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
COVID Pass Injected As Microchip Raises Concerns (Worthy News In-Depth)
A Swedish firm producing injectable microchips for humans entered the New Year wishing that its product would be used globally as a COVID-19 health pass, despite worries among Christians.
Trump Endorses Hungary’s Prime Minister
In a controversial move, ex-U.S President Donald J. Trump has endorsed Hungary’s hardline prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who seeks a fourth consecutive term in office.
Biden: ‘Decisive Response If Russia Invades Ukraine’
U.S. President Joe Biden promised Ukraine that the United States and its allies would, in his words, "respond decisively" if Russia moved to invade its pro-Western neighbor. Biden made the pledge in a New Year's phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.
Iran Nuclear Negotiations to Continue in Vienna
Negotiations resume Monday in Vienna about restoring the 2015 international agreement that limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, after the parties took a break for the new year.
Saudi defenses intercept, destroy five drones targeting the kingdom
Saudi Arabian air defenses intercepted and destroyed five drones launched by the Yemeni Iran-aligned Houthi movement toward the kingdom, the state news Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
Five Global Powers Pledge to Avoid Nuclear Conflict
Five world powers have agreed to work together to stop the further spread of nuclear arms and to avoid nuclear conflict, according to a joint statement.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Tens of thousands race for fourth COVID shot as Israeli campaign blazes ahead
Thousands of people in Israel got their fourth dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Monday, as the country became the first in the world to begin distributing extra boosters to its elderly population and health workers.
Inside the United States
Winter Storm Hits Eastern US, Hundreds of Thousands Without Power
A winter storm has brought snow and fierce winds to the U.S mid-Atlantic states and parts of the South, leading to power outages for hundreds of thousands of people and the closure of federal government offices in Washington.
Federal court sides with Navy SEALs seeking religious exemption to COVID-19 vaccination order
The Defense Department can’t punish Navy SEALs and others who have religious objections to receiving a mandated vaccine against COVID-19, a federal district court judge ruled Monday.
FDA backs Pfizer boosters for more teens as Omicron surges in US
The United States is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the Omicron surge, with the Food and Drug Administration allowing extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12.
Christian News
Myanmar: Burmese Army continues to burn churches and homes in Christian state
Myanmar’s Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) is continuing to burn down homes and churches in Thantlang in the Christian majority state of Chin, even though the military has already killed or driven out the town’s Christian residents, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Afghan Christian refugees speak of their fear and anxiety
A family of Christian refugees who escaped Afghanistan after the Taliban took over last August has been speaking about their fear of being murdered before they could flee, and of anxiety about their uncertain future, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. The family’s full name cannot be given for security reasons.
Alabama: Pastor’s wife killed by stray bullet during Bible study in Mobile County
A pastor’s wife in Mobile County, Alabama was killed during a Bible study last week when a stray bullet shot from outside went through a door of the church she was in and hit her in the chest, Christian Today (CT) reports. Police have arrested and charged an Alabama woman with murder and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Uganda: New Christians driven from their homes by Islamic extremists
Brand new Christians in eastern Uganda came under severe attack last month, as Muslim neighbors destroyed their crops and drove them from homes upon hearing of their conversion from Islam to Christ, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Christians in Uganda have come under increasing attack from Islamic extremists, even though Muslims make up only 12% of the population.
COVID Pass Injected As Microchip Raises Concerns (Worthy News In-Depth)
A Swedish firm producing injectable microchips for humans entered the New Year wishing that its product would be used globally as a COVID-19 health pass, despite worries among Christians.
Trump Endorses Hungary’s Prime Minister
In a controversial move, ex-U.S President Donald J. Trump has endorsed Hungary’s hardline prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who seeks a fourth consecutive term in office.
Biden: ‘Decisive Response If Russia Invades Ukraine’
U.S. President Joe Biden promised Ukraine that the United States and its allies would, in his words, "respond decisively" if Russia moved to invade its pro-Western neighbor. Biden made the pledge in a New Year's phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.
Iran Nuclear Negotiations to Continue in Vienna
Negotiations resume Monday in Vienna about restoring the 2015 international agreement that limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, after the parties took a break for the new year.
Saudi defenses intercept, destroy five drones targeting the kingdom
Saudi Arabian air defenses intercepted and destroyed five drones launched by the Yemeni Iran-aligned Houthi movement toward the kingdom, the state news Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
Five Global Powers Pledge to Avoid Nuclear Conflict
Five world powers have agreed to work together to stop the further spread of nuclear arms and to avoid nuclear conflict, according to a joint statement.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Tens of thousands race for fourth COVID shot as Israeli campaign blazes ahead
Thousands of people in Israel got their fourth dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Monday, as the country became the first in the world to begin distributing extra boosters to its elderly population and health workers.
