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.S., Seoul call on North Korea to stop 'inappropriate' missile tests
North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military, in a move that highlights the country’s continuing military expansion amid a global health pandemic.
Will the Coronavirus bring the end of cash? Could this crisis introduce Central Bank cryptocurrencies?
The ongoing spread of the coronavirus has spurred government agencies to warn its citizenry against the use of paper currency and coins. Meanwhile, Central Banks around the world are considering the use of cryptocurrency in the future.
US and Mexico agree to block all nonessential travel at shared border, exempting trade
The Trump administration announced on Friday a ban on recreational and tourist travel at the U.S.-Mexico border as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Fed announces more emergency moves to stem dollar, liquidity strains
The U.S. Federal Reserve continued to roll out emergency support on Friday as it enhanced efforts with other major central banks to ease a global dollar-funding crunch, backstopped a market essential for U.S. state and local government finances and ramped up its purchases of mortgage-backed securities.
Over 20 vaccines, multiple treatments currently in development for coronavirus
The World Health Organization has said at least 20 vaccines for coronavirus are in development around the world -- though the process is likely to take many long months, as the medical world races to find both preventive measures and treatments for those infected.
Nearly one billion people confined to homes globally to curb virus
Close to one billion people worldwide were confined to their homes on Saturday as the global coronavirus death toll shot past 11,000 and US states rolled out lockdown measures already imposed across swathes of Europe.
Strongest earthquake in 140 years rattles Croatia's capital; at least 1 dead
A strong earthquake rattled Zagreb, Croatia, on Sunday morning, killing at least one person and littering the streets with debris.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Emergency unity government nearly formed in Israel as political foes temporarily abandon their enmity
Israeli Likud and Blue and White parties are nearing an agreement to form an emergency unity government after Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz relinquished his former refusal to work with the beleaguered Prime Minister.
Israel’s jobless rate surges to 16.5% as virus puts 500,000 out of work
The unemployment rate in Israel has skyrocketed to 16.5 percent, with over 500,000 people losing their jobs since the start of March, the Employment Service said Sunday.
Inside the United States
Congress struggles to reach a deal on its massive coronavirus stimulus bill
Talks between Democrats and Republicans for a massive funding package to combat the impact of coronavirus have stalled, as lawmakers spar over issues like worker protections and funding for states battling the crisis.
Fed will make up to $4 trillion in loans to businesses to rescue the U.S. economy, Mnuchin says
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that the Federal Reserve will play a key role in lending funds to businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
FDA approves coronavirus test that gives results in less than an hour
The Food and Drug Administration approved a coronavirus test that will give results in less than an hour.
Pentagon successfully tests hypersonic missile
The United States announced Friday it has successfully tested an unarmed prototype of a hypersonic missile, a nuclear-capable weapon that could accelerate the arms race between superpowers.
Trump invokes Defense Production Act, industries mass producing health items
President Donald Trump said Friday he's activated his authority under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to help protect the country to require certain manufacturers to produce much-needed health care equipment.
Christian News
Indian religious nationalists target 30 locations where they say conversions are happening, leading to persecution of Christians
Christians in Utter Pradesh State, India, are experiencing a barrage of attacks after religious nationalists pinpointed 30 locations across the state where they claimed conversions to Christian faith were taking place.
Pastor and children attacked in India for not participating in Hindu holiday, lose everything
A Christian family was driven into the jungle by tribal animists in India last week after Hindu nationalists instigated local animists against a pastor and destroyed his home.
China take advantage of crisis to demolish churches, destroy crosses
China is using the widespread coronavirus outbreak within its borders as an opportunity to attack Christian faith, with the communist government demolishing churches or removing their crosses over the month of March.
Wycliffe Associates Publishes New Testament in New Language Created for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind Communities
Wycliffe Associates held a dedication service for its newly published Symbolic Universal Notation (SUN) New Testament on February 20, 2020, at its worldwide headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
Trump, Pence, Carson Speak, Pray With Pastors On Coronavirus Pandemic
CBN News has learned that President Trump, Vice President Pence and Secretary Ben Carson spoke to hundreds of pastors on a conference call Friday afternoon, with President Trump specifically asking them to pray for, 'stamina' and for the, 'health of our country.' Meanwhile, Vice President Pence commended pastors for the vital work churches are doing throughout this ordeal. 'You’re putting hands and feet on your faith,' the vice-president told the pastors. Secretary Ben Carson encouraged the group by saying, 'God still has his hand on this nation.'
