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
Chinese researchers isolated deadly bat coronaviruses near Wuhan animal market
Chinese government researchers isolated more than 2,000 animal viruses, including deadly bat coronaviruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentinian court upholds criminal conviction of doctor who refused abortion for rape victim
An Argentinian appellate court has upheld the 2019 criminal conviction of a doctor who refused to give a rape victim a late-term abortion. In a divided ruling on March 23, two judges found Dr. Rodríguez Lastra had 'failed to comply with the duties of a public official' when he refused to perform the abortion in 2017. Lastra told the court his refusal was in order to protect the lives of both mother and child.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Haredi in Israel the lone resisters of government takeover
Israel's ultra-orthodox Haredi community is facing fines and arrests for resisting draconian government regulations that forbid prayer services and prevent a person from walking 328 feet outside their home except in emergencies.
IDF and US hold F-35 drill, delayed by virus, over southern Israel
The Israeli and American militaries conducted a joint exercise with their F-35 stealth fighter jets over southern Israel on Sunday, simulating in-air combat and attacks from the ground, following a delay needed to sort out how to hold such a drill during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inside the United States
Judges order Texas and Ohio to allow abortions during coronavirus pandemic
Federal judges have ordered Texas and Ohio to allow abortions to continue during the coronavirus pandemic after lawsuits from Planned Parenthood.
FDA Approves Emergency Use of Anti-Malarial Drugs to Treat People Infected with COVID-19
The US government is giving reserved approval to two new weapons in the war against the COVID-19 virus, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 2,500 in the US and a total of 35,300 people around the world.
Maryland joins with more than half of U.S. states enacting mandatory lockdowns
Maryland became the 28th U.S. state to enact a mandatory quarantine on Monday, ordering residents to stay at home with the exception of "buying food and medical reasons."
Moody’s cuts outlook on $6.6 trillion US corporate debt pile to ‘negative’
Moody’s Investors Service has cut its outlook on corporate debt to negative, saying that an economy about to tip into recession because of the coronavirus will result in rising default rates.
'Historic moment': Company plans to produce millions of 5-minute coronavirus tests
A company heralded by President Trump in the fight against the coronavirus says it plans to start mass-producing rapid COVID-19 tests this week.
Christian News
Pastors Detained, Churches Services Banned Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Authorities in Africa and Europe are evacuating churches and detaining pastors as governments say they prohibit worship services to halt the spread of the new coronavirus COVID 19. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed the head pastor of the Open Arms Ministries congregation in Ghana's city of Kumasi taken into custody during a recent worship service. The pastor, Kofi Nkrumah Sarkodie, was rushed to a police pickup truck. Several worshippers protested the move and applauded the pastor.
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for violating coronavirus restrictions with in-person services
The lead pastor of a Florida megachurch was arrested for violating state public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus stimulus package extends relief to churches and ministry staff
The coronavirus stimulus package signed into law last week not only serves to bolster individuals, families and for-profit companies impacted by the ongoing pandemic but also offers relief to churches and ministry staff as well.
One dead, dozens sick after Illinois church revival service, many confirmed with coronavirus
At least one person has died, and 43 people have fallen ill at an Illinois Pentecostal church, with at least 10 testing positive for coronavirus so far.
Chinese researchers isolated deadly bat coronaviruses near Wuhan animal market
Chinese government researchers isolated more than 2,000 animal viruses, including deadly bat coronaviruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentinian court upholds criminal conviction of doctor who refused abortion for rape victim
An Argentinian appellate court has upheld the 2019 criminal conviction of a doctor who refused to give a rape victim a late-term abortion. In a divided ruling on March 23, two judges found Dr. Rodríguez Lastra had 'failed to comply with the duties of a public official' when he refused to perform the abortion in 2017. Lastra told the court his refusal was in order to protect the lives of both mother and child.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Haredi in Israel the lone resisters of government takeover
Israel's ultra-orthodox Haredi community is facing fines and arrests for resisting draconian government regulations that forbid prayer services and prevent a person from walking 328 feet outside their home except in emergencies.
