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
Saudi Arabia and Russia Signal Readiness to Cooperate on Oil
Saudi Arabia and Russia signaled on Thursday they were ready to cooperate to help stabilize the oil market after calls with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the slump in prices triggered by the end of a deal to curb output and a collapse in demand.
Hezbollah accused of bringing coronavirus to Lebanon
The Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon has been accused of helping to bring coronavirus to the nation. Opponents of the powerful group point out that Lebanon took three weeks to block flights from Iran, after a woman who had just returned from there tested coronavirus positive on February 20. Hezbollah is accused of causing the delay to ensure its supporters could return home. Denying the claims, Hezbollah is trying to show the Lebanon Shiite community that it is working to protect them from the outbreak.
Morgan Stanley: 'World Facing Deep Global Recession'
The world's largest investment bank and financial services company warns of a "deep global recession" due to the new coronavirus pandemic. New York-based Morgan Stanley says worldwide economic growth could slow by as much as 0.9 percent this year. "[The virus] COVID-19 is at once a human tragedy and unparalleled synchronous shock, affecting both the demand and supply sides of the global economy," writes Morgan Stanley chief economist Chetan Ahya in a note.
Pentagon Confirms It’s Seeking 100,000 Body Bags in Virus Crisis
The Pentagon confirmed that it’s seeking to provide as many as 100,000 military-style body bags for potential civilian use as the U.S. warns that deaths could soar in the coming weeks from the coronavirus pandemic.
Global coronavirus cases surpass one million
Global coronavirus cases surpassed 1 million on Thursday with more than 52,000 deaths as the pandemic further exploded in the United States and the death toll climbed in Spain and Italy, according to a Reuters tally of official data.
95 percent of European coronavirus fatalities are people older than 60, WHO says
Nearly all of the people in Europe who have died from the coronavirus were more than 60 years old, the World Health Organization announced Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: All Israelis must wear face masks as virus precaution
All Israelis must wear face masks while in public as a precaution against the coronavirus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday.
Israel’s health minister tests positive for coronavirus
Israel’s most senior Health Minister has tested positive for coronavirus, government officials confirmed Thursday. Yaakov Litzman has entered isolation together with his wife, who also tested positive. Litzman is part of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community which, according to unofficial figures cited by Israeli TV channels Sunday, make up half the country’s hospitalized coronavirus patients.
Israelis protest medical state clamp-down as leaders enter quarantine
Protestors in Jaffa, Israel joined with a young man Wednesday who was accosted by police for defying government orders to not depart more than 328 feet from his home.
Inside the United States
Trump: Fed program to help businesses, workers launches Friday as unemployment claims soar
On the same day the federal government announced more than 6.6 million Americans filed unemployment claims, President Donald Trump said a program to help businesses continue to pay workers launches Friday.
US on track to build 400-450 miles of border wall by end of year
The US is well on track to build 400-450 miles of wall along its south-western border by the end of the calendar year, said Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf at a news conference with President Trump Wednesday.
US military moves air defense systems into Iraq following attacks on American troops
The U.S. military said Thursday that air defense systems are 'moving' into Iraq following attacks on American and coalition forces in recent weeks.
Record 6.6 million Americans file unemployment claims, nearly doubling prior week's total
More than 6.6 million Americans filed unemployment claims last week as more businesses were forced to lay off and furlough workers because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Federal Reserve Temporarily Eases Capital Requirement for Big Banks
The Federal Reserve is temporarily relaxing a rule that imposes additional capital requirements on deposits and Treasury securities held by the biggest U.S. banks.
Christian News
Print On Demand Equipment is "Missing Link" for Bible Translation Teams Facing Intense Persecution
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is using technology to protect and empower Bible translators working in regions of intense persecution for Christians.
Pastors maintaining the right to meet in person face increased pressure from state governments
Pastors refusing to comply with coronavirus regulations effectively shuttering churches are facing increased harassment from state authorities, with New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio even threatening to permanently close churches and synagogues that defy social distancing orders.
Saudi Arabia and Russia Signal Readiness to Cooperate on Oil
Saudi Arabia and Russia signaled on Thursday they were ready to cooperate to help stabilize the oil market after calls with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the slump in prices triggered by the end of a deal to curb output and a collapse in demand.
Hezbollah accused of bringing coronavirus to Lebanon
The Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon has been accused of helping to bring coronavirus to the nation. Opponents of the powerful group point out that Lebanon took three weeks to block flights from Iran, after a woman who had just returned from there tested coronavirus positive on February 20. Hezbollah is accused of causing the delay to ensure its supporters could return home. Denying the claims, Hezbollah is trying to show the Lebanon Shiite community that it is working to protect them from the outbreak.
