Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Truckers inspired by Canada begin ‘freedom’ convoys around the world
Truckers around the world are creating their own convoys to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates after being inspired by the Canadian Freedom Convoy, which reportedly has thousands of trucks.
Ukrainian National Guard Soldier Kills 5
With public anxiety mounting over a feared Russian invasion, a National Guard conscript in Ukraine shot dead five people in the eastern city of Dnipro, authorities said Thursday.
Germany, US ‘To Target Russian Pipeline’ If Invasion Goes Ahead
Germany and the United States have warned Russia that they could target a key Russian natural gas pipeline if the country invades Ukraine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
More COVID cases confirmed in Israel in January than all of 2021, data shows
There were more COVID-19 cases identified in Israel during January this year than the entirety of 2021, according to a report released Thursday.
Inside the United States
Court overturns $135K fine for Christian bakery that refused lesbian wedding cake but upholds ruling
An Oregon appeals court told a state agency Wednesday to reconsider its order for a Christian couple to pay $135,000 in damages for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding on grounds that the state’s actions did “not reflect ... neutrality toward religion.”
Federal judge halts Noem’s abortion pill restriction rule
A federal judge has temporarily halted a South Dakota rule from taking effect that would have made the state one of the hardest places in the U.S. to get abortion pills.
Debt Up $2 Trillion in 1 Year of Biden
When President Joe Biden was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2021, the federal government's debt stood at $27,751,896,236,414.77. When his first year in office ended on Jan. 20, 2022, it stood at $29,867,021,509,573.92.
GDP in fourth quarter of 2021 grew at annualized rate of 6.9%, exceeding expectations
The Commerce Department reported Thursday the country's gross domestic product increased in the last quarter of 2021 at a 6.9% annualized pace, exceeding expectations.
Michigan agrees faith-based adoption agencies can refuse to place children with same-sex couples
The state of Michigan has agreed to a proposed settlement with faith-based adoption agencies under which the agencies can refuse to place children with same-sex couples, Church Leaders reports. The settlement was reached after the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Catholic child placement agency on a similar issue.
Heart patient taken off transplant waiting-list for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
A 31-year-old man in need of a heart transplant in Boston has been taken off his transplant waiting list because he refused to take the COVID-19 vaccination on ideological and medical grounds, the NY Post reports.
Christian News
US Christian ministries reach out to help vulnerable children in Iran
US Christian ministry Heart4Iran has joined with CBN’s Superbook to conduct an outreach to thousands of desperately vulnerable children in Iran, CBN News reports. Many of these children are from families of Afghan refugees who escaped the Taliban, and many are orphans who lost their parents to COVID-19.
Pakistan: Christian teenager kidnapped, drugged and raped by Muslim in “epidemic” of abductions
A 16-year-old Christian girl in Okara, Pakistan was repeatedly raped after being abducted earlier this month, in what rights group Open Doors USA said is a “silent epidemic of kidnappings of Christian girls” by Muslim men in Pakistan, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Myanmar Army “Massacres” Civilians In Christian Area
Myanmar’s army massacred at least ten civilians whom they had detained in a mainly Christian area of the troubled nation, aid workers and residents say.
Truckers inspired by Canada begin ‘freedom’ convoys around the world
Truckers around the world are creating their own convoys to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates after being inspired by the Canadian Freedom Convoy, which reportedly has thousands of trucks.
Ukrainian National Guard Soldier Kills 5
With public anxiety mounting over a feared Russian invasion, a National Guard conscript in Ukraine shot dead five people in the eastern city of Dnipro, authorities said Thursday.
Germany, US ‘To Target Russian Pipeline’ If Invasion Goes Ahead
Germany and the United States have warned Russia that they could target a key Russian natural gas pipeline if the country invades Ukraine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
More COVID cases confirmed in Israel in January than all of 2021, data shows
There were more COVID-19 cases identified in Israel during January this year than the entirety of 2021, according to a report released Thursday.
Inside the United States
Court overturns $135K fine for Christian bakery that refused lesbian wedding cake but upholds ruling
An Oregon appeals court told a state agency Wednesday to reconsider its order for a Christian couple to pay $135,000 in damages for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding on grounds that the state’s actions did “not reflect ... neutrality toward religion.”
