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
2021: 3 Supermoons, 2 Blood Moons And A Sunrise ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse
Sky watchers have a lot to look forward to in 2021, with three “supermoons,” one blue moon, and two lunar eclipses all taking place during the new year.
Iran to enrich uranium to 20% as anniversary of Soleimani killing approaches
Iran announced a day before the one-year anniversary of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani’s death that it is planning to enrich uranium to 20% in an apparent violation of the nuclear deal.
Russian pipeline bypassing Ukraine advances
A major new Russian pipeline designed to bypass Ukraine to supply southeastern Europe got a major symbolic boost on New Year’s Day as Serbian President Alexandar Vucic officially proclaimed the first nearly 250 miles of the Balkan Stream natural gas pipeline to be open for business.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan resume Nile dam talks
The three African nations at the center of a spat over the controversial building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam resumed talks on Sunday, officials said.
Russia Rushes Vaccines As COVID-Cases Spread
Russia says over 800,000 people have been vaccinated with its new jab against the coronavirus. More than 1.5 million vaccine doses were dispatched across the country as the nation increases its vaccination drive over the New Year period despite controversy about its Sputnik V vaccine.
Young Journalist Killed In Afghanistan
A young Afghan journalist has been shot dead in western Afghanistan, the fifth media professional to be killed within two months in the war-ravaged nation, officials confirmed Saturday.
Bosnian Army Offering Tents For Desperate Refugees
There was a glimmer of hope Saturday for some 1,000 freezing people stuck in a burned-out refugee camp in Bosnia after the army began placing tents to fend freezing winter weather.
More Fatal Plane Crashes Despite Drop in Flights
More people were killed in plane crashes last year than in 2019 despite a massive drop in fights due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Dutch aviation consultancy firm says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel ships 2nd of two Iron Dome batteries to US, hopes to sell more
Israel shipped the second of two Iron Dome missile defense systems to the US Army over the weekend, with hopes to sell more batteries to the Americans in the future, the Defense Ministry said Sunday.
Abbas announces agreement with Hamas to hold elections
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Saturday that he had reached agreement with the rival Hamas movement to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Hamas did not immediately comment on Abbas’s announcement.
Inside the United States
Cruz to lead group of GOP senators in challenge to Electoral College certification
Sen. Ted Cruz is leading a delegation of Republican senators who are planning to challenge the Electoral College certification and demand an emergency audit.
US bans anonymous shell companies, passing ‘historic’ anti-corruption legislation
The United States banned anonymous shell companies through the defense bill vetoed by President Trump last month but passed in Congress on Friday.
U.S. Congress Overrides Trump‘s Defense Veto
The U.S. Congress has overturned President Donald J. Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, a first by legislators since he took office nearly four years ago.
Christian News
Islamist Militants Kill Dozens In Niger
Suspected Islamist militants have killed scores of people in simultaneous attacks on two villages in Niger, near the border with Mali, security officials said.
China Jails Christian Journalist For COVID-19 Investigations
China faces international pressure for sentencing an independent Christian journalist to four-year imprisonment over her coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city. Zhang Zhan, 37, reportedly saw it as "God's will' to be among the few people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more gloomy picture of the COVID-19 epicenter than the official narrative.
Nigeria Gunmen Release Bishop But Violence Continues
A prominent Catholic bishop in Nigeria, kidnapped on December 27, has been released unharmed in an “answer to prayers,” his church said Saturday.
Uganda: Female pastor raped by Islamic extremists for preaching the Gospel
Islamic extremists in Uganda raped a female church pastor last month, claiming they were “teaching her a lesson” for converting Muslims to Christianity, Morning Star News reports. The Pastor, who was not named for her protection, was attacked in Kapyani in the Kibuku District of eastern Uganda on December 21. Although Ugandan law allows freedom of religion, and Muslims are a small minority in the country, radical Islamic persecution of Christians is ongoing.
2021: 3 Supermoons, 2 Blood Moons And A Sunrise ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse
Sky watchers have a lot to look forward to in 2021, with three “supermoons,” one blue moon, and two lunar eclipses all taking place during the new year.
Iran to enrich uranium to 20% as anniversary of Soleimani killing approaches
Iran announced a day before the one-year anniversary of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani’s death that it is planning to enrich uranium to 20% in an apparent violation of the nuclear deal.
Russian pipeline bypassing Ukraine advances
A major new Russian pipeline designed to bypass Ukraine to supply southeastern Europe got a major symbolic boost on New Year’s Day as Serbian President Alexandar Vucic officially proclaimed the first nearly 250 miles of the Balkan Stream natural gas pipeline to be open for business.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan resume Nile dam talks
The three African nations at the center of a spat over the controversial building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam resumed talks on Sunday, officials said.