Morgan Stanley: 'World Facing Deep Global Recession'
The world's largest investment bank and financial services company warns of a "deep global recession" due to the new coronavirus pandemic. New York-based Morgan Stanley says worldwide economic growth could slow by as much as 0.9 percent this year. "[The virus] COVID-19 is at once a human tragedy and unparalleled synchronous shock, affecting both the demand and supply sides of the global economy," writes Morgan Stanley chief economist Chetan Ahya in a note.
Pentagon Confirms It’s Seeking 100,000 Body Bags in Virus Crisis
The Pentagon confirmed that it’s seeking to provide as many as 100,000 military-style body bags for potential civilian use as the U.S. warns that deaths could soar in the coming weeks from the coronavirus pandemic.
Global coronavirus cases surpass one million
Global coronavirus cases surpassed 1 million on Thursday with more than 52,000 deaths as the pandemic further exploded in the United States and the death toll climbed in Spain and Italy, according to a Reuters tally of official data.
95 percent of European coronavirus fatalities are people older than 60, WHO says
Nearly all of the people in Europe who have died from the coronavirus were more than 60 years old, the World Health Organization announced Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: All Israelis must wear face masks as virus precaution
All Israelis must wear face masks while in public as a precaution against the coronavirus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday.
Israel’s health minister tests positive for coronavirus
Israel’s most senior Health Minister has tested positive for coronavirus, government officials confirmed Thursday. Yaakov Litzman has entered isolation together with his wife, who also tested positive. Litzman is part of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community which, according to unofficial figures cited by Israeli TV channels Sunday, make up half the country’s hospitalized coronavirus patients.
Israelis protest medical state clamp-down as leaders enter quarantine
Protestors in Jaffa, Israel joined with a young man Wednesday who was accosted by police for defying government orders to not depart more than 328 feet from his home.
Inside the United States
Trump: Fed program to help businesses, workers launches Friday as unemployment claims soar
On the same day the federal government announced more than 6.6 million Americans filed unemployment claims, President Donald Trump said a program to help businesses continue to pay workers launches Friday.
US on track to build 400-450 miles of border wall by end of year
The US is well on track to build 400-450 miles of wall along its south-western border by the end of the calendar year, said Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf at a news conference with President Trump Wednesday.
US military moves air defense systems into Iraq following attacks on American troops
The U.S. military said Thursday that air defense systems are 'moving' into Iraq following attacks on American and coalition forces in recent weeks.
Record 6.6 million Americans file unemployment claims, nearly doubling prior week's total
More than 6.6 million Americans filed unemployment claims last week as more businesses were forced to lay off and furlough workers because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Federal Reserve Temporarily Eases Capital Requirement for Big Banks
The Federal Reserve is temporarily relaxing a rule that imposes additional capital requirements on deposits and Treasury securities held by the biggest U.S. banks.
Christian News
Print On Demand Equipment is "Missing Link" for Bible Translation Teams Facing Intense Persecution
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is using technology to protect and empower Bible translators working in regions of intense persecution for Christians.
Pastors maintaining the right to meet in person face increased pressure from state governments
Pastors refusing to comply with coronavirus regulations effectively shuttering churches are facing increased harassment from state authorities, with New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio even threatening to permanently close churches and synagogues that defy social distancing orders.
Around the World
Trump claims Iran planning 'sneak attack' on US troops in Iraq
President Trump warned that Iran and its allies are planning to attack American troops "and/or assets" in Iraq.
Dutch Daily: 'World Searching For Leader Amid Coronacrisis'
With roughly half the world in lockdown and many politicians weak or ill, the largest Dutch daily concludes in a headline: "World searching for LEADER." De Telegraaf (The Telegraph) also expresses that "Nobody takes the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic." Its commentator, Frank van Vliet, complained: "While the world is on fire, international politicians are running in one direction to put out their fire. No leader has taken the lead, and solidarity is lacking. They did not read author Alexander Dumas' Three Musketeers because "one for all and all for one" has been replaced by "own people first."
Blood test 'can check for more than 50 types of cancer'
A simple blood test can check for more than 50 types of cancer, often before any signs or symptoms, scientists say.
German Scientists Identify New Strain of Plastic-eating Bacteria
German scientists say they have identified a strain of bacteria that is feeding on polyurethanes, a plastic resistant to biodegradation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
1.5 Million Israelis Using Voluntary Coronavirus Monitoring App
Around 1.5 million Israelis have downloaded a mobile app in the past week that alerts users who have crossed paths with a coronavirus patient, according to the Health Ministry, helping to improve tracking of the pandemic.
Israel Tests New 3D-Printed Tech That Can Make Medical Masks Stronger Against COVID-19
As Israelis scramble for ways to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus, some doctors will begin testing a new method of defense against COVID-19.