IDF and US hold F-35 drill, delayed by virus, over southern Israel
The Israeli and American militaries conducted a joint exercise with their F-35 stealth fighter jets over southern Israel on Sunday, simulating in-air combat and attacks from the ground, following a delay needed to sort out how to hold such a drill during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inside the United States
Judges order Texas and Ohio to allow abortions during coronavirus pandemic
Federal judges have ordered Texas and Ohio to allow abortions to continue during the coronavirus pandemic after lawsuits from Planned Parenthood.
FDA Approves Emergency Use of Anti-Malarial Drugs to Treat People Infected with COVID-19
The US government is giving reserved approval to two new weapons in the war against the COVID-19 virus, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 2,500 in the US and a total of 35,300 people around the world.
Maryland joins with more than half of U.S. states enacting mandatory lockdowns
Maryland became the 28th U.S. state to enact a mandatory quarantine on Monday, ordering residents to stay at home with the exception of "buying food and medical reasons."
Moody’s cuts outlook on $6.6 trillion US corporate debt pile to ‘negative’
Moody’s Investors Service has cut its outlook on corporate debt to negative, saying that an economy about to tip into recession because of the coronavirus will result in rising default rates.
'Historic moment': Company plans to produce millions of 5-minute coronavirus tests
A company heralded by President Trump in the fight against the coronavirus says it plans to start mass-producing rapid COVID-19 tests this week.
Christian News
Pastors Detained, Churches Services Banned Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Authorities in Africa and Europe are evacuating churches and detaining pastors as governments say they prohibit worship services to halt the spread of the new coronavirus COVID 19. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed the head pastor of the Open Arms Ministries congregation in Ghana's city of Kumasi taken into custody during a recent worship service. The pastor, Kofi Nkrumah Sarkodie, was rushed to a police pickup truck. Several worshippers protested the move and applauded the pastor.
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for violating coronavirus restrictions with in-person services
The lead pastor of a Florida megachurch was arrested for violating state public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus stimulus package extends relief to churches and ministry staff
The coronavirus stimulus package signed into law last week not only serves to bolster individuals, families and for-profit companies impacted by the ongoing pandemic but also offers relief to churches and ministry staff as well.
One dead, dozens sick after Illinois church revival service, many confirmed with coronavirus
At least one person has died, and 43 people have fallen ill at an Illinois Pentecostal church, with at least 10 testing positive for coronavirus so far.
Around the World
North Korea fires more missiles than ever amid coronavirus outbreak
North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean off its east coast on Sunday, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches that South Korea decried as 'inappropriate' amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
US-led coalition pulls out of third Iraqi base this month
The U.S.-led coalition withdrew on Sunday from a military base in northern Iraq that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran.
Former British PM parrots "One Health" global governance paradigm as necessary response to coronavirus
Ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for a "temporary" one-world government as a supposed relief effort for economies hit by fear of spreading disease.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Controversial Mass Surveillance Program Has Identified 500 Coronavirus Patients, Shin Bet Says
More than 500 coronavirus patients have been identified in Israel so far by a controversial digital mass-surveillance program, the Shin Bet internal security service revealed on Thursday.
Israeli company donating to US over 6 million doses of potential coronavirus cure
Israeli pharmaceutical company Teva is donating to US hospitals over 6 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, a medicine that may cure patients of COVID-19. Already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating malaria, lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, the drug raised hopes after a study in France found it had killed the virus in 26 patients.
Inside the United States
Hospital Ship Rushing To New York Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The world's biggest hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, arrives in New York on Monday to support medical workers fighting the new coronavirus pandemic.
President Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package
President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill Friday just hours after it passed in the House, making law out of a package that will send billions of dollars directly to Americans and provide hundreds of billions more for businesses, health care systems and others impacted by the pandemic that has crippled the economy.