U.S., Seoul call on North Korea to stop 'inappropriate' missile tests
North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military, in a move that highlights the country’s continuing military expansion amid a global health pandemic.
Will the Coronavirus bring the end of cash? Could this crisis introduce Central Bank cryptocurrencies?
The ongoing spread of the coronavirus has spurred government agencies to warn its citizenry against the use of paper currency and coins. Meanwhile, Central Banks around the world are considering the use of cryptocurrency in the future.
US and Mexico agree to block all nonessential travel at shared border, exempting trade
The Trump administration announced on Friday a ban on recreational and tourist travel at the U.S.-Mexico border as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Fed announces more emergency moves to stem dollar, liquidity strains
The U.S. Federal Reserve continued to roll out emergency support on Friday as it enhanced efforts with other major central banks to ease a global dollar-funding crunch, backstopped a market essential for U.S. state and local government finances and ramped up its purchases of mortgage-backed securities.
Over 20 vaccines, multiple treatments currently in development for coronavirus
The World Health Organization has said at least 20 vaccines for coronavirus are in development around the world -- though the process is likely to take many long months, as the medical world races to find both preventive measures and treatments for those infected.
Nearly one billion people confined to homes globally to curb virus
Close to one billion people worldwide were confined to their homes on Saturday as the global coronavirus death toll shot past 11,000 and US states rolled out lockdown measures already imposed across swathes of Europe.
Strongest earthquake in 140 years rattles Croatia's capital; at least 1 dead
A strong earthquake rattled Zagreb, Croatia, on Sunday morning, killing at least one person and littering the streets with debris.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Emergency unity government nearly formed in Israel as political foes temporarily abandon their enmity
Israeli Likud and Blue and White parties are nearing an agreement to form an emergency unity government after Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz relinquished his former refusal to work with the beleaguered Prime Minister.
Israel’s jobless rate surges to 16.5% as virus puts 500,000 out of work
The unemployment rate in Israel has skyrocketed to 16.5 percent, with over 500,000 people losing their jobs since the start of March, the Employment Service said Sunday.
Inside the United States
Congress struggles to reach a deal on its massive coronavirus stimulus bill
Talks between Democrats and Republicans for a massive funding package to combat the impact of coronavirus have stalled, as lawmakers spar over issues like worker protections and funding for states battling the crisis.
Fed will make up to $4 trillion in loans to businesses to rescue the U.S. economy, Mnuchin says
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that the Federal Reserve will play a key role in lending funds to businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
FDA approves coronavirus test that gives results in less than an hour
The Food and Drug Administration approved a coronavirus test that will give results in less than an hour.
Pentagon successfully tests hypersonic missile
The United States announced Friday it has successfully tested an unarmed prototype of a hypersonic missile, a nuclear-capable weapon that could accelerate the arms race between superpowers.
Trump invokes Defense Production Act, industries mass producing health items
President Donald Trump said Friday he's activated his authority under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to help protect the country to require certain manufacturers to produce much-needed health care equipment.
Christian News
Indian religious nationalists target 30 locations where they say conversions are happening, leading to persecution of Christians
Christians in Utter Pradesh State, India, are experiencing a barrage of attacks after religious nationalists pinpointed 30 locations across the state where they claimed conversions to Christian faith were taking place.
Pastor and children attacked in India for not participating in Hindu holiday, lose everything
A Christian family was driven into the jungle by tribal animists in India last week after Hindu nationalists instigated local animists against a pastor and destroyed his home.
China take advantage of crisis to demolish churches, destroy crosses
China is using the widespread coronavirus outbreak within its borders as an opportunity to attack Christian faith, with the communist government demolishing churches or removing their crosses over the month of March.
Wycliffe Associates Publishes New Testament in New Language Created for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind Communities
Wycliffe Associates held a dedication service for its newly published Symbolic Universal Notation (SUN) New Testament on February 20, 2020, at its worldwide headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
Trump, Pence, Carson Speak, Pray With Pastors On Coronavirus Pandemic
CBN News has learned that President Trump, Vice President Pence and Secretary Ben Carson spoke to hundreds of pastors on a conference call Friday afternoon, with President Trump specifically asking them to pray for, 'stamina' and for the, 'health of our country.' Meanwhile, Vice President Pence commended pastors for the vital work churches are doing throughout this ordeal. 'You’re putting hands and feet on your faith,' the vice-president told the pastors. Secretary Ben Carson encouraged the group by saying, 'God still has his hand on this nation.'