Inside the United States
Winter Storm Hits Eastern US, Hundreds of Thousands Without Power
A winter storm has brought snow and fierce winds to the U.S mid-Atlantic states and parts of the South, leading to power outages for hundreds of thousands of people and the closure of federal government offices in Washington.
Federal court sides with Navy SEALs seeking religious exemption to COVID-19 vaccination order
The Defense Department can’t punish Navy SEALs and others who have religious objections to receiving a mandated vaccine against COVID-19, a federal district court judge ruled Monday.
FDA backs Pfizer boosters for more teens as Omicron surges in US
The United States is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the Omicron surge, with the Food and Drug Administration allowing extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12.
Christian News
Myanmar: Burmese Army continues to burn churches and homes in Christian state
Myanmar’s Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) is continuing to burn down homes and churches in Thantlang in the Christian majority state of Chin, even though the military has already killed or driven out the town’s Christian residents, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Afghan Christian refugees speak of their fear and anxiety
A family of Christian refugees who escaped Afghanistan after the Taliban took over last August has been speaking about their fear of being murdered before they could flee, and of anxiety about their uncertain future, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. The family’s full name cannot be given for security reasons.
Alabama: Pastor’s wife killed by stray bullet during Bible study in Mobile County
A pastor’s wife in Mobile County, Alabama was killed during a Bible study last week when a stray bullet shot from outside went through a door of the church she was in and hit her in the chest, Christian Today (CT) reports. Police have arrested and charged an Alabama woman with murder and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Uganda: New Christians driven from their homes by Islamic extremists
Brand new Christians in eastern Uganda came under severe attack last month, as Muslim neighbors destroyed their crops and drove them from homes upon hearing of their conversion from Islam to Christ, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Christians in Uganda have come under increasing attack from Islamic extremists, even though Muslims make up only 12% of the population.
Around the World
Troubled World Rings In New Year
A troubled world began ringing in its New Year anxious about the coronavirus pandemic, disasters, and wars, including possible one in the heart of Europe.
‘God Calms Storm For Philippines Ferry’
An inter-island ferry carrying about 500 passengers faced a severe storm in the Philippines but arrived safely after prayers calmed strong winds, a passenger told Worthy News.
Russia Warns US Of Relations Breakdown Between Nuclear Superpowers
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned U.S. President Joe Biden that imposing new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine will completely break down relations between the two nuclear superpowers. Putin made the comments in a 50-minute phone call with Biden on Thursday.
Dutch Police Target Crowds Protesting Corona Restrictions
Outnumbered Dutch police used batons as they tried to halt thousands of people rallying in Amsterdam against Europe’s strictest Coronavirus measures.
South Africa Parliament Burning After Funeral Bishop Tutu
South Africa’s Parliament complex in Cape Town was on fire Sunday shortly after the funeral of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was the nation’s spiritual voice against apartheid.
Austria Starts New Year With Suicide Law
Austria rang in the New Year with a law allowing assisted suicide to adults deemed to suffer too much to stay alive, despite opposition from church leaders.
Lebanese Christian leader: Our alliance with Hezbollah is no longer working
The head of Lebanon’s largest Christian party said on Sunday that a 15-year-old alliance with the country’s powerful Shiite group Hezbollah was no longer working and must evolve.
Putin, Erdogan Pledge To Boost Russia-Turkey Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have vowed to boost ties, both sides said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF strikes Gaza in retaliation to rocket fire towards central Israel
The IDF struck targets in the Gaza Strip on Saturday night in retaliation for the two rockets that had been fired earlier from Gaza towards central Israel earlier that morning, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced on Saturday night.
Bennett announces approval of 4th vaccine doses for over-60s, medical workers
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Sunday that the Health Ministry has approved the distribution of a fourth coronavirus vaccine dose to Israelis over the age of 60, and to medical workers, who have gone at least four months since receiving their booster shot.
‘Flurona’: Israel records its first case of patient with COVID and flu at same time
Israel confirmed its first case of an individual infected with both the seasonal flu and COVID-19 at the same time, authorities said on Thursday.
Inside the United States
More than 500 homes burned down by Colorado fires as winter storm approaches
More than 500 homes in Colorado have burned down as the state prepares for snowstorms.