Federal judge halts Noem’s abortion pill restriction rule
A federal judge has temporarily halted a South Dakota rule from taking effect that would have made the state one of the hardest places in the U.S. to get abortion pills.
Debt Up $2 Trillion in 1 Year of Biden
When President Joe Biden was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2021, the federal government's debt stood at $27,751,896,236,414.77. When his first year in office ended on Jan. 20, 2022, it stood at $29,867,021,509,573.92.
GDP in fourth quarter of 2021 grew at annualized rate of 6.9%, exceeding expectations
The Commerce Department reported Thursday the country's gross domestic product increased in the last quarter of 2021 at a 6.9% annualized pace, exceeding expectations.
Michigan agrees faith-based adoption agencies can refuse to place children with same-sex couples
The state of Michigan has agreed to a proposed settlement with faith-based adoption agencies under which the agencies can refuse to place children with same-sex couples, Church Leaders reports. The settlement was reached after the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Catholic child placement agency on a similar issue.
Heart patient taken off transplant waiting-list for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
A 31-year-old man in need of a heart transplant in Boston has been taken off his transplant waiting list because he refused to take the COVID-19 vaccination on ideological and medical grounds, the NY Post reports.
Christian News
US Christian ministries reach out to help vulnerable children in Iran
US Christian ministry Heart4Iran has joined with CBN’s Superbook to conduct an outreach to thousands of desperately vulnerable children in Iran, CBN News reports. Many of these children are from families of Afghan refugees who escaped the Taliban, and many are orphans who lost their parents to COVID-19.
Pakistan: Christian teenager kidnapped, drugged and raped by Muslim in “epidemic” of abductions
A 16-year-old Christian girl in Okara, Pakistan was repeatedly raped after being abducted earlier this month, in what rights group Open Doors USA said is a “silent epidemic of kidnappings of Christian girls” by Muslim men in Pakistan, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Myanmar Army “Massacres” Civilians In Christian Area
Myanmar’s army massacred at least ten civilians whom they had detained in a mainly Christian area of the troubled nation, aid workers and residents say.
Around the World
US Makes No Concessions Over Ukraine, Angering Russia
The United States made no concessions to Russia in a written response, despite Moscow threatening “retaliatory measures” if its security demands over Ukraine were not met, the U.S. top diplomat confirmed Wednesday.
Britain’s Johnson Refuses To Resign Over COVID Parties
Britain’s embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will not resign despite mounting outrage over parties in his residence during a coronavirus lockdown when many could not visit dying loved ones in care homes.
Dutch Tourist Fined Over Nazi Salute In Auschwitz
A Dutch tourist has been detained in Poland for giving the Nazi salute at the gate of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, local police say.
US Embassy in Ukraine to citizens: ‘consider departing now’
The US embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday urged its citizens in the ex-Soviet country to "consider departing now" as fears grow over a possible Russian invasion.
US sends 300 Javelin missiles to Ukraine in latest military aid during Russia standoff
The latest American shipment of military assistance for Ukraine weighed in at nearly 80 tons and included 300 Javelin missiles as Western fears of a Russian incursion grow.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel approves fourth COVID vaccine shots for vulnerable over-18s
Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash approved on Wednesday a fourth round of COVID-19 vaccines shots for those over the age of 18 who have medical conditions that put them at greater risk from the coronavirus.
US updates Israel on nuclear talks in virtual meet of national security advisers
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and his Israeli counterpart, Eyal Hulata, met virtually Wednesday to discuss the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna, with Sullivan assuring Hulata that the US is “preparing alternative options” to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon if the diplomatic route fails.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve indicates interest rate hike arriving in March
With both volatile markets and significant inflation in the mix, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday indicated that it may soon raise interest rates for the first time in more than three years.
Reports: Liberal US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to Retire
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, for 27 years a staunch liberal voice on the country's highest court, has decided to retire, according to news accounts in Washington.
US Trade Deficit Tops $1 Trillion for First Time
The U.S. trade deficit topped $1 trillion for the first time last year, according to Market Watch.
Supreme Court to Revisit Affirmative Action as Conservative Majority Flexes Muscle
The Supreme Court this week announced that it would hear two cases challenging the practice by some U.S. universities of using the race of an applicant as one of the factors that affect admissions.