Around the World
'Under control': Putin seeks referendum vote despite coronavirus outbreak
Even the new coronavirus can't stop President Vladimir Putin when his power is on the line. As rumors abound that Russia’s capital is about to be locked down to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19, Mr. Putin said this week that an April 22 nationwide vote on constitutional amendments that could keep him in power until 2036 will proceed as planned.
Italy coronavirus death toll passes China's for first time
The number of people to have died from coronavirus in Italy has now surpassed that of China, where the disease originated, according to figures released Thursday.
China targeting U.S. Navy warships with electromagnetic weapons
China has called for using electromagnetic attacks on U.S. warships transiting the South China Sea, according to a state-run Chinese outlet.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel enters lockdown mode as PM announces unprecedented measures
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday tightened the national stay-at-home policy aimed at containing the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, announcing the guidelines he had introduced earlier this week would now be enforced by police under emergency orders.
IDF goes into higher state of readiness as it aids in fight against coronavirus
Dubbing its efforts against the coronavirus 'Ray of Light,' the Israel Defense Forces on Thursday said it was moving to a higher state of readiness, one normally reserved for preparation for an enemy attack, which the military stresses was not in light of external threats but rather because of the pandemic.
Inside the United States
Food service industry hit especially hard by coronavirus-induced unemployment spike
The number of people claiming unemployment has spiked significantly, with a new Department of Labor report claiming that a 33 percent week-to-week increase is the highest since the Great Recession.
Half a trillion dollars devoted to checks for individual Americans in proposed Trump stimulus package
President Trump Thursday continued to negotiate a one trillion dollar stimulus package for the economy that would see half a trillion dollars sent out to individual Americans within nine weeks.
Senate GOP unveils $1,200 direct cash payments in massive stimulus proposal
Senate Republicans on Thursday announced a $1 trillion stimulus plan to combat the economic damage caused by the effort to control the coronavirus.
U.S. jobless claims could top record 1.5 million next week - economists
A wave of layoffs at restaurants, bars and hotels, as efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic bring much of everyday American life to a halt, could drive new applications for U.S. unemployment benefits to a record 1.5 million or more next week, economists warned on Thursday.
Coronavirus will kill over half of small businesses in three months
More than half of U.S. small businesses will close within three months if the coronavirus crisis is not solved.
Christian News
Op-Ed: Christianity is growing faster than any time in history. Why is the Church in Europe, America declining?
When we look at the state of Christianity in the world today, we see a decidedly mixed picture. In many parts of the world, there is incredibly good news: God is authoring a season of multiplication instead of addition in many parts of the world.
'Under control': Putin seeks referendum vote despite coronavirus outbreak
Even the new coronavirus can't stop President Vladimir Putin when his power is on the line. As rumors abound that Russia’s capital is about to be locked down to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19, Mr. Putin said this week that an April 22 nationwide vote on constitutional amendments that could keep him in power until 2036 will proceed as planned.
Italy coronavirus death toll passes China's for first time
The number of people to have died from coronavirus in Italy has now surpassed that of China, where the disease originated, according to figures released Thursday.
China targeting U.S. Navy warships with electromagnetic weapons
China has called for using electromagnetic attacks on U.S. warships transiting the South China Sea, according to a state-run Chinese outlet.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel enters lockdown mode as PM announces unprecedented measures
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday tightened the national stay-at-home policy aimed at containing the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, announcing the guidelines he had introduced earlier this week would now be enforced by police under emergency orders.
IDF goes into higher state of readiness as it aids in fight against coronavirus
Dubbing its efforts against the coronavirus 'Ray of Light,' the Israel Defense Forces on Thursday said it was moving to a higher state of readiness, one normally reserved for preparation for an enemy attack, which the military stresses was not in light of external threats but rather because of the pandemic.
Inside the United States
Food service industry hit especially hard by coronavirus-induced unemployment spike
The number of people claiming unemployment has spiked significantly, with a new Department of Labor report claiming that a 33 percent week-to-week increase is the highest since the Great Recession.
