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
'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.
Around the World
IMF says it’s ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund on Monday said it 'stands ready' to use its $1 trillion lending capacity to help countries around the world that are struggling with the humanitarian and economic impact of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus kills leading Iranian ayatollah, as worries intensify
A member of the Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint or dismiss the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Monday.
Russia's Constitutional Court Approves Amendments Allowing Putin To Rule Until 2036
Russia's Constitutional Court has approved constitutional amendments that could enable President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 16 years.
Europe mulls shutting external borders in fight against coronavirus
Europe proposed shutting its external borders to foreigners for 30 days on Monday in a bid to turn the page on its scramble to contain the coronavirus, but it drew criticism for doing too little, too late.
Chinese Economy Craters in First Two Months of 2020 Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
New economic data released Monday shows China’s economic activity in all areas plunged in the first two months of 2020 as the novel coronavirus outbreak first erupted and took hold in the world’s second-largest economy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ministers approve controversial phone tracking program to halt virus
Israel’s caretaker government unanimously approved on Tuesday a measure allowing security services to deploy advanced digital monitoring tools in an effort track carriers of the coronavirus, despite widespread privacy concerns.
IDF indicates Iran scaling back terror activity in light of coronavirus
The Israel Defense Forces indicated Monday its primary foe in the region, Iran, was curbing its activities as it grapples with a major outbreak of the coronavirus.
Inside the United States
Dow drops nearly 3,000 points, as coronavirus collapse continues; worst day since ’87
Stocks fell sharply Monday — with the Dow suffering its worst day since the 'Black Monday' market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever — even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump: Next 15 days vital, but coronavirus response could last until middle of summer, even later
The White House Monday issued new COVID-19 guidelines for Americans to follow over a crucial 15-days period, as President Donald Trump said that ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus could continue on until the middle of summer or even longer.
First Human Vaccine Trial for Coronavirus Begins in Seattle
U.S. health officials say the first human trial has begun to test an experimental coronavirus vaccine, as scientists race to find treatments for the pandemic.
WH Coronavirus Coordinator: Limit Gatherings to Under 10 People - Even at Home
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coordinator of the coronavirus response team, said Monday that millennials 'are the core group' that will stop COVID-19.
U.S. Supreme Court postpones oral arguments over coronavirus fears
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it is postponing scheduled oral arguments through the month of March.
Fed says it will offer an additional $500 billion in overnight repo funding markets
A day after a dramatic move in interest rates, the Federal Reserve on Monday increased the amount of liquidity it’s offering in short-term lending to the financial industry.
Trump administration to start $175M, 30-foot-tall border wall project in high traffic Texas region
The Trump administration awarded a $175 million contract to a construction company to build 15 miles of border wall in an area of southeastern Texas where no barrier exists, according to the federal agency overseeing wall projects.
IMF says it’s ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund on Monday said it 'stands ready' to use its $1 trillion lending capacity to help countries around the world that are struggling with the humanitarian and economic impact of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus kills leading Iranian ayatollah, as worries intensify
A member of the Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint or dismiss the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Monday.
Russia's Constitutional Court Approves Amendments Allowing Putin To Rule Until 2036
Russia's Constitutional Court has approved constitutional amendments that could enable President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 16 years.
Europe mulls shutting external borders in fight against coronavirus
Europe proposed shutting its external borders to foreigners for 30 days on Monday in a bid to turn the page on its scramble to contain the coronavirus, but it drew criticism for doing too little, too late.
Chinese Economy Craters in First Two Months of 2020 Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
New economic data released Monday shows China’s economic activity in all areas plunged in the first two months of 2020 as the novel coronavirus outbreak first erupted and took hold in the world’s second-largest economy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ministers approve controversial phone tracking program to halt virus
Israel’s caretaker government unanimously approved on Tuesday a measure allowing security services to deploy advanced digital monitoring tools in an effort track carriers of the coronavirus, despite widespread privacy concerns.
IDF indicates Iran scaling back terror activity in light of coronavirus
The Israel Defense Forces indicated Monday its primary foe in the region, Iran, was curbing its activities as it grapples with a major outbreak of the coronavirus.
Inside the United States
Dow drops nearly 3,000 points, as coronavirus collapse continues; worst day since ’87
Stocks fell sharply Monday — with the Dow suffering its worst day since the 'Black Monday' market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever — even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump: Next 15 days vital, but coronavirus response could last until middle of summer, even later
The White House Monday issued new COVID-19 guidelines for Americans to follow over a crucial 15-days period, as President Donald Trump said that ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus could continue on until the middle of summer or even longer.
First Human Vaccine Trial for Coronavirus Begins in Seattle
U.S. health officials say the first human trial has begun to test an experimental coronavirus vaccine, as scientists race to find treatments for the pandemic.
WH Coronavirus Coordinator: Limit Gatherings to Under 10 People - Even at Home
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coordinator of the coronavirus response team, said Monday that millennials 'are the core group' that will stop COVID-19.
U.S. Supreme Court postpones oral arguments over coronavirus fears
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it is postponing scheduled oral arguments through the month of March.
Fed says it will offer an additional $500 billion in overnight repo funding markets
A day after a dramatic move in interest rates, the Federal Reserve on Monday increased the amount of liquidity it’s offering in short-term lending to the financial industry.
Trump administration to start $175M, 30-foot-tall border wall project in high traffic Texas region
The Trump administration awarded a $175 million contract to a construction company to build 15 miles of border wall in an area of southeastern Texas where no barrier exists, according to the federal agency overseeing wall projects.