Inside the United States
US rushes to build makeshift hospitals as coronavirus death toll rises
The US government rushed to set up make-shift hospitals on Tuesday as over 850 people died from coronavirus, the highest number in a single day. Hundreds of hospitals are being built close to major cities to help local health care systems struggling at maximum capacity and beyond, Reuters reported.
Idaho legislates to prevent trans-gender persons from competing in women’s sports and from altering sex marker on birth certificates
Idaho has legislated that women’s sports are for females only and that trans-gender identifying persons may not alter the sex-marker on their birth-certificates. The first in the US to set down such measures, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" and the "Vital Statistics Act" into law on March 30.
Study Shows Even Non-Religious Americans Are Turning to Prayer as a Result of COVID-19
A new poll from Pew Research Center reveals that the COVID-19 outbreak is changing Americans' religious habits, drawing more people to the power of prayer.
U.S. manufacturing contracts; private payrolls post first drop since 2017
U.S. manufacturing activity contracted less than expected in March, but disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic pushed new orders received by factories to an 11-year low, reinforcing economists’ views that the economy was in recession.
Christian News
Pastor Charged for Holding Services Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
The pastor of a Louisiana church was charged Tuesday with defying state efforts to curtail the coronavirus outbreak. Tony Spell of the Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge faces six counts of misdemeanor for holding services in violation of state-wide orders to stay home and to limit essential gatherings to 10 persons. Spell has said the government is infringing on the right to religion and that he will continue to hold services.
Pence: Don't attend church services with more than 10 people
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday said that people should not attend church services with more than 10 attendees present.
Trump claims Iran planning 'sneak attack' on US troops in Iraq
President Trump warned that Iran and its allies are planning to attack American troops "and/or assets" in Iraq.
Dutch Daily: 'World Searching For Leader Amid Coronacrisis'
With roughly half the world in lockdown and many politicians weak or ill, the largest Dutch daily concludes in a headline: "World searching for LEADER." De Telegraaf (The Telegraph) also expresses that "Nobody takes the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic." Its commentator, Frank van Vliet, complained: "While the world is on fire, international politicians are running in one direction to put out their fire. No leader has taken the lead, and solidarity is lacking. They did not read author Alexander Dumas' Three Musketeers because "one for all and all for one" has been replaced by "own people first."
Blood test 'can check for more than 50 types of cancer'
A simple blood test can check for more than 50 types of cancer, often before any signs or symptoms, scientists say.
German Scientists Identify New Strain of Plastic-eating Bacteria
German scientists say they have identified a strain of bacteria that is feeding on polyurethanes, a plastic resistant to biodegradation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
1.5 Million Israelis Using Voluntary Coronavirus Monitoring App
Around 1.5 million Israelis have downloaded a mobile app in the past week that alerts users who have crossed paths with a coronavirus patient, according to the Health Ministry, helping to improve tracking of the pandemic.
Israel Tests New 3D-Printed Tech That Can Make Medical Masks Stronger Against COVID-19
As Israelis scramble for ways to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus, some doctors will begin testing a new method of defense against COVID-19.
Inside the United States
US rushes to build makeshift hospitals as coronavirus death toll rises
The US government rushed to set up make-shift hospitals on Tuesday as over 850 people died from coronavirus, the highest number in a single day. Hundreds of hospitals are being built close to major cities to help local health care systems struggling at maximum capacity and beyond, Reuters reported.
Idaho legislates to prevent trans-gender persons from competing in women’s sports and from altering sex marker on birth certificates
Idaho has legislated that women’s sports are for females only and that trans-gender identifying persons may not alter the sex-marker on their birth-certificates. The first in the US to set down such measures, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" and the "Vital Statistics Act" into law on March 30.
Study Shows Even Non-Religious Americans Are Turning to Prayer as a Result of COVID-19
A new poll from Pew Research Center reveals that the COVID-19 outbreak is changing Americans' religious habits, drawing more people to the power of prayer.
U.S. manufacturing contracts; private payrolls post first drop since 2017
U.S. manufacturing activity contracted less than expected in March, but disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic pushed new orders received by factories to an 11-year low, reinforcing economists’ views that the economy was in recession.
Christian News
Pastor Charged for Holding Services Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
The pastor of a Louisiana church was charged Tuesday with defying state efforts to curtail the coronavirus outbreak. Tony Spell of the Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge faces six counts of misdemeanor for holding services in violation of state-wide orders to stay home and to limit essential gatherings to 10 persons. Spell has said the government is infringing on the right to religion and that he will continue to hold services.
Pence: Don't attend church services with more than 10 people
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday said that people should not attend church services with more than 10 attendees present.
