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
IMF Warns COVID-19 Could Cause Global Unrest
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns of global social unrest if government measures to halt the coronavirus pandemic are seen as unfairly favoring the rich.
Germany Detains Islamic Militants Targeting U.S. Bases
Authorities in Germany say they have detained four suspected Islamic militants for plotting to attack American military facilities in the country. The four men, originally from Tajikistan — along with a fifth individual arrested last year — targeted several U.S. airforce bases on behalf of the Islamic State group, prosecutors said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz mandate to form coalition expires but Likud, Blue and White talks to go on
Negotiating teams for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party continued their talks to form a unity government late Wednesday night and into Thursday, and agreed to meet again later Thursday, even as the latter’s presidential mandate to form a coalition expired at midnight.
Inside the United States
Trump: Thursday will be 'big day' in decisions regarding reopening U.S. economy
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that some big decisions will be announced Thursday about how parts of the U.S. economy will begin to reopen after stay-at-home orders closed businesses and led to millions of lost jobs across the country.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear oral arguments by phone for first time in history
The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments by telephone for the first time since it first convened in 1790.
U.S. Attorney General Condemns Ban On Drive-In Churches
America's top law enforcer has warned state and local government officials against targeting the faithful amid distancing and lockdown measures to combat the new coronavirus pandemic. Attorney General Bill Barr said his Department of Justice condemns cases such as in the U.S. State of Mississippi where worshipers were fined for attending drive-in church service.
Appeals Court rules medication abortions allowed in Texas during ban on non-essential medical procedures
Texas abortion providers can continue to offer pill-based abortions during a state order banning non-essential medical procedures, Freebeacon.com reports. The order, given by Texas governor Greg Abbott (R) on March 22, was issued in an effort to conserve hospital beds and medical supplies for coronavirus patients.
Christian News
Nigerian Christian Widow prays her husband’s militant killers find Jesus
In the wake of a Christian genocide warning for Nigeria issued by Christian Solidarity International (CSI) on January 30, a 27-year-old widow from Plateau state has prayed her husband’s murderers will find Jesus.
Christians in Nigeria being killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen
Two Christians in Benue State, Nigeria were beheaded Monday by Muslim Fulani herdsmen, Morning Star News reported. Another Christian was shot dead on Saturday by a group of herdsman in Bokkos county, Plateau state. These are the latest in ongoing murderous attacks on Nigerian Christians. Nigeria ranked second in Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List of countries where Christians are killed for their faith, after Pakistan.
IMF Warns COVID-19 Could Cause Global Unrest
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns of global social unrest if government measures to halt the coronavirus pandemic are seen as unfairly favoring the rich.
Germany Detains Islamic Militants Targeting U.S. Bases
Authorities in Germany say they have detained four suspected Islamic militants for plotting to attack American military facilities in the country. The four men, originally from Tajikistan — along with a fifth individual arrested last year — targeted several U.S. airforce bases on behalf of the Islamic State group, prosecutors said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz mandate to form coalition expires but Likud, Blue and White talks to go on
Negotiating teams for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party continued their talks to form a unity government late Wednesday night and into Thursday, and agreed to meet again later Thursday, even as the latter’s presidential mandate to form a coalition expired at midnight.
Inside the United States
Trump: Thursday will be 'big day' in decisions regarding reopening U.S. economy
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that some big decisions will be announced Thursday about how parts of the U.S. economy will begin to reopen after stay-at-home orders closed businesses and led to millions of lost jobs across the country.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear oral arguments by phone for first time in history
The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments by telephone for the first time since it first convened in 1790.
U.S. Attorney General Condemns Ban On Drive-In Churches
America's top law enforcer has warned state and local government officials against targeting the faithful amid distancing and lockdown measures to combat the new coronavirus pandemic. Attorney General Bill Barr said his Department of Justice condemns cases such as in the U.S. State of Mississippi where worshipers were fined for attending drive-in church service.
Appeals Court rules medication abortions allowed in Texas during ban on non-essential medical procedures
Texas abortion providers can continue to offer pill-based abortions during a state order banning non-essential medical procedures, Freebeacon.com reports. The order, given by Texas governor Greg Abbott (R) on March 22, was issued in an effort to conserve hospital beds and medical supplies for coronavirus patients.
Christian News
Nigerian Christian Widow prays her husband’s militant killers find Jesus
In the wake of a Christian genocide warning for Nigeria issued by Christian Solidarity International (CSI) on January 30, a 27-year-old widow from Plateau state has prayed her husband’s murderers will find Jesus.
