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
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.
Around the World
Mobile phone companies slated to become instruments of state surveillance
National governments across the world are joining with telecom companies to collect private mobile phone user data and erode privacy standards, using the fear of a global pandemic as a justification for tracking citizens.
In fight against coronavirus, governments embrace surveillance
Chinese-style surveillance is coming to a neighborhood near you.
Britain's heir to throne Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus
Prince Charles is the latest major figure to test positive for the coronavirus.
A third of the world under virus lockdown, as Olympics delayed
Global giant India joined the countries ordering their citizens to stay at home Tuesday, putting a third of the world on lockdown as the coronavirus epidemic forced Japan to postpone the Olympics.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Gantz discuss unity government, plan fresh talks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz discussed the possibility of setting up an emergency government to tackle the coronavirus Wednesday, taking a rare step toward a much-touted unity coalition.
How digital surveillance in virus fight watches you more closely than any GPS
Coronavirus phone tracking doesn’t just tell governments more or less where their citizens are, but can also show the phone owners’ 'micro-environment' and provide a treasure trove of information about their physical surroundings, a systems engineer behind key technology being used in the battle against the spread of coronavirus has revealed.
Gaza Preacher Praises Allah for Infecting Israelis, Americans -- Day Before First Cases Reported in Gaza
A preacher told worshipers in Gaza’s largest mosque on Friday that Allah sent the coronavirus to inflict suffering on Israelis, Americans and those who plot against the Al-Aqsa mosque, while protecting Palestinians.
Netanyahu: Full lockdown possible within days if virus spread doesn’t slow
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Wednesday that a full closure of the country could be introduced within days to curb the coronavirus pandemic, hours after further restrictions on Israelis’ movement were put into effect.
Inside the United States
White House, Senate Strike Historic $2 Trillion Economic Relief Bill
The Senate announced a bipartisan agreement on an unprecedented $2 trillion coronavirus relief package for workers and businesses.
Negative rates come to the US: 1-month and 3-month Treasury bill yields are now below zero
The coronavirus crisis has brought another first to U.S. financial markets -- negative yields on government debt.
Sentiment builds for moving U.S. companies out of China
American companies that produce essential goods in China should plan to shift their operations back to the United States or other Western countries, according to a senior Republican lawmaker.
Christian News
Christians in India scapegoated for Catholic child trafficking scandal and Muslim forced marriages
In a tragic misunderstanding, the leader of a Hindu nationalist organization in India is vowing to prevent the spread of Christian faith across his country because of alleged child trafficking activities of the charity founded by Mother Theresa and purported forced conversions and marriages of Hindu girls by Muslim men.
Ravi Zacharias Discusses Cancer Diagnosis, Christian Response to Coronavirus
Leading Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias has opened up about his recent cancer diagnosis and offered Christians some wisdom as to how they should be responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
Francis Chan tells Church: Coronavirus is 'one of our greatest opportunities to reach a lost world'
Francis Chan encouraged the Church to view the coronavirus pandemic as 'one of our greatest opportunities to reach a lost world and show them we haven’t lost our love, joy, and peace' instead of succumbing to fear and anxiety.
Mobile phone companies slated to become instruments of state surveillance
National governments across the world are joining with telecom companies to collect private mobile phone user data and erode privacy standards, using the fear of a global pandemic as a justification for tracking citizens.
In fight against coronavirus, governments embrace surveillance
Chinese-style surveillance is coming to a neighborhood near you.
Britain's heir to throne Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus
Prince Charles is the latest major figure to test positive for the coronavirus.
A third of the world under virus lockdown, as Olympics delayed
Global giant India joined the countries ordering their citizens to stay at home Tuesday, putting a third of the world on lockdown as the coronavirus epidemic forced Japan to postpone the Olympics.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Gantz discuss unity government, plan fresh talks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz discussed the possibility of setting up an emergency government to tackle the coronavirus Wednesday, taking a rare step toward a much-touted unity coalition.
How digital surveillance in virus fight watches you more closely than any GPS
Coronavirus phone tracking doesn’t just tell governments more or less where their citizens are, but can also show the phone owners’ 'micro-environment' and provide a treasure trove of information about their physical surroundings, a systems engineer behind key technology being used in the battle against the spread of coronavirus has revealed.
Gaza Preacher Praises Allah for Infecting Israelis, Americans -- Day Before First Cases Reported in Gaza
A preacher told worshipers in Gaza’s largest mosque on Friday that Allah sent the coronavirus to inflict suffering on Israelis, Americans and those who plot against the Al-Aqsa mosque, while protecting Palestinians.
Netanyahu: Full lockdown possible within days if virus spread doesn’t slow
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Wednesday that a full closure of the country could be introduced within days to curb the coronavirus pandemic, hours after further restrictions on Israelis’ movement were put into effect.
Inside the United States
White House, Senate Strike Historic $2 Trillion Economic Relief Bill
The Senate announced a bipartisan agreement on an unprecedented $2 trillion coronavirus relief package for workers and businesses.
Negative rates come to the US: 1-month and 3-month Treasury bill yields are now below zero
The coronavirus crisis has brought another first to U.S. financial markets -- negative yields on government debt.
Sentiment builds for moving U.S. companies out of China
American companies that produce essential goods in China should plan to shift their operations back to the United States or other Western countries, according to a senior Republican lawmaker.
Christian News
Christians in India scapegoated for Catholic child trafficking scandal and Muslim forced marriages
In a tragic misunderstanding, the leader of a Hindu nationalist organization in India is vowing to prevent the spread of Christian faith across his country because of alleged child trafficking activities of the charity founded by Mother Theresa and purported forced conversions and marriages of Hindu girls by Muslim men.
Ravi Zacharias Discusses Cancer Diagnosis, Christian Response to Coronavirus
Leading Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias has opened up about his recent cancer diagnosis and offered Christians some wisdom as to how they should be responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
Francis Chan tells Church: Coronavirus is 'one of our greatest opportunities to reach a lost world'
Francis Chan encouraged the Church to view the coronavirus pandemic as 'one of our greatest opportunities to reach a lost world and show them we haven’t lost our love, joy, and peace' instead of succumbing to fear and anxiety.