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
Backing Iran, Russia nixes UN arms embargo extension, slams US 'snapback' plans
Russia’s UN ambassador said Tuesday that Moscow will oppose any attempts by the United States to extend the arms embargo on Iran and reimpose UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Russia Mourns Coronavirus Patients Killed In Fire
Russia is mourning the death of at least five coronavirus patients who died early Tuesday when a fire broke out in a hospital in St. Petersburg. The tragedy in Russia's second-largest city, followed two other deadly blazes at care facilities in Russia as it struggles to contain the coronavirus pandemic. These incidents overshadowed plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to re-open the economy after an extended lockdown.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
GOD TV Confirms Israel Wants to Shut Down Shelanu Messianic Channel
GOD TV has confirmed Israeli authorities want to shut down its new Hebrew-language Gospel channel, the Christian Post reports. The Shelanu (“Ours” in Hebrew) channel recently began broadcasting Christian content on Israel’s popular HOT cable network.
Israel's Prime Minister Condemned Over Microchip for Children
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting criticism over his proposal to "microchip" children who return to schools and kindergartens as the national coronavirus lockdown ends.
Ancient Israelite Altar to be Protected
An ancient Israelite altar discovered 16 years ago is now to receive official protection, World Israel News reports. Located in the Binyamin region of Judea and Samaria, the 3,000-year-old edifice was at risk of destruction from building works nearby.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Hears Two Cases Involving Trump's Financial Records
The U.S. Supreme Court appears to be divided over two separate cases involving whether President Donald Trump must turn over his tax returns and financial records after subpoenas from congressional Democrats and a New York City district attorney.
U.S. reports record $738 billion budget deficit in April
The United States on Tuesday reported a record $738 billion budget deficit in April as an explosion in government spending and a shrinking of revenues amid the novel coronavirus pandemic pushed it deeply into the red.
Western US May Be Facing a Megadrought
A study published in the Science journal last month warns that the Western US may be headed for one of the worst megadroughts in the region for 1200 years, Time reports. Although they had some rain in 2019, Western states have been dealing with an ongoing drought since 2000.
Christian News
Ravi Zacharias health update: Cancer metastasized, doctors say there’s nothing more they can do
Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias has been battling a rare form of bone cancer since March and was recently informed by doctors that his cancer has spread and there’s nothing more they can do medically.
Backing Iran, Russia nixes UN arms embargo extension, slams US 'snapback' plans
Russia’s UN ambassador said Tuesday that Moscow will oppose any attempts by the United States to extend the arms embargo on Iran and reimpose UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Russia Mourns Coronavirus Patients Killed In Fire
Russia is mourning the death of at least five coronavirus patients who died early Tuesday when a fire broke out in a hospital in St. Petersburg. The tragedy in Russia's second-largest city, followed two other deadly blazes at care facilities in Russia as it struggles to contain the coronavirus pandemic. These incidents overshadowed plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to re-open the economy after an extended lockdown.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
GOD TV Confirms Israel Wants to Shut Down Shelanu Messianic Channel
GOD TV has confirmed Israeli authorities want to shut down its new Hebrew-language Gospel channel, the Christian Post reports. The Shelanu (“Ours” in Hebrew) channel recently began broadcasting Christian content on Israel’s popular HOT cable network.
Israel's Prime Minister Condemned Over Microchip for Children
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting criticism over his proposal to "microchip" children who return to schools and kindergartens as the national coronavirus lockdown ends.
Ancient Israelite Altar to be Protected
An ancient Israelite altar discovered 16 years ago is now to receive official protection, World Israel News reports. Located in the Binyamin region of Judea and Samaria, the 3,000-year-old edifice was at risk of destruction from building works nearby.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Hears Two Cases Involving Trump's Financial Records
The U.S. Supreme Court appears to be divided over two separate cases involving whether President Donald Trump must turn over his tax returns and financial records after subpoenas from congressional Democrats and a New York City district attorney.
U.S. reports record $738 billion budget deficit in April
The United States on Tuesday reported a record $738 billion budget deficit in April as an explosion in government spending and a shrinking of revenues amid the novel coronavirus pandemic pushed it deeply into the red.
Western US May Be Facing a Megadrought
A study published in the Science journal last month warns that the Western US may be headed for one of the worst megadroughts in the region for 1200 years, Time reports. Although they had some rain in 2019, Western states have been dealing with an ongoing drought since 2000.