Around the World
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some claim Gantz, Netanyahu closer to deal, but stumbling blocks unresolved
Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz were said in some reports to be inching closer to forming a unity coalition, with claims that the government could be sworn in as early as next Monday, but other sources said squabbles within the premier’s bloc were complicating the negotiations.
Messianic expectations of Jews and Muslims become one -- Bible points to a false Jesus they and others will accept
The messianic expectations of Muslim and Jewish leaders are dovetailing, with many scholars from each camp agreeing that coronavirus is the harbinger of a divine figure who will arrive as a king in the midst of pandemics and economic crises.
Inside the United States
Trump advocates for $2 trillion infrastructure bill as 'Phase 4' coronavirus relief package
President Trump pushed Congress to adopt 'very big and bold' infrastructure investments in future legislation to combat the coronavirus.
S&P 500 heads for worst first quarter since 1938
U.S. stock markets steadied on Tuesday at the end of the worst first quarter for the S&P 500 since 1938 amid growing evidence of the largescale damage caused by the collapse in oil prices and business activity due to the coronavirus.
Millions of US Workers Losing Jobs as Coronavirus Spreads
Millions of U.S. workers are losing their jobs in a surge of layoffs as businesses large and small shut their operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
DOJ office finds errors in audit of FBI's surveillance applications
The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has found errors in an audit of the FBI's compliance with factual accuracy review procedures for 29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications.
Newly established US Space Force launches first security mission
The recently established United States Space Force has launched its first national security space mission. Amidst precautions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) satellite took off from Cape Canaveral on 26 March.
Christian News
New report on erosion of Chinese religious freedom sees total communist takeover
A Christian watchdog group in the UK published a new report this week on the erosion of religious freedom in China under President Xi Jinping, whose 'sinicization' campaign has set out to absorb faith into the Chinese socialist system.
Christians in India berated and falsely charged by police for handing out food to the poor
A pastor and a team of youth missionaries from his church were abused and falsely charged in India earlier this month for providing food and clothing to the poor, in another instance of police complicity with the radical Hindu nationalist agenda.
Four Christian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq have been released
It is confirmed that four French Christian aid workers have been freed after they were kidnapped in Iraq in January. A statement from President Marcron’s office on March 27 informed that the Élysée Palace had made 'every effort to reach this outcome.' The statement thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation but gave no details or information about any conditions of the workers’ release.
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some claim Gantz, Netanyahu closer to deal, but stumbling blocks unresolved
Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz were said in some reports to be inching closer to forming a unity coalition, with claims that the government could be sworn in as early as next Monday, but other sources said squabbles within the premier’s bloc were complicating the negotiations.
Messianic expectations of Jews and Muslims become one -- Bible points to a false Jesus they and others will accept
The messianic expectations of Muslim and Jewish leaders are dovetailing, with many scholars from each camp agreeing that coronavirus is the harbinger of a divine figure who will arrive as a king in the midst of pandemics and economic crises.
Inside the United States
Trump advocates for $2 trillion infrastructure bill as 'Phase 4' coronavirus relief package
President Trump pushed Congress to adopt 'very big and bold' infrastructure investments in future legislation to combat the coronavirus.
S&P 500 heads for worst first quarter since 1938
U.S. stock markets steadied on Tuesday at the end of the worst first quarter for the S&P 500 since 1938 amid growing evidence of the largescale damage caused by the collapse in oil prices and business activity due to the coronavirus.
Millions of US Workers Losing Jobs as Coronavirus Spreads
Millions of U.S. workers are losing their jobs in a surge of layoffs as businesses large and small shut their operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
DOJ office finds errors in audit of FBI's surveillance applications
The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has found errors in an audit of the FBI's compliance with factual accuracy review procedures for 29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications.
Newly established US Space Force launches first security mission
The recently established United States Space Force has launched its first national security space mission. Amidst precautions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) satellite took off from Cape Canaveral on 26 March.
Christian News
New report on erosion of Chinese religious freedom sees total communist takeover
A Christian watchdog group in the UK published a new report this week on the erosion of religious freedom in China under President Xi Jinping, whose 'sinicization' campaign has set out to absorb faith into the Chinese socialist system.
Christians in India berated and falsely charged by police for handing out food to the poor
A pastor and a team of youth missionaries from his church were abused and falsely charged in India earlier this month for providing food and clothing to the poor, in another instance of police complicity with the radical Hindu nationalist agenda.
Four Christian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq have been released
It is confirmed that four French Christian aid workers have been freed after they were kidnapped in Iraq in January. A statement from President Marcron’s office on March 27 informed that the Élysée Palace had made 'every effort to reach this outcome.' The statement thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation but gave no details or information about any conditions of the workers’ release.