Blizzard likely to strike parts of New England this weekend as “bomb cyclone” forms
A powerful blizzard is likely to strike parts of New England and the Mid-Atlantic beginning Friday and lasting into the weekend, with snow totals that are likely to be measured in feet.
California city passes first gun law requiring annual fees, liability insurance
A California city has passed the first-of-its-kind gun law that will require gun owners to purchase liability insurance and pay an annual fee on their weapons.
Christian News
Nigeria: Islamic State terrorists kill 4 Christians, kidnap 22 girls in Borno state
Islamic State terrorists murdered four Christians and kidnapped 22 girls in attacks on January 20 and January 14 in the Chibok area of Borno state, Nigeria, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Nigeria ranked number one in the world for Christians killed on account of their faith last year, at 4,650 (up from 3,530 in 2020).
Report: Iran Detained Dozens Of Christians In 2021
At least scores of Christians were arrested, and dozens endured prison in Iran last year, but many cases go unreported, faith rights groups said Wednesday.
Kenya: Christian woman stands up to Islamic terrorists, saves lives
A Christian woman in Eastern Kenya is believed to have saved many lives when she stood up to five Al-Shabaab Islamic terrorists who attacked her village on January 9, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The Somali-based al-Shabaab group has carried out murderous attacks in Kenya since 2011, when the Kenyan government sent troops into neighboring Somalia to fight the jihadists there.
US Makes No Concessions Over Ukraine, Angering Russia
The United States made no concessions to Russia in a written response, despite Moscow threatening “retaliatory measures” if its security demands over Ukraine were not met, the U.S. top diplomat confirmed Wednesday.
Britain’s Johnson Refuses To Resign Over COVID Parties
Britain’s embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will not resign despite mounting outrage over parties in his residence during a coronavirus lockdown when many could not visit dying loved ones in care homes.
Dutch Tourist Fined Over Nazi Salute In Auschwitz
A Dutch tourist has been detained in Poland for giving the Nazi salute at the gate of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, local police say.
US Embassy in Ukraine to citizens: ‘consider departing now’
The US embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday urged its citizens in the ex-Soviet country to "consider departing now" as fears grow over a possible Russian invasion.
US sends 300 Javelin missiles to Ukraine in latest military aid during Russia standoff
The latest American shipment of military assistance for Ukraine weighed in at nearly 80 tons and included 300 Javelin missiles as Western fears of a Russian incursion grow.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel approves fourth COVID vaccine shots for vulnerable over-18s
Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash approved on Wednesday a fourth round of COVID-19 vaccines shots for those over the age of 18 who have medical conditions that put them at greater risk from the coronavirus.
US updates Israel on nuclear talks in virtual meet of national security advisers
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and his Israeli counterpart, Eyal Hulata, met virtually Wednesday to discuss the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna, with Sullivan assuring Hulata that the US is “preparing alternative options” to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon if the diplomatic route fails.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve indicates interest rate hike arriving in March
With both volatile markets and significant inflation in the mix, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday indicated that it may soon raise interest rates for the first time in more than three years.
Reports: Liberal US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to Retire
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, for 27 years a staunch liberal voice on the country's highest court, has decided to retire, according to news accounts in Washington.
US Trade Deficit Tops $1 Trillion for First Time
The U.S. trade deficit topped $1 trillion for the first time last year, according to Market Watch.
Supreme Court to Revisit Affirmative Action as Conservative Majority Flexes Muscle
The Supreme Court this week announced that it would hear two cases challenging the practice by some U.S. universities of using the race of an applicant as one of the factors that affect admissions.
Blizzard likely to strike parts of New England this weekend as “bomb cyclone” forms
A powerful blizzard is likely to strike parts of New England and the Mid-Atlantic beginning Friday and lasting into the weekend, with snow totals that are likely to be measured in feet.
California city passes first gun law requiring annual fees, liability insurance
A California city has passed the first-of-its-kind gun law that will require gun owners to purchase liability insurance and pay an annual fee on their weapons.