Why coronavirus antibody testing in one Colorado town could provide a way forward
United Biomedical is now working with San Miguel County, which includes the famous Rocky Mountain ski destination, to test all 8,000 residents for COVID-19 antibodies -- making it the first community in the country to do widespread antibody testing. The idea, officials said, is to learn from an individual’s blood whether there is evidence the person has already been exposed. With that information, officials can then make decisions about whether quarantines and restrictions would need to continue and whether they need to be as widespread as they are in states and cities across the country right now.
Christian News
Jakarta Pastor Baptizes Muslims as Church Expands
Peter Tumbelaka wasn’t in a hurry to become the pastor of Jakarta’s largest Pentecostal churches where many Muslims convert to Christianity. “I thought I could remain an architect and an engineer. But God had different plans,” the 52-year-old preacher told BosNewsLife in Indonesia’s bustling capital.
Pastor in Nepal accused of spreading misinformation for saying God has power over coronavirus
A pastor in Nepal was thrown into prison for exercising his God-given authority over coronavirus after police disguised themselves as Christians in need of healing prayer.
Montagnard Christian released after sixteen years of severe beatings in Vietnam
A Montagnard Christian in Vietnam was released from prison in February following sixteen years of torture by the Vietnamese government for protesting its treatment of ethnic and religious minorities.
New York Times Op-Ed Blames Christians, Not China, For Spread Of Wuhan Coronavirus
A New York Times op-ed published Friday is casting blame on the evangelical movement for the Wuhan coronavirus plaguing the nation.
North Korea fires more missiles than ever amid coronavirus outbreak
North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean off its east coast on Sunday, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches that South Korea decried as 'inappropriate' amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
US-led coalition pulls out of third Iraqi base this month
The U.S.-led coalition withdrew on Sunday from a military base in northern Iraq that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran.
Former British PM parrots "One Health" global governance paradigm as necessary response to coronavirus
Ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for a "temporary" one-world government as a supposed relief effort for economies hit by fear of spreading disease.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Controversial Mass Surveillance Program Has Identified 500 Coronavirus Patients, Shin Bet Says
More than 500 coronavirus patients have been identified in Israel so far by a controversial digital mass-surveillance program, the Shin Bet internal security service revealed on Thursday.
Israeli company donating to US over 6 million doses of potential coronavirus cure
Israeli pharmaceutical company Teva is donating to US hospitals over 6 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, a medicine that may cure patients of COVID-19. Already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating malaria, lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, the drug raised hopes after a study in France found it had killed the virus in 26 patients.
Inside the United States
Hospital Ship Rushing To New York Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The world's biggest hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, arrives in New York on Monday to support medical workers fighting the new coronavirus pandemic.
President Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package
President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill Friday just hours after it passed in the House, making law out of a package that will send billions of dollars directly to Americans and provide hundreds of billions more for businesses, health care systems and others impacted by the pandemic that has crippled the economy.
Why coronavirus antibody testing in one Colorado town could provide a way forward
United Biomedical is now working with San Miguel County, which includes the famous Rocky Mountain ski destination, to test all 8,000 residents for COVID-19 antibodies -- making it the first community in the country to do widespread antibody testing. The idea, officials said, is to learn from an individual’s blood whether there is evidence the person has already been exposed. With that information, officials can then make decisions about whether quarantines and restrictions would need to continue and whether they need to be as widespread as they are in states and cities across the country right now.
Christian News
Jakarta Pastor Baptizes Muslims as Church Expands
Peter Tumbelaka wasn’t in a hurry to become the pastor of Jakarta’s largest Pentecostal churches where many Muslims convert to Christianity. “I thought I could remain an architect and an engineer. But God had different plans,” the 52-year-old preacher told BosNewsLife in Indonesia’s bustling capital.
Pastor in Nepal accused of spreading misinformation for saying God has power over coronavirus
A pastor in Nepal was thrown into prison for exercising his God-given authority over coronavirus after police disguised themselves as Christians in need of healing prayer.