Christian News
Ravi Zacharias health update: Cancer metastasized, doctors say there’s nothing more they can do
Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias has been battling a rare form of bone cancer since March and was recently informed by doctors that his cancer has spread and there’s nothing more they can do medically.
Around the World
Iran Warship Hit By 'Friendly Fire,' 19 Killed
Iran's navy says nineteen sailors were killed and 15 others injured when an Iranian warship accidentally fired an anti-ship cruise missile at another Iranian naval vessel.
Italian Aid Worker Returns Home After 18 Months In Captivity
A young Italian woman arrived in Italy after 18 long months as a hostage in eastern Africa, where she had been an aid worker. Silvia Romano, 24, returned from Somalia late Sunday to a homeland still suffering from the coronavirus pandemic that authorities claim killed more than 30,000 Italians and devastated the economy.
Britain's Johnson Warns Anxious Nation Most Lockdown Measures Remain
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Sunday that most coronavirus lockdown measures would remain until at least June 1, and he announced a "conditional plan" for reopening British society.
Coronavirus Overshadows Europe's 75th Anniversary of War Liberation
Leaders of Europe attended subdued ceremonies over the weekend to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe while facing a perceived new war against an invisible enemy, the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Still Spreading From China to White House
Nations on Monday struggled to balance public and economic health amid mounting pressure to reopen economies despite an uptick in coronavirus cases ranging from China to even the White House.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Germany apologizes after Israel was omitted from a military map of the Middle East
The head of Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) has apologized “expressly” for the omission of Israel from a map of the Middle East in his department’s 2019 annual report, the Middle East Monitor reports. A MAD investigation concluded on May 7 that there had been a mistake caused by “lack of diligence and insufficient quality control rather than deliberate action or political intent.”
US Considering Withdrawal of Troops from Sinai
The US Defense Secretary Mark Esper is considering the withdrawal of US troops from the international peacekeeping force in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, World Israel News (WIN) reports. Established in 1981, the purpose of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) organization is to monitor adherence to conditions of the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty.
Inside the United States
Study finds 42% of pandemic layoffs will become permanent job losses
Many of the coronavirus pandemic layoffs will become permanent job losses, according to a new study with alarming implications for the future of the economy.
Eighteen Republican attorneys general press Congress to hold hearings on China's coronavirus 'deceit'
More than a dozen Republican attorneys general called on Congress to conduct hearings about China's "deceit" during the coronavirus outbreak.
Senate to reconsider expired surveillance tools
The U.S. Senate will make a renewed attempt this week to extend parts of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday, two months after the divisive government surveillance tools expired.
Christian News
Families turn to Christian streaming services during lockdown
US Christian streaming services have seen a substantial increase in viewers and membership as families have stayed home in COVID-19 lockdowns, the Christian Post reports.
China Continues Church Crackdown, Destroys Crosses
New footage has emerged of an ongoing crackdown by China's government against devoted Christians, including the removal of crosses and disbandment of churches.
Iran Warship Hit By 'Friendly Fire,' 19 Killed
Iran's navy says nineteen sailors were killed and 15 others injured when an Iranian warship accidentally fired an anti-ship cruise missile at another Iranian naval vessel.
Italian Aid Worker Returns Home After 18 Months In Captivity
A young Italian woman arrived in Italy after 18 long months as a hostage in eastern Africa, where she had been an aid worker. Silvia Romano, 24, returned from Somalia late Sunday to a homeland still suffering from the coronavirus pandemic that authorities claim killed more than 30,000 Italians and devastated the economy.
Britain's Johnson Warns Anxious Nation Most Lockdown Measures Remain
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Sunday that most coronavirus lockdown measures would remain until at least June 1, and he announced a "conditional plan" for reopening British society.
Coronavirus Overshadows Europe's 75th Anniversary of War Liberation
Leaders of Europe attended subdued ceremonies over the weekend to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe while facing a perceived new war against an invisible enemy, the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Still Spreading From China to White House
Nations on Monday struggled to balance public and economic health amid mounting pressure to reopen economies despite an uptick in coronavirus cases ranging from China to even the White House.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Germany apologizes after Israel was omitted from a military map of the Middle East
The head of Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) has apologized “expressly” for the omission of Israel from a map of the Middle East in his department’s 2019 annual report, the Middle East Monitor reports. A MAD investigation concluded on May 7 that there had been a mistake caused by “lack of diligence and insufficient quality control rather than deliberate action or political intent.”
