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
U.N. Agency: 'Half of World's Workers Lose Jobs Over Coronavirus
A principal United Nations agency warns that nearly half of the world's working population may lose jobs and incomes as the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate lives and economies. The International Labour Organization (ILO) said some 1.6 billion people are in "immediate danger of having their livelihoods destroyed" by the economic impact of the virus outbreak and related measures.
Mexico and the EU agree to new free-trade deal
The EU and Mexico agreed to a new free-trade deal Tuesday after four years of negotiations, the Financial Times reported. The deal provides that almost all trade between Mexico and the EU bloc will be duty-free.
India Condemns U.S. Religious Rights Report
A U.S. government advisory panel wants India on a religious freedom blacklist over a "drastic" downturn under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering an angry reaction from New Delhi. In addition to India, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also recommends the inclusion of four more – Nigeria, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Independence Day curfew ends as Israel moves toward easing more restrictions
A nationwide curfew ended Wednesday evening as Israel’s 72nd Independence Day came to a close, with further restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus set to be eased in the coming days.
Inside the United States
U.S. Top Virus Fighter Fauci Warns Of New Infections Wave
America's top health official in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic dampened hopes of a full reopening of the U.S. economy as he expects many more cases of the virus disease COVID-19.
U.S. Economy Down 4.8 Percent In Biggest Decline Since Great Recession
The U.S. economy shrank at 4.8 percent in the first quarter of this year, the most significant decline since the Great Recession of the late 2000s, as the nation shivers of the coronavirus pandemic measures. With much of America in lockdown, figures released by the Commerce Department showed that the United States entered a recession that will end the longest expansion on record.
US Supreme Court declines opportunity to expand or restrict gun rights
The U.S. Supreme Court declined the opportunity Monday to issue a ruling that would either expand or restrict gun rights, Reuters reported. The Justices dismissed a National Rifle Association-backed lawsuit that challenged restrictions imposed on handgun owners by New York City. In an unsigned majority decision, the Justices said the case was moot as NYC had already lifted the restrictions that were objected to.
Christian News
Ongoing murderous attacks on Christians by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria
In ongoing vicious attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen against Christian communities in Nigeria, two more people were killed and two others were kidnapped on April 22-23, Morningstar News reports. The herdsmen also burned down 25 homes and a church building in the raids.
U.N. Agency: 'Half of World's Workers Lose Jobs Over Coronavirus
A principal United Nations agency warns that nearly half of the world's working population may lose jobs and incomes as the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate lives and economies. The International Labour Organization (ILO) said some 1.6 billion people are in "immediate danger of having their livelihoods destroyed" by the economic impact of the virus outbreak and related measures.
Mexico and the EU agree to new free-trade deal
The EU and Mexico agreed to a new free-trade deal Tuesday after four years of negotiations, the Financial Times reported. The deal provides that almost all trade between Mexico and the EU bloc will be duty-free.
India Condemns U.S. Religious Rights Report
A U.S. government advisory panel wants India on a religious freedom blacklist over a "drastic" downturn under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering an angry reaction from New Delhi. In addition to India, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also recommends the inclusion of four more – Nigeria, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Independence Day curfew ends as Israel moves toward easing more restrictions
A nationwide curfew ended Wednesday evening as Israel’s 72nd Independence Day came to a close, with further restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus set to be eased in the coming days.
Inside the United States
U.S. Top Virus Fighter Fauci Warns Of New Infections Wave
America's top health official in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic dampened hopes of a full reopening of the U.S. economy as he expects many more cases of the virus disease COVID-19.
U.S. Economy Down 4.8 Percent In Biggest Decline Since Great Recession
The U.S. economy shrank at 4.8 percent in the first quarter of this year, the most significant decline since the Great Recession of the late 2000s, as the nation shivers of the coronavirus pandemic measures. With much of America in lockdown, figures released by the Commerce Department showed that the United States entered a recession that will end the longest expansion on record.
US Supreme Court declines opportunity to expand or restrict gun rights
The U.S. Supreme Court declined the opportunity Monday to issue a ruling that would either expand or restrict gun rights, Reuters reported. The Justices dismissed a National Rifle Association-backed lawsuit that challenged restrictions imposed on handgun owners by New York City. In an unsigned majority decision, the Justices said the case was moot as NYC had already lifted the restrictions that were objected to.
Christian News
Ongoing murderous attacks on Christians by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria
In ongoing vicious attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen against Christian communities in Nigeria, two more people were killed and two others were kidnapped on April 22-23, Morningstar News reports. The herdsmen also burned down 25 homes and a church building in the raids.
Around the World
Wuhan lab 'most likely' coronavirus source, U.S. government analysis finds
A Wuhan laboratory is the 'most likely' source of the COVID-19 outbreak now ravaging the globe, according to a U.S. government analysis that catalogs the evidence and concludes that other explanations for the origin of the coronavirus are less credible.
