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
Europe Reaches 100,000 Coronavirus Deaths, 1 million Infections
Europe's death toll from the new coronavirus COVID-19 approached 100,000 on Sunday, and over 1 million Europeans were infected, a European health agency announced.
Germany says 'Coronavirus Outbreak Under Control'
Germany's health minister says the month-long lockdown has brought the coronavirus outbreak in his country under control. Jens Spahn spoke while several other European Union nations struggled to contain the new virus disease COVID-19.
EU Chief Apologizes To Italy Over Coronavirus Pandemic
The chief of the European Union's executive has made 'a heartfelt apology' to Italy for the block's slow response in handling the coronavirus pandemic. Italy suffered more than 21,000 coronavirus-related deaths, the highest toll in Europe, officials say.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz hedges threats, as Likud warns anti-Netanyahu bills would end unity talk
With the deadline to call new elections inching closer, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is weighing carefully his demands of, and threats against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the two jockey over forming a unity government.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv, 2 meters apart, accusing PM of destroying democracy
Adhering to social distancing regulations aimed at stemming the coronavirus outbreak, thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv’s emblematic Rabin Square on Sunday night for the latest 'black flag' demonstration against an alleged erosion of Israeli democracy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
Hungary Commemorates Holocaust Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
With much of Hungary in lockdown, a minister attended a quite ceremony to remember the 600,000 Hungarian Jews killed in the Holocaust. At a time when much attention focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, Justice Minister Judit Varga made clear those who died should never be forgotten. Dressed in black, she placed pebbles, flowers, and candles at the Shoes on the Danube embankment monument in Budapest, the capital.
Inside the United States
Trump hints at Monday resolution for latest coronavirus relief package
President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations with Democrats continue on another coronavirus relief package to replenish funding for small business loans, also known as the Paycheck Protection Program.
As Washington DC Faces Coronavirus Spike, Secret Military Task Force Prepares to Secure the Capital
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser yesterday ordered a one-month extension of the state of emergency, as cases in the region grow at a rapid pace. Federal officials in the nation's capital expect a New York-like epidemic in the District, Maryland and Virginia, one that could potentially cripple the government.
Christian News
Georgia's Orthodox Hold Easter Services Despite Coronavirus
Orthodox believers in the ex-Soviet republic of Georgia held church services, despite warnings that they complicated efforts to halt the new coronavirus pandemic. Worldwide, millions of Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter - the most important festival in their calendar, amid a series of restrictions and bans to prevent more infections.
'Pakistan Christians Starving For Refusing To Embrace Islam'
Christians and other minorities in Pakistan face starvation as they are denied food aid for refusing to convert to Islam, aid workers say. The Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) confirmed that authorities and government-backed groups refuse to provide relief to non-Muslims despite a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pastor in China arrested for subversion of state power
A pastor in the Hunan province of China was arrested on April 2 for suspected subversion of state power. Persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC) reports that the pastor was arrested after his church refused to join a government-approved religious organization.
Christians in Pakistan denied food during coronavirus lockdown
Christians in Pakistan have been denied food by authorities since the country’s COVID-19 lockdown began on March 21, Arutz Sheva 7 reports. In four incidents recorded this month by International Christian Concern (ICC) and Jihad Watch, Christians were told food aid was for Muslims only.
Europe Reaches 100,000 Coronavirus Deaths, 1 million Infections
Europe's death toll from the new coronavirus COVID-19 approached 100,000 on Sunday, and over 1 million Europeans were infected, a European health agency announced.
Germany says 'Coronavirus Outbreak Under Control'
Germany's health minister says the month-long lockdown has brought the coronavirus outbreak in his country under control. Jens Spahn spoke while several other European Union nations struggled to contain the new virus disease COVID-19.