US Considering Withdrawal of Troops from Sinai
The US Defense Secretary Mark Esper is considering the withdrawal of US troops from the international peacekeeping force in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, World Israel News (WIN) reports. Established in 1981, the purpose of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) organization is to monitor adherence to conditions of the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty.
Inside the United States
Study finds 42% of pandemic layoffs will become permanent job losses
Many of the coronavirus pandemic layoffs will become permanent job losses, according to a new study with alarming implications for the future of the economy.
Eighteen Republican attorneys general press Congress to hold hearings on China's coronavirus 'deceit'
More than a dozen Republican attorneys general called on Congress to conduct hearings about China's "deceit" during the coronavirus outbreak.
Senate to reconsider expired surveillance tools
The U.S. Senate will make a renewed attempt this week to extend parts of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday, two months after the divisive government surveillance tools expired.
Christian News
Families turn to Christian streaming services during lockdown
US Christian streaming services have seen a substantial increase in viewers and membership as families have stayed home in COVID-19 lockdowns, the Christian Post reports.
China Continues Church Crackdown, Destroys Crosses
New footage has emerged of an ongoing crackdown by China's government against devoted Christians, including the removal of crosses and disbandment of churches.
Around the World
Turkey's Erdogan calls to 'revitalize' relationship with EU amid coronavirus pandemic
Turkey has revived its bid for membership in the European Union (EU), calling to 'revitalize' their relationship and citing the coronavirus pandemic as a clear demonstration of the need for unity.
China ramping up COVID-19 disinformation campaign on Twitter, State Dept. says
China’s Communist Party and government are stepping up the use of Twitter to spread disinformation that Wuhan was not the origin of the coronavirus outbreak and that China is helping the world recover, the State Department said.
World Red Cross Day Overshadowed By Pandemic Concerns
The World Red Cross Day celebrating the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was overshadowed Friday by concerns that the coronavirus would spread to overcrowded refugee camps.
U.S.-led Forces Attack Islamic State in Syria
U.S.-led coalition forces have reportedly hit back against an Islamic State cell in Syria. They captured a midlevel leader linked to increasing attacks by the terror group in the Deir el-Zour countryside, the Voice of America (VOA) network said Thursday.
Freedom House: 'Hungary No Longer Democracy'
A leading democracy watchdog has suggested that Hungary has become the first non-democratic European Union member state, prompting an angry reaction from the government. Washington-based Freedom House also warned that Poland is heading towards the same direction.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Close to half of Israelis back annexation, less than a third think it’ll happen
Slightly fewer than half of Israelis back plans to annex parts of the West Bank, and even fewer people think the government will actually go through with its annexation plans, according to a survey released Sunday.
Pompeo to discuss coronavirus, Iran with Netanyahu and Gantz
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, is slated to visit Israel on Wednesday, the State Department officially announced on Friday.
Inside the United States
'Ignored': Barr accuses Mueller of not investigating Russian disinformation in Steele dossier
Attorney General William Barr accused special counsel Robert Mueller of failing to investigate evidence that British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s salacious and unverified dossier may have been compromised by a Russian disinformation campaign.
Encouraging Illegal Aliens To Remain In The US Is A Crime, Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal statute that forbids encouraging illegal aliens to remain in the U.S. unlawfully in a decision Thursday.
House Intelligence Committee releases long-awaited Russia investigation transcripts
The Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee released dozens of witness interview transcripts and related material from its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
White House: US Jobless Rate Could Hit 25% Amid COVID-19
The official U.S. unemployment rate linked to the coronavirus pandemic is already at 14.7%, but top White House officials said Sunday they expect it could reach 25% before the world’s biggest economy begins to improve.
US Clinical Trial Launched to Assess Power of Prayer for COVID-19 Patients
A US clinical trial has been launched into whether multi-denominational prayer can help patients with COVID-19, the New York Post reports. Dr. Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, a cardiologist at the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute, is leading a trial involving 1000 coronavirus patients who require intensive care because of the infection. The trial began on May 1 and is due to last four months.