Russia Rushes Vaccines As COVID-Cases Spread
Russia says over 800,000 people have been vaccinated with its new jab against the coronavirus. More than 1.5 million vaccine doses were dispatched across the country as the nation increases its vaccination drive over the New Year period despite controversy about its Sputnik V vaccine.
Young Journalist Killed In Afghanistan
A young Afghan journalist has been shot dead in western Afghanistan, the fifth media professional to be killed within two months in the war-ravaged nation, officials confirmed Saturday.
Bosnian Army Offering Tents For Desperate Refugees
There was a glimmer of hope Saturday for some 1,000 freezing people stuck in a burned-out refugee camp in Bosnia after the army began placing tents to fend freezing winter weather.
More Fatal Plane Crashes Despite Drop in Flights
More people were killed in plane crashes last year than in 2019 despite a massive drop in fights due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Dutch aviation consultancy firm says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel ships 2nd of two Iron Dome batteries to US, hopes to sell more
Israel shipped the second of two Iron Dome missile defense systems to the US Army over the weekend, with hopes to sell more batteries to the Americans in the future, the Defense Ministry said Sunday.
Abbas announces agreement with Hamas to hold elections
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Saturday that he had reached agreement with the rival Hamas movement to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Hamas did not immediately comment on Abbas’s announcement.
Inside the United States
Cruz to lead group of GOP senators in challenge to Electoral College certification
Sen. Ted Cruz is leading a delegation of Republican senators who are planning to challenge the Electoral College certification and demand an emergency audit.
US bans anonymous shell companies, passing ‘historic’ anti-corruption legislation
The United States banned anonymous shell companies through the defense bill vetoed by President Trump last month but passed in Congress on Friday.
U.S. Congress Overrides Trump‘s Defense Veto
The U.S. Congress has overturned President Donald J. Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, a first by legislators since he took office nearly four years ago.
Christian News
Islamist Militants Kill Dozens In Niger
Suspected Islamist militants have killed scores of people in simultaneous attacks on two villages in Niger, near the border with Mali, security officials said.
China Jails Christian Journalist For COVID-19 Investigations
China faces international pressure for sentencing an independent Christian journalist to four-year imprisonment over her coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city. Zhang Zhan, 37, reportedly saw it as "God's will' to be among the few people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more gloomy picture of the COVID-19 epicenter than the official narrative.
Nigeria Gunmen Release Bishop But Violence Continues
A prominent Catholic bishop in Nigeria, kidnapped on December 27, has been released unharmed in an “answer to prayers,” his church said Saturday.
Uganda: Female pastor raped by Islamic extremists for preaching the Gospel
Islamic extremists in Uganda raped a female church pastor last month, claiming they were “teaching her a lesson” for converting Muslims to Christianity, Morning Star News reports. The Pastor, who was not named for her protection, was attacked in Kapyani in the Kibuku District of eastern Uganda on December 21. Although Ugandan law allows freedom of religion, and Muslims are a small minority in the country, radical Islamic persecution of Christians is ongoing.
Around the World
Iran Says Trump Threatening War
Iran has accused U.S. President Donald J. Trump of seeking a “pretext for war” amid mounting tensions between the two nations.
USS Nimitz heading home
The USS Nimitz is finally heading home after almost 10 months on deployment, with the aircraft carrier spending its final 10 days supporting military operations in the Horn of Africa.
US votes against UN budget over ‘anti-Israel’ measure, lack of Iran action
The Trump administration on Thursday voted against the United Nations' 2021 program budget, citing its continued support of an "anti-Israel" event and the failure to implement a mechanism to monitor Iran’s weapon use.
Majority of users not concerned about smart devices listening to them
A new survey has found that nearly 66.7% of users are not concerned whether their smart devices are always listening to them, collecting data about their lives, and targeting them with accurate advertising, Safety.com reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Saudi Arabia reportedly pressuring Trump to strike Iran in final days
Israel and Saudi Arabia are pressuring the Trump administration to carry out a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, the Arabic-language newspaper Dar Al-Hayat reported on Thursday.
Israel says it has vaccinated 7 percent of its population
Israeli officials announced the country has immunized 7 percent of its population against COVID-19 — nearly 647,000 people, more than any other country — according to the nation's health ministry.
Inside the United States
PA lawmakers appeal to McConnell, Georgia court sets hearing in latest election challenges
President Trump's supporters across the country are escalating efforts to contest the Nov. 3 election results ahead of Wednesday's official certification by Congress, with some Pennsylvania lawmakers making a special appeal to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Georgia Republicans scoring an 11th-hour court hearing.
Massachusetts expands late-term abortion rights, gives doctors discretion on saving babies born alive during abortion
Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers approved a highly controversial bill Tuesday, substantially expanding access to late-term abortions and removing a law mandating doctors to try and save babies born alive during abortions. The H.B. 5179 bill also lowers the age at which young women can have an abortion without parental consent from 18 to 16.