EU Chief Apologizes To Italy Over Coronavirus Pandemic
The chief of the European Union's executive has made 'a heartfelt apology' to Italy for the block's slow response in handling the coronavirus pandemic. Italy suffered more than 21,000 coronavirus-related deaths, the highest toll in Europe, officials say.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz hedges threats, as Likud warns anti-Netanyahu bills would end unity talk
With the deadline to call new elections inching closer, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is weighing carefully his demands of, and threats against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the two jockey over forming a unity government.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv, 2 meters apart, accusing PM of destroying democracy
Adhering to social distancing regulations aimed at stemming the coronavirus outbreak, thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv’s emblematic Rabin Square on Sunday night for the latest 'black flag' demonstration against an alleged erosion of Israeli democracy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
Hungary Commemorates Holocaust Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
With much of Hungary in lockdown, a minister attended a quite ceremony to remember the 600,000 Hungarian Jews killed in the Holocaust. At a time when much attention focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, Justice Minister Judit Varga made clear those who died should never be forgotten. Dressed in black, she placed pebbles, flowers, and candles at the Shoes on the Danube embankment monument in Budapest, the capital.
Inside the United States
Trump hints at Monday resolution for latest coronavirus relief package
President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations with Democrats continue on another coronavirus relief package to replenish funding for small business loans, also known as the Paycheck Protection Program.
As Washington DC Faces Coronavirus Spike, Secret Military Task Force Prepares to Secure the Capital
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser yesterday ordered a one-month extension of the state of emergency, as cases in the region grow at a rapid pace. Federal officials in the nation's capital expect a New York-like epidemic in the District, Maryland and Virginia, one that could potentially cripple the government.
Christian News
Georgia's Orthodox Hold Easter Services Despite Coronavirus
Orthodox believers in the ex-Soviet republic of Georgia held church services, despite warnings that they complicated efforts to halt the new coronavirus pandemic. Worldwide, millions of Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter - the most important festival in their calendar, amid a series of restrictions and bans to prevent more infections.
'Pakistan Christians Starving For Refusing To Embrace Islam'
Christians and other minorities in Pakistan face starvation as they are denied food aid for refusing to convert to Islam, aid workers say. The Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) confirmed that authorities and government-backed groups refuse to provide relief to non-Muslims despite a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pastor in China arrested for subversion of state power
A pastor in the Hunan province of China was arrested on April 2 for suspected subversion of state power. Persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC) reports that the pastor was arrested after his church refused to join a government-approved religious organization.
Christians in Pakistan denied food during coronavirus lockdown
Christians in Pakistan have been denied food by authorities since the country’s COVID-19 lockdown began on March 21, Arutz Sheva 7 reports. In four incidents recorded this month by International Christian Concern (ICC) and Jihad Watch, Christians were told food aid was for Muslims only.
Around the World
China may be conducting secret nuclear tests, State Department warns
The State Department is concerned China may be conducting small nuclear tests in secret, possibly violating an international agreement banning such tests, Fox News confirmed Wednesday.
Global Economy Shrinking at Alarming Rate, IMF Warns
All signs are pointing to a global economic crisis of proportions not seen in decades in the face of the coronavirus pandemic crisis.
China says its economy shrank by 6.8% in the first quarter as the country battled coronavirus
China reported that its first-quarter GDP contracted by 6.8% in 2020 from a year ago as the world’s second-largest economy took a huge hit from the coronavirus outbreak, data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China showed.
Hungary Defends "Orwellian Law" Amid Criticism
Hungary has condemned global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for saying that an 'Orwellian law' has imposed an 'information police state' in the country. RSF urged two United Nations rapporteurs to condemn the governments of Hungary and dozens of other nations for 'violating the right to information' about the coronavirus pandemic.
US Navy and Coastal Guard harassed by Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels in international waters
The US 5th Fleet confirmed that on Wednesday a group of US Navy and Coastal Guard ships were subjected to about an hour of 'dangerous and provocative' harassment from eleven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels. The US ships were conducting joint integration operations with US Army helicopters in the international waters of the North Arabian Gulf when they were approached by the Iranian vessels.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Rivlin sets August 4 as date for fourth elections if unity govt not formed
President Reuven Rivlin has set August 4 as the date for an unthinkable round of fourth elections should the Likud and Blue and White fail to form a unity government, as negotiations between the two sides was deadlocked Thursday night.