Half a trillion dollars devoted to checks for individual Americans in proposed Trump stimulus package
President Trump Thursday continued to negotiate a one trillion dollar stimulus package for the economy that would see half a trillion dollars sent out to individual Americans within nine weeks.
Senate GOP unveils $1,200 direct cash payments in massive stimulus proposal
Senate Republicans on Thursday announced a $1 trillion stimulus plan to combat the economic damage caused by the effort to control the coronavirus.
U.S. jobless claims could top record 1.5 million next week - economists
A wave of layoffs at restaurants, bars and hotels, as efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic bring much of everyday American life to a halt, could drive new applications for U.S. unemployment benefits to a record 1.5 million or more next week, economists warned on Thursday.
Coronavirus will kill over half of small businesses in three months
More than half of U.S. small businesses will close within three months if the coronavirus crisis is not solved.
Christian News
Op-Ed: Christianity is growing faster than any time in history. Why is the Church in Europe, America declining?
When we look at the state of Christianity in the world today, we see a decidedly mixed picture. In many parts of the world, there is incredibly good news: God is authoring a season of multiplication instead of addition in many parts of the world.
Around the World
European Central Bank announces €750B coronavirus stimulus
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced an economic stimulus program worth €750 billion Wednesday night.
Researchers say Japanese flu drug 'clearly effective' in treating coronavirus
Early trials have shown that a Japanese flu drug is effective in treating the coronavirus, according to reports on Wednesday.
Oil falls 24% in 3rd worst day on record, sinks to more than 18-year low
Oil dropped 24% to a more than 18-year low on Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sap demand for crude, and as rising worries about a global recession lead to fears of longer-term demand destruction.
U.S., Canada to close border
The U.S. and Canada will close their border to non-essential traffic to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus cases top 200,000 worldwide, death toll passes 8,000
The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide has now surpassed 200,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll has topped 8,000.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel seals its borders to all foreigners amid coronavirus outbreak
Israel announced Wednesday that it was barring all foreigners from entering the country to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Israel starts surveilling virus carriers, sends 400 who were nearby to isolation
The Health Ministry announced Wednesday it has begun using mass surveillance tools to retrace the movements of coronavirus carriers and has already informed 400 people in contact with them that they must enter quarantine.
Police told to prepare for ‘inevitable’ nationwide lockdown
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has instructed the Israel Police to prepare for a complete lockdown of the country, calling such a move 'inevitable.'
Inside the United States
President invokes Defense Production Act, closes border with Canada, initiates other measures
Referring to the fight against the novel coronavirus as a war, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) to help protect the country.
Trump to seek $500 billion in direct payments to Americans
Saying that 'in a sense' he is 'a wartime president,' President Donald Trump wants Congress to approve $500 billion in new spending to send money directly to American households reeling from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Trump signs coronavirus aid package with paid sick leave, free testing
President Trump on Wednesday signed into law a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package aimed at helping Americans impacted by the coronavirus.
Markets close down, wiping out nearly all gains of Trump presidency
U.S stocks closed markedly lower Wednesday — with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing nearly all gains since President Trump's inauguration.
Okla. Senate Passes Bill to Ban Abortion Once Baby's Heartbeat is Audible
The Oklahoma Senate voted (36-8) last Thursday to prohibit abortion as soon as a baby's heartbeat can be heard and/or as soon as a baby's brainwaves are present, which is usually around six weeks into pregnancy. The bill is now in the Oklahoma House, which is majority Republican, and it is expected to pass.
Magnitude-5.7 earthquake shakes Salt Lake City, closes airport
A strong magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck the Salt Lake City area on Wednesday, shaking buildings, closing the airport and cutting power to thousands.
Christian News
Ex-Terrorist Leads Indonesia's Christian Convert Movement
The married-father-of-three has come a long way since he nearly blew up a Protestant church in Jakarta. Author Ahmad Quraisy, which isn’t his family name, was a commander of the feared Islamic State of Indonesia (NII), an Indonesian militant group. But the former Islamic terrorist now leads an underground movement in Indonesia converting Muslims to Christianity or, in his words, 'personal faith in Christ.'