Christian News
Polish Church Gets Back Bell Stolen By Nazis
A 16th-century church bell will be returned to a Catholic church in southern Poland some 77 years after the German Nazis plundered it in World War Two.
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria: “Please continue to pray for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters”
Muslim Fulani militants are continuing to murder Christians in Nigeria, and at least 18 people from Christian communities in Kaduna state were slaughtered in the week leading up to Christmas, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Iran Says Trump Threatening War
Iran has accused U.S. President Donald J. Trump of seeking a “pretext for war” amid mounting tensions between the two nations.
USS Nimitz heading home
The USS Nimitz is finally heading home after almost 10 months on deployment, with the aircraft carrier spending its final 10 days supporting military operations in the Horn of Africa.
US votes against UN budget over ‘anti-Israel’ measure, lack of Iran action
The Trump administration on Thursday voted against the United Nations' 2021 program budget, citing its continued support of an "anti-Israel" event and the failure to implement a mechanism to monitor Iran’s weapon use.
Majority of users not concerned about smart devices listening to them
A new survey has found that nearly 66.7% of users are not concerned whether their smart devices are always listening to them, collecting data about their lives, and targeting them with accurate advertising, Safety.com reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Saudi Arabia reportedly pressuring Trump to strike Iran in final days
Israel and Saudi Arabia are pressuring the Trump administration to carry out a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, the Arabic-language newspaper Dar Al-Hayat reported on Thursday.
Israel says it has vaccinated 7 percent of its population
Israeli officials announced the country has immunized 7 percent of its population against COVID-19 — nearly 647,000 people, more than any other country — according to the nation's health ministry.
Inside the United States
PA lawmakers appeal to McConnell, Georgia court sets hearing in latest election challenges
President Trump's supporters across the country are escalating efforts to contest the Nov. 3 election results ahead of Wednesday's official certification by Congress, with some Pennsylvania lawmakers making a special appeal to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Georgia Republicans scoring an 11th-hour court hearing.
Massachusetts expands late-term abortion rights, gives doctors discretion on saving babies born alive during abortion
Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers approved a highly controversial bill Tuesday, substantially expanding access to late-term abortions and removing a law mandating doctors to try and save babies born alive during abortions. The H.B. 5179 bill also lowers the age at which young women can have an abortion without parental consent from 18 to 16.
Christian News
Polish Church Gets Back Bell Stolen By Nazis
A 16th-century church bell will be returned to a Catholic church in southern Poland some 77 years after the German Nazis plundered it in World War Two.
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria: “Please continue to pray for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters”
Muslim Fulani militants are continuing to murder Christians in Nigeria, and at least 18 people from Christian communities in Kaduna state were slaughtered in the week leading up to Christmas, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Around the World
U.S. Flies Nuclear-Capable Bombers Over Middle East
Amid rising tensions with Iran, the U.S. military flew two nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the Middle East Wednesday, the military confirmed. In a statement monitored by Worthy News, the U.S. Central Command overseeing military operations in the region said the flights were "to underscore the U.S. military's commitment to regional security."
Powerful Aftershocks Rock Croatia Amid Prayers and Desperation
Powerful aftershocks added to the misery in central Croatia on Wednesday, a day after the nation’s strongest earthquake on record killed seven people and injured dozens.
UK Ratifies Brexit Deal as Leaders Sign New Chapter
Britain and the EU signed a post-Brexit trade deal Wednesday, sealing their drawn-out divorce in the closing hours before the UK definitively ends its half-century European experiment.
US Warships Sail Taiwan Strait for Second Time This Month
Two U.S. warships sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Thursday, the U.S. Navy said, the second such mission this month and coming almost two weeks after a Chinese aircraft carrier group used the same waterway.
Tech companies developing Covid-19 vaccine “passports”
As proof of COVID-19 vaccination may eventually be required for traveling abroad or for entering many public spaces at home, technology groups are developing smartphone systems for users to upload their vaccine certificate and show them where needed, CNN Business reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF reveals it attacked 50 targets in Syria throughout 2020
The Israel Air Force carried out 50 strikes against targets in Syria throughout 2020, the IDF revealed in its annual statistics report released on Thursday.
Senior doctors call third lockdown a ‘national disaster’ — even a ‘doomsday weapon’
The current lockdown is going to destroy the State of Israel and devastate more lives than COVID-19 itself.
Gabi Ashkenazi quits Blue and White, as party further disintegrates
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi announced on Wednesday that he was taking a break from politics and leaving Blue and White, in the latest high-profile defection from Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s ailing party.
Inside the United States
U.S. Census Bureau Delays Revealing Voters
The U.S. Census Bureau will miss for the first time a year-end deadline for handing in numbers used for divvying up congressional seats, in a setback for President Donald J. Trump.