Israeli drone reportedly attacks Hezbollah vehicle in Syria
Lebanese media have reported that on Wednesday afternoon an Israeli drone attacked a vehicle belonging to the Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group, Hezbollah. The vehicle was in Syria, close to the border with Lebanon. There were no reports of any injuries from the strike.
Inside the United States
President Trump Asks States To Reopen By May 1
U.S. President Donald Trump has told governors that some could begin reopening their states by May 1 or earlier if they wanted despite ongoing coronavirus infections, according to audio recordings distributed Thursday.
Americans Protest U.S. Lockdown
Protests continue in the United States against the perceived 'tyrannical' lockdown orders to halt the coronavirus pandemic. In Richmond, Virginia, dozens of people gathered outside the state legislature Thursday in defiance of stay-at-home rules, which the governor instituted until June 10. 'STOP the MADNESS! It's just a COLD VIRUS! End the shutdown for the GOOD of U.S. all!' read one sign.
Survey finds nearly half of US adults believe the Bible should influence laws
The results of a new survey published on Monday show nearly half of adult Americans believe the Bible should influence laws, the Christian Post reports. Carried out by the Pew Research Center, the survey found 49% of respondents think the Bible should have “some” or a “great deal” of influence on national legislation. Of these, 28% thought the Bible should have precedence over the will of the people.
China may be conducting secret nuclear tests, State Department warns
The State Department is concerned China may be conducting small nuclear tests in secret, possibly violating an international agreement banning such tests, Fox News confirmed Wednesday.
Global Economy Shrinking at Alarming Rate, IMF Warns
All signs are pointing to a global economic crisis of proportions not seen in decades in the face of the coronavirus pandemic crisis.
China says its economy shrank by 6.8% in the first quarter as the country battled coronavirus
China reported that its first-quarter GDP contracted by 6.8% in 2020 from a year ago as the world’s second-largest economy took a huge hit from the coronavirus outbreak, data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China showed.
Hungary Defends "Orwellian Law" Amid Criticism
Hungary has condemned global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for saying that an 'Orwellian law' has imposed an 'information police state' in the country. RSF urged two United Nations rapporteurs to condemn the governments of Hungary and dozens of other nations for 'violating the right to information' about the coronavirus pandemic.
US Navy and Coastal Guard harassed by Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels in international waters
The US 5th Fleet confirmed that on Wednesday a group of US Navy and Coastal Guard ships were subjected to about an hour of 'dangerous and provocative' harassment from eleven Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels. The US ships were conducting joint integration operations with US Army helicopters in the international waters of the North Arabian Gulf when they were approached by the Iranian vessels.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Rivlin sets August 4 as date for fourth elections if unity govt not formed
President Reuven Rivlin has set August 4 as the date for an unthinkable round of fourth elections should the Likud and Blue and White fail to form a unity government, as negotiations between the two sides was deadlocked Thursday night.
Israeli drone reportedly attacks Hezbollah vehicle in Syria
Lebanese media have reported that on Wednesday afternoon an Israeli drone attacked a vehicle belonging to the Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group, Hezbollah. The vehicle was in Syria, close to the border with Lebanon. There were no reports of any injuries from the strike.
Inside the United States
President Trump Asks States To Reopen By May 1
U.S. President Donald Trump has told governors that some could begin reopening their states by May 1 or earlier if they wanted despite ongoing coronavirus infections, according to audio recordings distributed Thursday.
Americans Protest U.S. Lockdown
Protests continue in the United States against the perceived 'tyrannical' lockdown orders to halt the coronavirus pandemic. In Richmond, Virginia, dozens of people gathered outside the state legislature Thursday in defiance of stay-at-home rules, which the governor instituted until June 10. 'STOP the MADNESS! It's just a COLD VIRUS! End the shutdown for the GOOD of U.S. all!' read one sign.