Gospel Spreads as Coronavirus in Indonesia's Jungle Villages
They suggest their faith in Christ spreads as fast as the new coronavirus. Pentecostal pastors of several Muslim dominated jungle villages in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province report church growth. That’s despite local protests, poverty, and occultism. 'I even received one hundred boxes of tiles from the village chief to complete our church building,' explains Pastor Frani Pondaag.
Lou Engle Calls Christians to Global 3-Day Esther Fast to End Coronavirus Starting Today
Christians are responding to the global spreading of the coronavirus with a new fasting and prayer movement.
Like It or Not – Churches Plunge Into Online Ministry
Churches across the country are grappling with an immediate need to provide online ministry at a time when meeting face-to-face is considered risky at best and life-threatening at worst.
European Central Bank announces €750B coronavirus stimulus
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced an economic stimulus program worth €750 billion Wednesday night.
Researchers say Japanese flu drug 'clearly effective' in treating coronavirus
Early trials have shown that a Japanese flu drug is effective in treating the coronavirus, according to reports on Wednesday.
Oil falls 24% in 3rd worst day on record, sinks to more than 18-year low
Oil dropped 24% to a more than 18-year low on Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sap demand for crude, and as rising worries about a global recession lead to fears of longer-term demand destruction.
U.S., Canada to close border
The U.S. and Canada will close their border to non-essential traffic to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus cases top 200,000 worldwide, death toll passes 8,000
The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide has now surpassed 200,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll has topped 8,000.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel seals its borders to all foreigners amid coronavirus outbreak
Israel announced Wednesday that it was barring all foreigners from entering the country to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Israel starts surveilling virus carriers, sends 400 who were nearby to isolation
The Health Ministry announced Wednesday it has begun using mass surveillance tools to retrace the movements of coronavirus carriers and has already informed 400 people in contact with them that they must enter quarantine.
Police told to prepare for ‘inevitable’ nationwide lockdown
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has instructed the Israel Police to prepare for a complete lockdown of the country, calling such a move 'inevitable.'
Inside the United States
President invokes Defense Production Act, closes border with Canada, initiates other measures
Referring to the fight against the novel coronavirus as a war, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) to help protect the country.
Trump to seek $500 billion in direct payments to Americans
Saying that 'in a sense' he is 'a wartime president,' President Donald Trump wants Congress to approve $500 billion in new spending to send money directly to American households reeling from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Trump signs coronavirus aid package with paid sick leave, free testing
President Trump on Wednesday signed into law a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package aimed at helping Americans impacted by the coronavirus.
Markets close down, wiping out nearly all gains of Trump presidency
U.S stocks closed markedly lower Wednesday — with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing nearly all gains since President Trump's inauguration.
Okla. Senate Passes Bill to Ban Abortion Once Baby's Heartbeat is Audible
The Oklahoma Senate voted (36-8) last Thursday to prohibit abortion as soon as a baby's heartbeat can be heard and/or as soon as a baby's brainwaves are present, which is usually around six weeks into pregnancy. The bill is now in the Oklahoma House, which is majority Republican, and it is expected to pass.
Magnitude-5.7 earthquake shakes Salt Lake City, closes airport
A strong magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck the Salt Lake City area on Wednesday, shaking buildings, closing the airport and cutting power to thousands.
Christian News
Ex-Terrorist Leads Indonesia's Christian Convert Movement
The married-father-of-three has come a long way since he nearly blew up a Protestant church in Jakarta. Author Ahmad Quraisy, which isn’t his family name, was a commander of the feared Islamic State of Indonesia (NII), an Indonesian militant group. But the former Islamic terrorist now leads an underground movement in Indonesia converting Muslims to Christianity or, in his words, 'personal faith in Christ.'
Gospel Spreads as Coronavirus in Indonesia's Jungle Villages
They suggest their faith in Christ spreads as fast as the new coronavirus. Pentecostal pastors of several Muslim dominated jungle villages in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province report church growth. That’s despite local protests, poverty, and occultism. 'I even received one hundred boxes of tiles from the village chief to complete our church building,' explains Pastor Frani Pondaag.
Lou Engle Calls Christians to Global 3-Day Esther Fast to End Coronavirus Starting Today
Christians are responding to the global spreading of the coronavirus with a new fasting and prayer movement.
Like It or Not – Churches Plunge Into Online Ministry
Churches across the country are grappling with an immediate need to provide online ministry at a time when meeting face-to-face is considered risky at best and life-threatening at worst.