Montagnard Christian released after sixteen years of severe beatings in Vietnam
A Montagnard Christian in Vietnam was released from prison in February following sixteen years of torture by the Vietnamese government for protesting its treatment of ethnic and religious minorities.
New York Times Op-Ed Blames Christians, Not China, For Spread Of Wuhan Coronavirus
A New York Times op-ed published Friday is casting blame on the evangelical movement for the Wuhan coronavirus plaguing the nation.
Around the World
‘Iran may well collapse’ under coronavirus strain, warns top EU diplomat
Iran’s theocratic regime could crumble under the pressure of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread through elite ranks and the broader population alike, according to the European Union’s top diplomat.
G20 leaders pledge $5tn in 'united' response to coronavirus crisis
G20 nations pledged a 'united front' Thursday in the fight against coronavirus, saying they were injecting $5 trillion into the global economy to counter the pandemic amid forecasts of a deep recession.
Global coronavirus infections tally surpasses 500,000, more than 120,000 recovered
The global tally of coronavirus infections reached more than half a million people on Thursday after a spike in cases reported in Italy.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Iranian Revolutionary Guards-Linked Firms, Individuals
The United States says it has imposed sanctions against 20 companies based in Iran and Iraq, along with officials and other individuals there who are accused of supporting terrorist groups.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli High Court of Justice intervenes to propel Gantz into unity government with Netanyahu
Israel's High Court of Justice Thursday ordered a vote on the future of Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein which saw him step down, as Blue and White leader Benny Gantz filled his shoes and signaled the formation of a "national emergency government" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jewish rabbis see imminent divine entry to temple in Jerusalem in light of Zohar predictions
A Jewish rabbi is expecting the Messiah to be revealed around Passover this year in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, citing a prophecy about a global pandemic from the main text of the mystical Kabbalah.
IDF shoots down drone from Lebanon, says it was flown by Hezbollah
The Israel Defense Forces said it shot down a drone that was flown by the Hezbollah terror group into Israeli airspace from Lebanon on Thursday morning.
Inside the United States
Senate sends House $2 trillion coronavirus bill; vote expected Friday
The U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of an estimated $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill sent the unprecedented economic rescue legislation to the House of Representatives, whose leaders hope to pass it on Friday.
3.3 million file unemployment claims in U.S., five times over prior record
Nearly 3.3 million Americans filed unemployment claims last week, a record number as businesses were forced to shut down to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Real ID deadline delayed one year amid coronavirus pandemic
The requirement for Americans to obtain a Real ID for travel will be delayed one year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Thursday.
New Orleans emerges as next coronavirus epicenter, threatening rest of South
New Orleans is on track to become the next coronavirus epicenter in the United States, dimming hopes that less densely populated and warmer-climate cities would escape the worst of the pandemic, and that summer months could see it wane.
Mnuchin indicates federal government could take stakes in airlines for government grants
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin signaled on Thursday that the federal government could take stakes in airlines in exchange for the billions of dollars that have been set aside for the beleaguered industry in Congress's $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package.
Christian News
Two churches burned down by arsonists despite hopes for Christian freedom
Two churches in Sudan have been burned down by arsonists in the last month, Sudanese Radio Dabanga reported. This is despite Christian hopes for religious freedom following the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. Radio Dabanga was notified of the attacks by Dimas Marajan, a local lawyer and human rights activist.
Indonesian Baptist Church takes legal action in fight for freedom of religion and worship
The Indonesian Baptist Church of Tlogosari has resorted to legal action in fighting local opposition to the construction of its church house. Referring to pressure being placed on the government to block his church’s legitimate building work, Pastor Wahyudi told Beritasatu.com: "We will continue to fight for this, because if left unchecked it will set a bad precedent for freedom of religion and worship in Semarang."