Christian News
Nigeria: Islamic State terrorists kill 4 Christians, kidnap 22 girls in Borno state
Islamic State terrorists murdered four Christians and kidnapped 22 girls in attacks on January 20 and January 14 in the Chibok area of Borno state, Nigeria, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Nigeria ranked number one in the world for Christians killed on account of their faith last year, at 4,650 (up from 3,530 in 2020).
Report: Iran Detained Dozens Of Christians In 2021
At least scores of Christians were arrested, and dozens endured prison in Iran last year, but many cases go unreported, faith rights groups said Wednesday.
Kenya: Christian woman stands up to Islamic terrorists, saves lives
A Christian woman in Eastern Kenya is believed to have saved many lives when she stood up to five Al-Shabaab Islamic terrorists who attacked her village on January 9, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The Somali-based al-Shabaab group has carried out murderous attacks in Kenya since 2011, when the Kenyan government sent troops into neighboring Somalia to fight the jihadists there.
Around the World
Biden Warns Of Invasion ‘Changing World’ As Ukraine Urges Calm (Worthy News In-Depth)
U.S. President Joe Biden warned Tuesday that the ongoing build-up of Russian forces near Ukraine could lead to “the largest invasion since World War II” and “change the world.”
Netherlands Slightly Reopens After Europe’s Toughest Lockdown Amid Outrage
The Netherlands’ government pledged Tuesday to ease Europe’s strictest COVID-19 measures after mounting public pressure with protests and rioting in the streets.
North Korea test-fires missiles into Sea of Japan
North Korea test-fired two missiles off its east coast into the Sea of Japan on Tuesday morning, DW reports. While analysts are ascertaining the exact type of projectiles fired, it is believed they were cruise missiles, which are not banned under UN sanctions against North Korea.
Navy sends two carriers to disputed South China Sea
Two Navy aircraft carrier strike groups are conducting operations in the disputed South China Sea amid heightened tensions over recent Chinese aerial incursions near Taiwan.
8,000+ US Troops on ‘High Alert’ for Russian Invasion, Biden Ready to Sanction Putin
More than 8,000 men and women in uniform remain on high alert and ready to assist NATO allies while the world waits for word of invasion or war in Eastern Europe. Russian leaders repeatedly deny any plans to invade Ukraine.
Burkina Faso military seizes power in coup
Burkina Faso’s military overthrew the country's government and imprisoned its former leader.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Knesset passes ‘COVID law,’ ending state of emergency in place for most of pandemic
The Knesset on Tuesday passed the so-called “coronavirus law,” bringing an end to the state of emergency that has been in place for most of the pandemic and requiring greater legislative supervision over COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government.
Inside the United States
OSHA Officially Withdraws Biden’s Vaccine Mandate After Supreme Court Ruling: ‘Blatantly Unconstitutional’
The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) withdrew its Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard for employers with over 100 employees Tuesday after the U.S. Supreme Court halted the enforcement of President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for private businesses on Jan. 13.
Planned Parenthood drops lawsuit against largest ‘sanctuary city for the unborn’
In a victory for the pro-life movement, Planned Parenthood has dropped a lawsuit against the largest sanctuary city for the unborn in the United States.
House Republicans introduce bill to block tracking religious accommodations to COVID vaccine
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., introduced a bill Tuesday that would prevent the federal government from tracking information on individuals who receive a religious exemption to the coronavirus vaccine.
FDA halts use of Regeneron, other monoclonal antibody COVID treatment, DeSantis says move ‘reckless’
The Food and Drug Administration has removed two monoclonal antibody therapies from its list of COVID-19 treatments, saying they should not be used in the U.S. because of their ineffectiveness against the virus’ now-dominant Omicron variant.
Christian News
Iran Releasing Jailed Converts, But Exiles One
Iran has released two Christian converts who served a one-year prison sentence linked to their membership of a house church, but one of them still faces two years’ internal exile, Christians told Worthy News.