Christians in Nigeria being killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen
Two Christians in Benue State, Nigeria were beheaded Monday by Muslim Fulani herdsmen, Morning Star News reported. Another Christian was shot dead on Saturday by a group of herdsman in Bokkos county, Plateau state. These are the latest in ongoing murderous attacks on Nigerian Christians. Nigeria ranked second in Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List of countries where Christians are killed for their faith, after Pakistan.
Around the World
Lockdowns Extend As Coronavirus Cases Hit 2 Million
Confirmed cases of the new coronavirus reached two million worldwide late Tuesday, prompting several countries to extend lockdowns aimed at stopping the spread of the virus, COVID-19. The lockdowns came amid warnings that the pandemic could lead to the deepest global recession in a lifetime.
Trump Halts Funds To WHO
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is halting payments to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its role in the coronavirus pandemic. "The WHO pushed China's misinformation about the virus," he told reporters at the White House.
China cracks down on coronavirus data as new report rebuts official death toll
The Chinese government has ordered new restrictions on studies regarding the origin of the coronavirus outbreak, in a further sign Beijing is hiding details behind the cause of the global pandemic.
WHO leader claims forcible removal of people from their homes may be necessary soon
A major World Health Organization (WHO) figure is recommending invasive measures against private homes as a means of disease containment.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli Scientists Develop COVID-Test ‘Four-to-Ten Times’ Faster Than Standard
Reliable testing remains one of the most crucial aspects in the global battle against the novel coronavirus. Scientists at Hebrew University in Jerusalem are tackling Israel’s test shortage by developing a new method of testing that they claim is cheaper and faster than the standard one.
Gantz Given 48 Hours to Form Government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz were given a further 48 hours to try and reach a coalition deal, the Times of Israel reports. President Reuven Rivlin agreed the short extension minutes before the midnight-on-Monday deadline that Gantz had been given to form a government.
Inside the United States
Evangelicals Pressure Trump To Release Detainees
U.S. President Donald Trump has come under evangelical pressure to release people from immigration detention centers amid concerns the new coronavirus will spread in the overcrowded facilities. Nine leaders of evangelical groups urged the Trump administration to release those "who do not pose a threat to public safety" during the coronavirus pandemic.
US coronavirus deaths set single-day record increase
US coronavirus deaths rose by at least 2,228 on Tuesday, a single-day record, to top 28,300, according to a Reuters tally, as officials debated how to reopen the economy without reigniting the outbreak.
Civil Liberties organization demands end to religious discrimination in department of Housing and Urban Development
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) filed an official public comment with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Monday in a continued effort to ensure religious groups are not discriminated against by authorities. The Center is also sending a demand letter to a specific HUD property management company after residents at one of their housing complexes alerted that all Bibles and religious materials had been confiscated.
New Virginia law allows transgender men to use ladies’ rooms in all places open to the public
A new law signed by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday has the effect of prohibiting any place or business that is open to the public from denying transgender biological males access to ladies’ bathrooms, locker rooms or dressing rooms.
Watchdog Report: Debt will exceed U.S. economy in 2020
Debt held by the public will exceed the size of the U.S. economy by the end of fiscal 2020, a watchdog said Monday.
Christian News
Iranian believer decides to stay in Iran and face persecution, inspires others
A Christian in Iran sent to languish in a remote desert town after a seven-year prison sentence found a warm welcome from local Muslims, according to a new YouTube interview.
Lockdowns Extend As Coronavirus Cases Hit 2 Million
Confirmed cases of the new coronavirus reached two million worldwide late Tuesday, prompting several countries to extend lockdowns aimed at stopping the spread of the virus, COVID-19. The lockdowns came amid warnings that the pandemic could lead to the deepest global recession in a lifetime.
Trump Halts Funds To WHO
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is halting payments to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its role in the coronavirus pandemic. "The WHO pushed China's misinformation about the virus," he told reporters at the White House.
China cracks down on coronavirus data as new report rebuts official death toll
The Chinese government has ordered new restrictions on studies regarding the origin of the coronavirus outbreak, in a further sign Beijing is hiding details behind the cause of the global pandemic.
WHO leader claims forcible removal of people from their homes may be necessary soon
A major World Health Organization (WHO) figure is recommending invasive measures against private homes as a means of disease containment.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli Scientists Develop COVID-Test ‘Four-to-Ten Times’ Faster Than Standard
Reliable testing remains one of the most crucial aspects in the global battle against the novel coronavirus. Scientists at Hebrew University in Jerusalem are tackling Israel’s test shortage by developing a new method of testing that they claim is cheaper and faster than the standard one.