Christian News
Dutch Pentecostal Preacher Ben Hoekendijk Dies At 81
Ben Hoekendijk, the Dutch evangelist who became the face of the Netherlands' post-war Pentecostal movement, has died. He was 81, friends confirmed to Worthy News. Hoekendijk, who was in frail health after suffering a stroke, died last week in his hometown of Harderwijk.
Violence during raid on Christian Church by police in China
Video footage of a violent police raid on a church in the Fujian province of China was posted by Christian watchdog group ChinaAid this week. Broadcast by Fox News, the 11-second video shows members of the Xingguang Church blocking police officers who were forcibly entering the premises and a member being dragged out of the door.
Christian School Director Killed and His Family Shot in Nigeria
Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s Plateau state shot a Christian school director in the head before shooting his wife in the back and his two children in the feet on May 5, sources told Morningstar News.
Turkey's Erdogan calls to 'revitalize' relationship with EU amid coronavirus pandemic
Turkey has revived its bid for membership in the European Union (EU), calling to 'revitalize' their relationship and citing the coronavirus pandemic as a clear demonstration of the need for unity.
China ramping up COVID-19 disinformation campaign on Twitter, State Dept. says
China’s Communist Party and government are stepping up the use of Twitter to spread disinformation that Wuhan was not the origin of the coronavirus outbreak and that China is helping the world recover, the State Department said.
World Red Cross Day Overshadowed By Pandemic Concerns
The World Red Cross Day celebrating the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was overshadowed Friday by concerns that the coronavirus would spread to overcrowded refugee camps.
U.S.-led Forces Attack Islamic State in Syria
U.S.-led coalition forces have reportedly hit back against an Islamic State cell in Syria. They captured a midlevel leader linked to increasing attacks by the terror group in the Deir el-Zour countryside, the Voice of America (VOA) network said Thursday.
Freedom House: 'Hungary No Longer Democracy'
A leading democracy watchdog has suggested that Hungary has become the first non-democratic European Union member state, prompting an angry reaction from the government. Washington-based Freedom House also warned that Poland is heading towards the same direction.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Close to half of Israelis back annexation, less than a third think it’ll happen
Slightly fewer than half of Israelis back plans to annex parts of the West Bank, and even fewer people think the government will actually go through with its annexation plans, according to a survey released Sunday.
Pompeo to discuss coronavirus, Iran with Netanyahu and Gantz
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, is slated to visit Israel on Wednesday, the State Department officially announced on Friday.
Inside the United States
'Ignored': Barr accuses Mueller of not investigating Russian disinformation in Steele dossier
Attorney General William Barr accused special counsel Robert Mueller of failing to investigate evidence that British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s salacious and unverified dossier may have been compromised by a Russian disinformation campaign.
Encouraging Illegal Aliens To Remain In The US Is A Crime, Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal statute that forbids encouraging illegal aliens to remain in the U.S. unlawfully in a decision Thursday.
House Intelligence Committee releases long-awaited Russia investigation transcripts
The Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee released dozens of witness interview transcripts and related material from its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
White House: US Jobless Rate Could Hit 25% Amid COVID-19
The official U.S. unemployment rate linked to the coronavirus pandemic is already at 14.7%, but top White House officials said Sunday they expect it could reach 25% before the world’s biggest economy begins to improve.
US Clinical Trial Launched to Assess Power of Prayer for COVID-19 Patients
A US clinical trial has been launched into whether multi-denominational prayer can help patients with COVID-19, the New York Post reports. Dr. Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, a cardiologist at the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute, is leading a trial involving 1000 coronavirus patients who require intensive care because of the infection. The trial began on May 1 and is due to last four months.
Christian News
Dutch Pentecostal Preacher Ben Hoekendijk Dies At 81
Ben Hoekendijk, the Dutch evangelist who became the face of the Netherlands' post-war Pentecostal movement, has died. He was 81, friends confirmed to Worthy News. Hoekendijk, who was in frail health after suffering a stroke, died last week in his hometown of Harderwijk.
Violence during raid on Christian Church by police in China
Video footage of a violent police raid on a church in the Fujian province of China was posted by Christian watchdog group ChinaAid this week. Broadcast by Fox News, the 11-second video shows members of the Xingguang Church blocking police officers who were forcibly entering the premises and a member being dragged out of the door.
Christian School Director Killed and His Family Shot in Nigeria
Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s Plateau state shot a Christian school director in the head before shooting his wife in the back and his two children in the feet on May 5, sources told Morningstar News.