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley Says He Will Challenge Certification of Electoral College Vote
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) announced on Wednesday that he will oppose the certification of President-elect Joe Biden when Congress meets on Jan. 6 to certify the electoral college results.
Biden, Trump, and Harris head to Georgia in final push for Senate candidates
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will head to Georgia to stump for Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock ahead of Tuesday's Senate runoff elections.
US Congressman-Elect Letlow Dies Of COVID-19
Luke Letlow, the U.S. congressman-elect from Louisiana, died Tuesday of COVID-19 after being hospitalized, state officials confirmed.
Murder Rate Rose by 37% in U.S. Cities in 2020
Murders have skyrocketed this year, as local governments have become softer on crime. In the 57 major cities for which data are available, the murder rate is up an average of 36.7%. Murder went up in 51 cities, and down in only six cities. Murder is up 74.1% in Seattle, 72.3% in Minneapolis, 55.5% in Chicago, 54.1% in Boston, 39.2% in New York, 34.5% in St. Louis, and 30.4% in Los Angeles.
Christian News
Indonesia Bans Islamic Defenders Front
Christians in a movement of former Muslims and other believers welcomed a decision by Indonesia's government to ban an Islamist group that attacked churches and other targets.
India: Christian persecution expected to intensify in 2021
A new report forecasts that Christians in India will be subject to increased persecution in 2021, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
U.S. Flies Nuclear-Capable Bombers Over Middle East
Amid rising tensions with Iran, the U.S. military flew two nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the Middle East Wednesday, the military confirmed. In a statement monitored by Worthy News, the U.S. Central Command overseeing military operations in the region said the flights were "to underscore the U.S. military's commitment to regional security."
Powerful Aftershocks Rock Croatia Amid Prayers and Desperation
Powerful aftershocks added to the misery in central Croatia on Wednesday, a day after the nation’s strongest earthquake on record killed seven people and injured dozens.
UK Ratifies Brexit Deal as Leaders Sign New Chapter
Britain and the EU signed a post-Brexit trade deal Wednesday, sealing their drawn-out divorce in the closing hours before the UK definitively ends its half-century European experiment.
US Warships Sail Taiwan Strait for Second Time This Month
Two U.S. warships sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Thursday, the U.S. Navy said, the second such mission this month and coming almost two weeks after a Chinese aircraft carrier group used the same waterway.
Tech companies developing Covid-19 vaccine “passports”
As proof of COVID-19 vaccination may eventually be required for traveling abroad or for entering many public spaces at home, technology groups are developing smartphone systems for users to upload their vaccine certificate and show them where needed, CNN Business reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF reveals it attacked 50 targets in Syria throughout 2020
The Israel Air Force carried out 50 strikes against targets in Syria throughout 2020, the IDF revealed in its annual statistics report released on Thursday.
Senior doctors call third lockdown a ‘national disaster’ — even a ‘doomsday weapon’
The current lockdown is going to destroy the State of Israel and devastate more lives than COVID-19 itself.
Gabi Ashkenazi quits Blue and White, as party further disintegrates
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi announced on Wednesday that he was taking a break from politics and leaving Blue and White, in the latest high-profile defection from Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s ailing party.
Inside the United States
U.S. Census Bureau Delays Revealing Voters
The U.S. Census Bureau will miss for the first time a year-end deadline for handing in numbers used for divvying up congressional seats, in a setback for President Donald J. Trump.
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley Says He Will Challenge Certification of Electoral College Vote
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) announced on Wednesday that he will oppose the certification of President-elect Joe Biden when Congress meets on Jan. 6 to certify the electoral college results.
Biden, Trump, and Harris head to Georgia in final push for Senate candidates
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will head to Georgia to stump for Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock ahead of Tuesday's Senate runoff elections.
US Congressman-Elect Letlow Dies Of COVID-19
Luke Letlow, the U.S. congressman-elect from Louisiana, died Tuesday of COVID-19 after being hospitalized, state officials confirmed.
Murder Rate Rose by 37% in U.S. Cities in 2020
Murders have skyrocketed this year, as local governments have become softer on crime. In the 57 major cities for which data are available, the murder rate is up an average of 36.7%. Murder went up in 51 cities, and down in only six cities. Murder is up 74.1% in Seattle, 72.3% in Minneapolis, 55.5% in Chicago, 54.1% in Boston, 39.2% in New York, 34.5% in St. Louis, and 30.4% in Los Angeles.
Christian News
Indonesia Bans Islamic Defenders Front
Christians in a movement of former Muslims and other believers welcomed a decision by Indonesia's government to ban an Islamist group that attacked churches and other targets.
India: Christian persecution expected to intensify in 2021
A new report forecasts that Christians in India will be subject to increased persecution in 2021, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.