Gantz Given 48 Hours to Form Government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz were given a further 48 hours to try and reach a coalition deal, the Times of Israel reports. President Reuven Rivlin agreed the short extension minutes before the midnight-on-Monday deadline that Gantz had been given to form a government.
Inside the United States
Evangelicals Pressure Trump To Release Detainees
U.S. President Donald Trump has come under evangelical pressure to release people from immigration detention centers amid concerns the new coronavirus will spread in the overcrowded facilities. Nine leaders of evangelical groups urged the Trump administration to release those "who do not pose a threat to public safety" during the coronavirus pandemic.
US coronavirus deaths set single-day record increase
US coronavirus deaths rose by at least 2,228 on Tuesday, a single-day record, to top 28,300, according to a Reuters tally, as officials debated how to reopen the economy without reigniting the outbreak.
Civil Liberties organization demands end to religious discrimination in department of Housing and Urban Development
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) filed an official public comment with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Monday in a continued effort to ensure religious groups are not discriminated against by authorities. The Center is also sending a demand letter to a specific HUD property management company after residents at one of their housing complexes alerted that all Bibles and religious materials had been confiscated.
New Virginia law allows transgender men to use ladies’ rooms in all places open to the public
A new law signed by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday has the effect of prohibiting any place or business that is open to the public from denying transgender biological males access to ladies’ bathrooms, locker rooms or dressing rooms.
Watchdog Report: Debt will exceed U.S. economy in 2020
Debt held by the public will exceed the size of the U.S. economy by the end of fiscal 2020, a watchdog said Monday.
Christian News
Iranian believer decides to stay in Iran and face persecution, inspires others
A Christian in Iran sent to languish in a remote desert town after a seven-year prison sentence found a warm welcome from local Muslims, according to a new YouTube interview.
Around the World
UN predicts worsening locust plague in Africa and the Middle East
A second wave of desert locusts, projected to be 20 times the size of earlier swarms that the UN has called "unprecedented," is expected to arrive in Africa and the Middle East over the summer.
Crime drops worldwide amid coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too.
EU Chief: 'Elderly Face Lockdown Till 2021 Over Coronavirus'
The chief of the European Union's executive has warned the block's elderly that they may have to stay in lockdown till 2021 due to the new coronavirus pandemic. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the comments in a German newspaper. Her remarks further overshadowed Easter and Passover celebrations in Europe. Von der Leyen told Germany's daily Bild that older people might have to be kept isolated until the end of the year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Talks in Israel to form next government could revert back to fourth elections
With talks between the two leading candidates for Prime Minister sputtering again, Israeli President Reuben Rivlin warned Sunday that a fourth election could be forthcoming.
Israel High Court says a petition to prevent Netanyahu from forming a government was filed too soon
Israel’s High Court ruled Sunday that a petition to disqualify Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a new government was filed too early. The petition claims Netanyahu should be barred from leading the country because of the corruption charges he faces. Justice Alex Stein dismissed the petition on the grounds that President Reuven Rivlin has not asked Netanyahu to form a government coalition this time around. Nevertheless, the Times of Israel reports, the Court said the application could be renewed should Rivlin give Netanyahu such a mandate in due course.
Inside the United States
Tornadoes in Southern U.S. kill 26 people, head toward northeast
Deadly tornadoes tore through the Southern U.S. on Sunday and Monday, killing 26 people and trapping a handful of people in their homes in South Carolina.
Kansas Supreme Court rules in favor of Governor’s executive order limiting religious services to 10 people
The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order limiting religious services to 10 people, the Washington Examiner reports. Referring to the coronavirus outbreak that prompted the order, the Court said Saturday: "We agreed to expedite these proceedings due to the nature of the public health emergency all agree is present."
Watchdog Report: Debt will exceed U.S. economy in 2020
Debt held by the public will exceed the size of the U.S. economy by the end of fiscal 2020, a watchdog said Monday.
Planned Parenthood California supporting bill to block health insurance companies from informing parents about their child’s abortion or transgender treatment
Planned Parenthood of California is supporting a bill that would prevent health insurance companies from giving parents information about “sensitive” medical procedures received by young adult or minor children listed on their same policy. “Sensitive services” would include abortions and certain transgender treatments and sex-change operations, among various others. The California Family Council (CFC) has advised concerned residents to contact the office of Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D), who is sponsoring the bill.
U.S. Judge Allows Easter Drive-in Service Amid Coronavirus Concerns
A judge in the U.S. State of Kentucky has prevented a mayor from stopping an evangelical church's drive-in service planned for Easter, despite a new coronavirus pandemic. The ruling came as Republicans condemned Democratic Governor Andy Beshear's statewide plan to force people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings, including religious ones.