Officials: US seeks indefinite UN arms embargo on Iran
The United States has circulated a draft U.N. resolution that would indefinitely extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran set to expire in October, a move almost certain to spark opposition from Russia, which has made no secret of its desire to resume conventional weapons sales to Tehran, U.S. officials and U.N. diplomats said Tuesday.
UK government planning to ban minors from access to gender reassignment surgery
A UK cabinet minister has said the government is planning legislation that would prohibit minors from receiving gender reassignment surgery, the Daily Telegraph reported. Equalities Minister Liz Truss was addressing a parliamentary committee last week when she stated it was important to protect minors from making such irreversible decisions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel enters lockdown ahead of muted Independence Day celebrations
The Independence Day celebrations, characterized by barbecues in local parks, have been banned by the Health Ministry. Most local municipalities also canceled the traditional firework shows, deeming it 'inappropriate' at the time of the epidemic.
US willing to recognize extension of Israeli sovereignty parts of West Bank in context of negotiations with Palestinians
The US State Department said Monday it was prepared to recognize actions taken by Israel to extend Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank. However, this recognition would be 'in the context of the Government of Israel agreeing to negotiate with the Palestinians along the lines set forth in President Trump’s [peace plan],' a State Department spokesperson told The Times of Israel.
Inside the United States
Federal Debt Up $1 Trillion in April
The federal debt has increased by more than $1 trillion so far in the month of April, according to data released by the U.S. Treasury.
Poll: '90 Percent of Americans Fear U.S. Economy Collapse.'
Nearly nine out of every 10 Americans fear the imminent collapse of the U.S. economy during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll. The Axios-Ipsos CoronavirusIndex also showed that Americans fear the possible financial ruin of their nation more than the risk of reopening communities too early amid the virus outbreak.
Pentagon to backfill money diverted to build border wall
The Trump administration notified Congress this week that it will try to refill the money it took from Pentagon accounts to use to build the border wall by cutting European defense assistance.
Christian News
Letter Campaign As Christian Spent 2000th Day In North Korean Jail
Christians have launched a global letter-writing campaign demanding the release of an ethnic Korean believer who spent his 2000th day in a prison inside North Korea. Jang Moon Seok, a deacon, was kidnapped by suspected North Korean agents in November 2014 from China, according to aid workers familiar with the situation. He is currently serving a 15–year prison sentence on charges that friends link to his involvement providing aid to North Koreans and evangelism.
Some 132,000 Turn To Christ In 'Quarantine Revival'
More than 130,000 people from across the world, many in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, have decided to follow Jesus Christ after an online evangelism event, organizers said. "We are living through a Great Quarantine Revival, and I think God is just getting started," explained evangelist Nick Hall, whose Pulse movement organized the virtual program.
Tennessee Governor attends multi-church drive-in worship service
The Governor of Tennessee expressed full support for holding drive-in church services during the COVID-19 pandemic by attending such a service himself, Christian Headlines reports. At a time when state and local leaders have grappled with whether to allow drive-in services, Gov. Bill Lee attended a multi-church 'Beyond Our Walls' worship service on Sunday evening.
Amid COVID-19, Wycliffe Associates’ Developed Web-Based Program Helps Bible Translators to Work, Collaborate Remotely
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization working with national translators with close to 1,200 languages in progress, is expanding its Bible translation technological reach with V-MAST, a video conferencing version of the MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation) methodology.
Wuhan lab 'most likely' coronavirus source, U.S. government analysis finds
A Wuhan laboratory is the 'most likely' source of the COVID-19 outbreak now ravaging the globe, according to a U.S. government analysis that catalogs the evidence and concludes that other explanations for the origin of the coronavirus are less credible.
Officials: US seeks indefinite UN arms embargo on Iran
The United States has circulated a draft U.N. resolution that would indefinitely extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran set to expire in October, a move almost certain to spark opposition from Russia, which has made no secret of its desire to resume conventional weapons sales to Tehran, U.S. officials and U.N. diplomats said Tuesday.
UK government planning to ban minors from access to gender reassignment surgery
A UK cabinet minister has said the government is planning legislation that would prohibit minors from receiving gender reassignment surgery, the Daily Telegraph reported. Equalities Minister Liz Truss was addressing a parliamentary committee last week when she stated it was important to protect minors from making such irreversible decisions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel enters lockdown ahead of muted Independence Day celebrations
The Independence Day celebrations, characterized by barbecues in local parks, have been banned by the Health Ministry. Most local municipalities also canceled the traditional firework shows, deeming it 'inappropriate' at the time of the epidemic.
US willing to recognize extension of Israeli sovereignty parts of West Bank in context of negotiations with Palestinians
The US State Department said Monday it was prepared to recognize actions taken by Israel to extend Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank. However, this recognition would be 'in the context of the Government of Israel agreeing to negotiate with the Palestinians along the lines set forth in President Trump’s [peace plan],' a State Department spokesperson told The Times of Israel.