Nigeria: Government does nothing to help Christian communities after Fulani kill 45 people in one day
Fulani Islamic terrorists murdered 45 men, women and children in devastating attacks on six Christian farming villages in Nigeria’s Nasarawa state on December 18 last year, and the government has reneged on its promise to help the crushed communities, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
India: Pastor and family violently attacked in their home
Chanting “kill him, kill him,” a gang of suspected Hindu extremists brutally beat up a pastor and his family at their home in Chandauli, in India’s Uttar Pradesh state on January 14, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Christians have come under intensifying persecution from Hindu radicals since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
Iran: Pastor sent back to prison for six years following Supreme Court review of charges
A pastor in Iran who was released from prison while the Iranian Supreme Court reviewed his conviction for “endangering state security” and “promoting Zionism” has been taken back to prison to serve a six-year sentence, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Biden Warns Of Invasion ‘Changing World’ As Ukraine Urges Calm (Worthy News In-Depth)
U.S. President Joe Biden warned Tuesday that the ongoing build-up of Russian forces near Ukraine could lead to “the largest invasion since World War II” and “change the world.”
Netherlands Slightly Reopens After Europe’s Toughest Lockdown Amid Outrage
The Netherlands’ government pledged Tuesday to ease Europe’s strictest COVID-19 measures after mounting public pressure with protests and rioting in the streets.
North Korea test-fires missiles into Sea of Japan
North Korea test-fired two missiles off its east coast into the Sea of Japan on Tuesday morning, DW reports. While analysts are ascertaining the exact type of projectiles fired, it is believed they were cruise missiles, which are not banned under UN sanctions against North Korea.
Navy sends two carriers to disputed South China Sea
Two Navy aircraft carrier strike groups are conducting operations in the disputed South China Sea amid heightened tensions over recent Chinese aerial incursions near Taiwan.
8,000+ US Troops on ‘High Alert’ for Russian Invasion, Biden Ready to Sanction Putin
More than 8,000 men and women in uniform remain on high alert and ready to assist NATO allies while the world waits for word of invasion or war in Eastern Europe. Russian leaders repeatedly deny any plans to invade Ukraine.
Burkina Faso military seizes power in coup
Burkina Faso’s military overthrew the country's government and imprisoned its former leader.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Knesset passes ‘COVID law,’ ending state of emergency in place for most of pandemic
The Knesset on Tuesday passed the so-called “coronavirus law,” bringing an end to the state of emergency that has been in place for most of the pandemic and requiring greater legislative supervision over COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government.
Inside the United States
OSHA Officially Withdraws Biden’s Vaccine Mandate After Supreme Court Ruling: ‘Blatantly Unconstitutional’
The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) withdrew its Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard for employers with over 100 employees Tuesday after the U.S. Supreme Court halted the enforcement of President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for private businesses on Jan. 13.
Planned Parenthood drops lawsuit against largest ‘sanctuary city for the unborn’
In a victory for the pro-life movement, Planned Parenthood has dropped a lawsuit against the largest sanctuary city for the unborn in the United States.
House Republicans introduce bill to block tracking religious accommodations to COVID vaccine
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., introduced a bill Tuesday that would prevent the federal government from tracking information on individuals who receive a religious exemption to the coronavirus vaccine.
FDA halts use of Regeneron, other monoclonal antibody COVID treatment, DeSantis says move ‘reckless’
The Food and Drug Administration has removed two monoclonal antibody therapies from its list of COVID-19 treatments, saying they should not be used in the U.S. because of their ineffectiveness against the virus’ now-dominant Omicron variant.
Christian News
Iran Releasing Jailed Converts, But Exiles One
Iran has released two Christian converts who served a one-year prison sentence linked to their membership of a house church, but one of them still faces two years’ internal exile, Christians told Worthy News.
Nigeria: Government does nothing to help Christian communities after Fulani kill 45 people in one day
Fulani Islamic terrorists murdered 45 men, women and children in devastating attacks on six Christian farming villages in Nigeria’s Nasarawa state on December 18 last year, and the government has reneged on its promise to help the crushed communities, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
India: Pastor and family violently attacked in their home
Chanting “kill him, kill him,” a gang of suspected Hindu extremists brutally beat up a pastor and his family at their home in Chandauli, in India’s Uttar Pradesh state on January 14, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Christians have come under intensifying persecution from Hindu radicals since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
Iran: Pastor sent back to prison for six years following Supreme Court review of charges
A pastor in Iran who was released from prison while the Iranian Supreme Court reviewed his conviction for “endangering state security” and “promoting Zionism” has been taken back to prison to serve a six-year sentence, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.