Trump, Pence join 700 pastors in prayer call during coronavirus outbreak
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence joined over 700 pastors on a conference call Friday to pray for strength and stamina amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Franklin Graham calls attention to New York abortion law after governor says no life is 'expendable'
Rev. Franklin Graham applauded New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s claim that no life is 'expendable' amid the coronavirus pandemic but said the Democratic governor should consider his remarks in light of an abortion law he signed.
‘Iran may well collapse’ under coronavirus strain, warns top EU diplomat
Iran’s theocratic regime could crumble under the pressure of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread through elite ranks and the broader population alike, according to the European Union’s top diplomat.
G20 leaders pledge $5tn in 'united' response to coronavirus crisis
G20 nations pledged a 'united front' Thursday in the fight against coronavirus, saying they were injecting $5 trillion into the global economy to counter the pandemic amid forecasts of a deep recession.
Global coronavirus infections tally surpasses 500,000, more than 120,000 recovered
The global tally of coronavirus infections reached more than half a million people on Thursday after a spike in cases reported in Italy.
U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Iranian Revolutionary Guards-Linked Firms, Individuals
The United States says it has imposed sanctions against 20 companies based in Iran and Iraq, along with officials and other individuals there who are accused of supporting terrorist groups.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli High Court of Justice intervenes to propel Gantz into unity government with Netanyahu
Israel's High Court of Justice Thursday ordered a vote on the future of Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein which saw him step down, as Blue and White leader Benny Gantz filled his shoes and signaled the formation of a "national emergency government" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jewish rabbis see imminent divine entry to temple in Jerusalem in light of Zohar predictions
A Jewish rabbi is expecting the Messiah to be revealed around Passover this year in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, citing a prophecy about a global pandemic from the main text of the mystical Kabbalah.
IDF shoots down drone from Lebanon, says it was flown by Hezbollah
The Israel Defense Forces said it shot down a drone that was flown by the Hezbollah terror group into Israeli airspace from Lebanon on Thursday morning.
Inside the United States
Senate sends House $2 trillion coronavirus bill; vote expected Friday
The U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of an estimated $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill sent the unprecedented economic rescue legislation to the House of Representatives, whose leaders hope to pass it on Friday.
3.3 million file unemployment claims in U.S., five times over prior record
Nearly 3.3 million Americans filed unemployment claims last week, a record number as businesses were forced to shut down to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Real ID deadline delayed one year amid coronavirus pandemic
The requirement for Americans to obtain a Real ID for travel will be delayed one year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Thursday.
New Orleans emerges as next coronavirus epicenter, threatening rest of South
New Orleans is on track to become the next coronavirus epicenter in the United States, dimming hopes that less densely populated and warmer-climate cities would escape the worst of the pandemic, and that summer months could see it wane.
Mnuchin indicates federal government could take stakes in airlines for government grants
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin signaled on Thursday that the federal government could take stakes in airlines in exchange for the billions of dollars that have been set aside for the beleaguered industry in Congress's $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package.
Christian News
Two churches burned down by arsonists despite hopes for Christian freedom
Two churches in Sudan have been burned down by arsonists in the last month, Sudanese Radio Dabanga reported. This is despite Christian hopes for religious freedom following the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. Radio Dabanga was notified of the attacks by Dimas Marajan, a local lawyer and human rights activist.
Indonesian Baptist Church takes legal action in fight for freedom of religion and worship
The Indonesian Baptist Church of Tlogosari has resorted to legal action in fighting local opposition to the construction of its church house. Referring to pressure being placed on the government to block his church’s legitimate building work, Pastor Wahyudi told Beritasatu.com: "We will continue to fight for this, because if left unchecked it will set a bad precedent for freedom of religion and worship in Semarang."
Trump, Pence join 700 pastors in prayer call during coronavirus outbreak
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence joined over 700 pastors on a conference call Friday to pray for strength and stamina amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Franklin Graham calls attention to New York abortion law after governor says no life is 'expendable'
Rev. Franklin Graham applauded New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s claim that no life is 'expendable' amid the coronavirus pandemic but said the Democratic governor should consider his remarks in light of an abortion law he signed.