Inside the United States
Federal Debt Up $1 Trillion in April
The federal debt has increased by more than $1 trillion so far in the month of April, according to data released by the U.S. Treasury.
Poll: '90 Percent of Americans Fear U.S. Economy Collapse.'
Nearly nine out of every 10 Americans fear the imminent collapse of the U.S. economy during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll. The Axios-Ipsos CoronavirusIndex also showed that Americans fear the possible financial ruin of their nation more than the risk of reopening communities too early amid the virus outbreak.
Pentagon to backfill money diverted to build border wall
The Trump administration notified Congress this week that it will try to refill the money it took from Pentagon accounts to use to build the border wall by cutting European defense assistance.
Christian News
Letter Campaign As Christian Spent 2000th Day In North Korean Jail
Christians have launched a global letter-writing campaign demanding the release of an ethnic Korean believer who spent his 2000th day in a prison inside North Korea. Jang Moon Seok, a deacon, was kidnapped by suspected North Korean agents in November 2014 from China, according to aid workers familiar with the situation. He is currently serving a 15–year prison sentence on charges that friends link to his involvement providing aid to North Koreans and evangelism.
Some 132,000 Turn To Christ In 'Quarantine Revival'
More than 130,000 people from across the world, many in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, have decided to follow Jesus Christ after an online evangelism event, organizers said. "We are living through a Great Quarantine Revival, and I think God is just getting started," explained evangelist Nick Hall, whose Pulse movement organized the virtual program.
Tennessee Governor attends multi-church drive-in worship service
The Governor of Tennessee expressed full support for holding drive-in church services during the COVID-19 pandemic by attending such a service himself, Christian Headlines reports. At a time when state and local leaders have grappled with whether to allow drive-in services, Gov. Bill Lee attended a multi-church 'Beyond Our Walls' worship service on Sunday evening.
Amid COVID-19, Wycliffe Associates’ Developed Web-Based Program Helps Bible Translators to Work, Collaborate Remotely
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization working with national translators with close to 1,200 languages in progress, is expanding its Bible translation technological reach with V-MAST, a video conferencing version of the MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation) methodology.
Around the World
New North American trade pact to take effect July 1
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Friday said he has notified Congress that the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement will take effect on July 1, a month later than initially proposed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to meet over Israel’s plans to annex parts of West Bank
The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanize opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank.
Syria accuses Israel of air-strike near Damascus
Syria has accused Israel of conducting a pre-dawn airstrike on a military airfield near Damascus on Monday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said at least four Iranian militants and three civilians were killed, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Inside the United States
'Food supply chain is breaking': Tyson Foods warns 'millions of pounds of meat will disappear' from shelves
Tyson Foods warned 'millions of pounds of meat' will not make it to consumer shelves as processing plants are forced to shutter amid the coronavirus.
Report: 'More Americans Believe in Satan than in God'
A new report of a respected U.S. researcher concludes that more Americans believe in Satan than belief in God. George Barna, whose work is based at the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, also writes: "Tens of millions of Americans consider themselves to be Christian but do not believe that God is really in control or cares what happens to them."
US deficit expected to reach nearly $4 Trillion
The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicted on Friday that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s deficit will reach $3.7 trillion this year, Politico reports. The CBO also said that unemployment will rise to 16 percent in 2020, before going to down to 9.5 percent by the end of 2021.
Christian News
About half of US churches planning to resume in-person services in May
After weeks of having online services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of US churches are expected to resume holding in-person services in May, the Christian Post reported. Churches that reopen are expected to do so while still observing safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
New North American trade pact to take effect July 1
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Friday said he has notified Congress that the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement will take effect on July 1, a month later than initially proposed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to meet over Israel’s plans to annex parts of West Bank
The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanize opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank.
Syria accuses Israel of air-strike near Damascus
Syria has accused Israel of conducting a pre-dawn airstrike on a military airfield near Damascus on Monday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said at least four Iranian militants and three civilians were killed, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Inside the United States
'Food supply chain is breaking': Tyson Foods warns 'millions of pounds of meat will disappear' from shelves
Tyson Foods warned 'millions of pounds of meat' will not make it to consumer shelves as processing plants are forced to shutter amid the coronavirus.
Report: 'More Americans Believe in Satan than in God'
A new report of a respected U.S. researcher concludes that more Americans believe in Satan than belief in God. George Barna, whose work is based at the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, also writes: "Tens of millions of Americans consider themselves to be Christian but do not believe that God is really in control or cares what happens to them."
US deficit expected to reach nearly $4 Trillion
The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicted on Friday that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s deficit will reach $3.7 trillion this year, Politico reports. The CBO also said that unemployment will rise to 16 percent in 2020, before going to down to 9.5 percent by the end of 2021.
Christian News
About half of US churches planning to resume in-person services in May
After weeks of having online services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of US churches are expected to resume holding in-person services in May, the Christian Post reported. Churches that reopen are expected to do so while still observing safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.