pretended to help.
Protesters burst into Cities Church in St. Paul during Sunday services on January 18, chanting slogans and halting the congregation’s worship. The group targeted Pastor David Easterwood, claiming was also acting field office director for ICE.
Video footage captured the chaos, with activists shouting “ICE out” and demanding accountability for what they called federal overreach in local communities. One organizer, Nekima Levy Armstrong, later defended the action, saying, “If people are more concerned about someone coming to a church on a Sunday and disrupting business as usual than they are about the atrocities that we are experiencing in our community, then they need to check their theology and check their hearts.”
Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and self-described ordained reverend, has positioned herself as a leader in racial justice efforts. She founded the Racial Justice Network and has been vocal in campaigns against law enforcement practices. In this case, the protest tied into broader unrest over ICE’s surge in Minnesota to combat fraud, including a recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by an ICE agent. DHS
Secretary Kristi Noem labeled that incident an “act of domestic terrorism,” noting Good had harassed and attempted to run over officers after blocking their vehicle. Armstrong’s group argued Easterwood’s dual roles enabled “barbaric” tactics, but church leaders condemned the intrusion as “shameful,” insisting the space was for worshiping Jesus, not political theater.
Federal authorities moved quickly. The Department of Justice announced an investigation into the protesters for potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and the Ku Klux Klan Act, which prohibit interference with religious exercise through force or intimidation. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized that houses of worship are protected from such disruptions, warning that the full force of the government would address this.
Protesters, including Armstrong, dismissed the probe as a distraction from ICE’s actions, but legal experts pointed out the irony: invading a church to protest alleged hypocrisy while trampling on others’ rights to gather in faith.
Beyond the immediate fallout, Armstrong’s financial history raises questions about how activist groups operate. She served as executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation, a Minneapolis nonprofit aimed at fighting poverty and supporting Black and Latina activists, from 2019 to 2024.
Tax filings reveal the organization pulled in over $5.2 million in revenue during her tenure, yet disbursed only about $700,000 in grants—often less than her annual compensation. In 2024 alone, grants totaled $158,811, while Armstrong earned $215,726 in salary plus $40,548 in benefits. Over six years, her total pay exceeded $1.1 million, including health and deferred compensation. The foundation received $20,000 from the Black Lives Matter Global Network in 2023 and over $2.3 million from the Walton Family Foundation between 2018 and 2024.
Such funding streams suggest a web of support for agendas that challenge law and order. The Walton Family Foundation, tied to Walmart’s fortunes, has backed progressive causes despite the company’s public stance on business-friendly policies. Meanwhile, BLM’s involvement echoes past controversies where donations fueled activism but sparked scrutiny over spending.
Armstrong left Wayfinder at the end of 2024 to focus on Dope Roots, her cannabis company, which donates portions of sales to end the “war on drugs” and aid Black women entrepreneurs in the industry. Critics see this as part of a pattern where nonprofits serve as vehicles for personal gain and radical causes, diverting resources from genuine community aid.
Armstrong’s rhetoric often pushes boundaries. She once praised Assata Shakur, convicted of murdering a New Jersey state trooper in 1977, as “a brave, wise, powerful, and revolutionary Black woman.” She also spearheaded boycotts against Target for scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, accusing the retailer of aligning with forces “attacking democracy and racial progress.”
These stances align with a broader movement that views law enforcement and traditional institutions as tools of oppression, even as they rely on taxpayer-supported systems.
The church incident strikes at the heart of religious liberty, a cornerstone of American life. Scripture warns against those who twist faith for earthly power—Jesus drove moneychangers from the temple, not worshipers. Armstrong’s claim to act “in the power of the almighty God” rings hollow when her group terrified children and disrupted prayer. If Easterwood’s alleged ICE work protects communities from fraud and violence, as federal officials assert, then targeting his church smells of selective outrage. Protesters decry “atrocities,” yet their methods mirror the intimidation they condemn.
This episode exposes how funded activism can erode civil society. Nonprofits like Wayfinder promise uplift but deliver modest results while executives thrive. With DOJ scrutiny mounting, Armstrong’s actions may face real consequences. Meanwhile, churches across the nation must remain vigilant against those who weaponize protest to silence faith. True justice respects the sacred spaces where people seek solace, not strife.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.