U.S. military has yet to approve its first religious exemption to COVID vaccine mandate
The U.S. military has yet to approve a religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate sought by service members, according to The Epoch Times.
52,000 Afghan evacuees released into U.S. in 2021
More than 50,000 Afghan evacuees have been processed and released into American communities over the last four months, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday as it announced the closure of another of the camps that had been erected at military bases to house the Afghans.
Christian News
China Christians Face Tough New Year
Devoted Christians in China were looking towards the New Year on Friday with little reason to cheer amid concerns the Communist government will continue a crackdown on worship outside state churches.
Troubled World Rings In New Year
A troubled world began ringing in its New Year anxious about the coronavirus pandemic, disasters, and wars, including possible one in the heart of Europe.
‘God Calms Storm For Philippines Ferry’
An inter-island ferry carrying about 500 passengers faced a severe storm in the Philippines but arrived safely after prayers calmed strong winds, a passenger told Worthy News.
Russia Warns US Of Relations Breakdown Between Nuclear Superpowers
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned U.S. President Joe Biden that imposing new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine will completely break down relations between the two nuclear superpowers. Putin made the comments in a 50-minute phone call with Biden on Thursday.
Dutch Police Target Crowds Protesting Corona Restrictions
Outnumbered Dutch police used batons as they tried to halt thousands of people rallying in Amsterdam against Europe’s strictest Coronavirus measures.
South Africa Parliament Burning After Funeral Bishop Tutu
South Africa’s Parliament complex in Cape Town was on fire Sunday shortly after the funeral of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was the nation’s spiritual voice against apartheid.
Austria Starts New Year With Suicide Law
Austria rang in the New Year with a law allowing assisted suicide to adults deemed to suffer too much to stay alive, despite opposition from church leaders.
Lebanese Christian leader: Our alliance with Hezbollah is no longer working
The head of Lebanon’s largest Christian party said on Sunday that a 15-year-old alliance with the country’s powerful Shiite group Hezbollah was no longer working and must evolve.
Putin, Erdogan Pledge To Boost Russia-Turkey Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have vowed to boost ties, both sides said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF strikes Gaza in retaliation to rocket fire towards central Israel
The IDF struck targets in the Gaza Strip on Saturday night in retaliation for the two rockets that had been fired earlier from Gaza towards central Israel earlier that morning, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced on Saturday night.
Bennett announces approval of 4th vaccine doses for over-60s, medical workers
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Sunday that the Health Ministry has approved the distribution of a fourth coronavirus vaccine dose to Israelis over the age of 60, and to medical workers, who have gone at least four months since receiving their booster shot.
‘Flurona’: Israel records its first case of patient with COVID and flu at same time
Israel confirmed its first case of an individual infected with both the seasonal flu and COVID-19 at the same time, authorities said on Thursday.
Inside the United States
More than 500 homes burned down by Colorado fires as winter storm approaches
More than 500 homes in Colorado have burned down as the state prepares for snowstorms.
U.S. military has yet to approve its first religious exemption to COVID vaccine mandate
The U.S. military has yet to approve a religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate sought by service members, according to The Epoch Times.
52,000 Afghan evacuees released into U.S. in 2021
More than 50,000 Afghan evacuees have been processed and released into American communities over the last four months, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday as it announced the closure of another of the camps that had been erected at military bases to house the Afghans.
Christian News
China Christians Face Tough New Year
Devoted Christians in China were looking towards the New Year on Friday with little reason to cheer amid concerns the Communist government will continue a crackdown on worship outside state churches.
Around the World
China warns of ‘drastic measures’ if Taiwan continues on path toward independence
A Beijing official warns that China will take "drastic measures" if Taiwan moves toward independence.
‘Moment of Crisis’ in Eastern Europe: Biden and Putin to Speak Again; Second Time in Three Weeks
As a year marked by a late escalation in tensions between Moscow and the West draws to a close, Presidents Biden and Vladimir Putin will speak by phone on Thursday, amid the Kremlin’s stepped-up demands for an end to what it sees as threats posed by NATO.
Russia, U.S. officials say they’re coordinating on Iran nuclear talks in Vienna
Top U.S. and Russian officials for Iran have met in Vienna, a Russian envoy said on Wednesday, and delegates on both sides said Moscow and Washington were coordinating in a bid to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Russia Bans Another Rights Group Ahead Of New Year
A Russian court shut down a prominent human rights organization a day after closing another advocacy group amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia ahead of the New Year.