Christian News
Chinese government continues to target crosses on churches
The Chinese government has continued its campaign of removing crosses from churches in recent months, citing bizarre reasons in support of the "sinicization" of religion begun by President Xi Jinping.
More Christians killed in Nigeria as government continues to look the other way
A pastor and three members of his congregation were killed in Nigeria in April, as lack of a response by government authorities to Islamist Fulani herdsmen attacks continues to leave Christians vulnerable.
Dutch Town Celebrates Easter Outside Closed Churches
Christian songs reverberated throughout the Dutch town of Urk as residents took to the streets to celebrate Easter outside closed churches in one of Europe's most God-fearing communities. They gathered Sunday after the 57-year-old housewife Jannie Molenaar expressed concern that locals would no longer be able to sing in churches due to the coronavirus pandemic.
UN predicts worsening locust plague in Africa and the Middle East
A second wave of desert locusts, projected to be 20 times the size of earlier swarms that the UN has called "unprecedented," is expected to arrive in Africa and the Middle East over the summer.
Crime drops worldwide amid coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too.
EU Chief: 'Elderly Face Lockdown Till 2021 Over Coronavirus'
The chief of the European Union's executive has warned the block's elderly that they may have to stay in lockdown till 2021 due to the new coronavirus pandemic. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the comments in a German newspaper. Her remarks further overshadowed Easter and Passover celebrations in Europe. Von der Leyen told Germany's daily Bild that older people might have to be kept isolated until the end of the year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Talks in Israel to form next government could revert back to fourth elections
With talks between the two leading candidates for Prime Minister sputtering again, Israeli President Reuben Rivlin warned Sunday that a fourth election could be forthcoming.
Israel High Court says a petition to prevent Netanyahu from forming a government was filed too soon
Israel’s High Court ruled Sunday that a petition to disqualify Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a new government was filed too early. The petition claims Netanyahu should be barred from leading the country because of the corruption charges he faces. Justice Alex Stein dismissed the petition on the grounds that President Reuven Rivlin has not asked Netanyahu to form a government coalition this time around. Nevertheless, the Times of Israel reports, the Court said the application could be renewed should Rivlin give Netanyahu such a mandate in due course.
Inside the United States
Tornadoes in Southern U.S. kill 26 people, head toward northeast
Deadly tornadoes tore through the Southern U.S. on Sunday and Monday, killing 26 people and trapping a handful of people in their homes in South Carolina.
Kansas Supreme Court rules in favor of Governor’s executive order limiting religious services to 10 people
The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order limiting religious services to 10 people, the Washington Examiner reports. Referring to the coronavirus outbreak that prompted the order, the Court said Saturday: "We agreed to expedite these proceedings due to the nature of the public health emergency all agree is present."
Watchdog Report: Debt will exceed U.S. economy in 2020
Debt held by the public will exceed the size of the U.S. economy by the end of fiscal 2020, a watchdog said Monday.
Planned Parenthood California supporting bill to block health insurance companies from informing parents about their child’s abortion or transgender treatment
Planned Parenthood of California is supporting a bill that would prevent health insurance companies from giving parents information about “sensitive” medical procedures received by young adult or minor children listed on their same policy. “Sensitive services” would include abortions and certain transgender treatments and sex-change operations, among various others. The California Family Council (CFC) has advised concerned residents to contact the office of Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D), who is sponsoring the bill.
U.S. Judge Allows Easter Drive-in Service Amid Coronavirus Concerns
A judge in the U.S. State of Kentucky has prevented a mayor from stopping an evangelical church's drive-in service planned for Easter, despite a new coronavirus pandemic. The ruling came as Republicans condemned Democratic Governor Andy Beshear's statewide plan to force people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings, including religious ones.
Christian News
Chinese government continues to target crosses on churches
The Chinese government has continued its campaign of removing crosses from churches in recent months, citing bizarre reasons in support of the "sinicization" of religion begun by President Xi Jinping.
More Christians killed in Nigeria as government continues to look the other way
A pastor and three members of his congregation were killed in Nigeria in April, as lack of a response by government authorities to Islamist Fulani herdsmen attacks continues to leave Christians vulnerable.
Dutch Town Celebrates Easter Outside Closed Churches
Christian songs reverberated throughout the Dutch town of Urk as residents took to the streets to celebrate Easter outside closed churches in one of Europe's most God-fearing communities. They gathered Sunday after the 57-year-old housewife Jannie Molenaar expressed concern that locals would no longer be able to sing in churches due to the coronavirus pandemic.