China Rolls Out AI Prosecutor
Chinese researchers say they have created the world’s first artificial intelligence “prosecutor” who can charge suspects with “a 97 percent accuracy”.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas said to warn Gantz changes on Temple Mount will lead to ‘unstoppable’ violence
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly warned Defense Minister Benny Gantz that while he is committed to stopping violence in the West Bank, he was concerned that changes to the religious status quo on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem could lead to an “unstoppable” escalation, Hebrew media reported Wednesday.
Biden not expected to challenge Israel’s development of Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency
The Biden administration is not expected to dispute Israel’s announcement Sunday that it plans to invest $317.3 million in developing the controversial Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency, the Jewish News Syndicate reports
Inside the United States
Three-quarters of Americans polled say there are only two genders
Most American adults believe that the only two genders are male and female, according to a Rasmussen Reports survey released this week.
Biden Asks US Supreme Court to Hear ‘Remain in Mexico’ Case
The Biden administration on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court whether it needed to continue to implement a Trump-era policy that has forced tens of thousands of migrants to wait in Mexico for the resolution of their U.S. asylum cases.
Socialite Maxwell Guilty Of Sex Trafficking For Late Billionaire Epstein
Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted of grooming and trafficking underage girls for billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein, who allegedly committed suicide 28 months ago.
Christian News
Iranian judiciary grants Christian prisoners 10 days’ holiday
Christian prisoners in Iran were treated to a rare act of mercy by the state as the country’s judiciary granted them 10 days’ leave to be with their families during the Christmas holidays, Radio Free Europe (RFE) reports.
China announces draconian restrictions to online Christian activity
China’s Communist regime has announced harsh new restrictions to online religious activities, effectively banning online church services for Chinese believers that are not part of the state-approved Three-Self church movement, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The move follows China’s prior banning of in-person religious gatherings, supposedly due to the pandemic.
China warns of ‘drastic measures’ if Taiwan continues on path toward independence
A Beijing official warns that China will take "drastic measures" if Taiwan moves toward independence.
‘Moment of Crisis’ in Eastern Europe: Biden and Putin to Speak Again; Second Time in Three Weeks
As a year marked by a late escalation in tensions between Moscow and the West draws to a close, Presidents Biden and Vladimir Putin will speak by phone on Thursday, amid the Kremlin’s stepped-up demands for an end to what it sees as threats posed by NATO.
Russia, U.S. officials say they’re coordinating on Iran nuclear talks in Vienna
Top U.S. and Russian officials for Iran have met in Vienna, a Russian envoy said on Wednesday, and delegates on both sides said Moscow and Washington were coordinating in a bid to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Russia Bans Another Rights Group Ahead Of New Year
A Russian court shut down a prominent human rights organization a day after closing another advocacy group amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia ahead of the New Year.
China Rolls Out AI Prosecutor
Chinese researchers say they have created the world’s first artificial intelligence “prosecutor” who can charge suspects with “a 97 percent accuracy”.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas said to warn Gantz changes on Temple Mount will lead to ‘unstoppable’ violence
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly warned Defense Minister Benny Gantz that while he is committed to stopping violence in the West Bank, he was concerned that changes to the religious status quo on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem could lead to an “unstoppable” escalation, Hebrew media reported Wednesday.
Biden not expected to challenge Israel’s development of Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency
The Biden administration is not expected to dispute Israel’s announcement Sunday that it plans to invest $317.3 million in developing the controversial Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency, the Jewish News Syndicate reports
Inside the United States
Three-quarters of Americans polled say there are only two genders
Most American adults believe that the only two genders are male and female, according to a Rasmussen Reports survey released this week.
Biden Asks US Supreme Court to Hear ‘Remain in Mexico’ Case
The Biden administration on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court whether it needed to continue to implement a Trump-era policy that has forced tens of thousands of migrants to wait in Mexico for the resolution of their U.S. asylum cases.
Socialite Maxwell Guilty Of Sex Trafficking For Late Billionaire Epstein
Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted of grooming and trafficking underage girls for billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein, who allegedly committed suicide 28 months ago.
Christian News
Iranian judiciary grants Christian prisoners 10 days’ holiday
Christian prisoners in Iran were treated to a rare act of mercy by the state as the country’s judiciary granted them 10 days’ leave to be with their families during the Christmas holidays, Radio Free Europe (RFE) reports.
China announces draconian restrictions to online Christian activity
China’s Communist regime has announced harsh new restrictions to online religious activities, effectively banning online church services for Chinese believers that are not part of the state-approved Three-Self church movement, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The move follows China’s prior banning of in-person religious gatherings, supposedly due to the pandemic.