Survey finds nearly half of US adults believe the Bible should influence laws
The results of a new survey published on Monday show nearly half of adult Americans believe the Bible should influence laws, the Christian Post reports. Carried out by the Pew Research Center, the survey found 49% of respondents think the Bible should have “some” or a “great deal” of influence on national legislation. Of these, 28% thought the Bible should have precedence over the will of the people.
Around the World
IMF Warns COVID-19 Could Cause Global Unrest
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns of global social unrest if government measures to halt the coronavirus pandemic are seen as unfairly favoring the rich.
Germany Detains Islamic Militants Targeting U.S. Bases
Authorities in Germany say they have detained four suspected Islamic militants for plotting to attack American military facilities in the country. The four men, originally from Tajikistan — along with a fifth individual arrested last year — targeted several U.S. airforce bases on behalf of the Islamic State group, prosecutors said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz mandate to form coalition expires but Likud, Blue and White talks to go on
Negotiating teams for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party continued their talks to form a unity government late Wednesday night and into Thursday, and agreed to meet again later Thursday, even as the latter’s presidential mandate to form a coalition expired at midnight.
Inside the United States
Trump: Thursday will be 'big day' in decisions regarding reopening U.S. economy
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that some big decisions will be announced Thursday about how parts of the U.S. economy will begin to reopen after stay-at-home orders closed businesses and led to millions of lost jobs across the country.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear oral arguments by phone for first time in history
The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments by telephone for the first time since it first convened in 1790.
U.S. Attorney General Condemns Ban On Drive-In Churches
America's top law enforcer has warned state and local government officials against targeting the faithful amid distancing and lockdown measures to combat the new coronavirus pandemic. Attorney General Bill Barr said his Department of Justice condemns cases such as in the U.S. State of Mississippi where worshipers were fined for attending drive-in church service.
Appeals Court rules medication abortions allowed in Texas during ban on non-essential medical procedures
Texas abortion providers can continue to offer pill-based abortions during a state order banning non-essential medical procedures, Freebeacon.com reports. The order, given by Texas governor Greg Abbott (R) on March 22, was issued in an effort to conserve hospital beds and medical supplies for coronavirus patients.
Christian News
Nigerian Christian Widow prays her husband’s militant killers find Jesus
In the wake of a Christian genocide warning for Nigeria issued by Christian Solidarity International (CSI) on January 30, a 27-year-old widow from Plateau state has prayed her husband’s murderers will find Jesus.
Christians in Nigeria being killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen
Two Christians in Benue State, Nigeria were beheaded Monday by Muslim Fulani herdsmen, Morning Star News reported. Another Christian was shot dead on Saturday by a group of herdsman in Bokkos county, Plateau state. These are the latest in ongoing murderous attacks on Nigerian Christians. Nigeria ranked second in Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List of countries where Christians are killed for their faith, after Pakistan.
IMF Warns COVID-19 Could Cause Global Unrest
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns of global social unrest if government measures to halt the coronavirus pandemic are seen as unfairly favoring the rich.
Germany Detains Islamic Militants Targeting U.S. Bases
Authorities in Germany say they have detained four suspected Islamic militants for plotting to attack American military facilities in the country. The four men, originally from Tajikistan — along with a fifth individual arrested last year — targeted several U.S. airforce bases on behalf of the Islamic State group, prosecutors said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz mandate to form coalition expires but Likud, Blue and White talks to go on
Negotiating teams for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party continued their talks to form a unity government late Wednesday night and into Thursday, and agreed to meet again later Thursday, even as the latter’s presidential mandate to form a coalition expired at midnight.
Inside the United States
Trump: Thursday will be 'big day' in decisions regarding reopening U.S. economy
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that some big decisions will be announced Thursday about how parts of the U.S. economy will begin to reopen after stay-at-home orders closed businesses and led to millions of lost jobs across the country.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear oral arguments by phone for first time in history
The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral arguments by telephone for the first time since it first convened in 1790.
U.S. Attorney General Condemns Ban On Drive-In Churches
America's top law enforcer has warned state and local government officials against targeting the faithful amid distancing and lockdown measures to combat the new coronavirus pandemic. Attorney General Bill Barr said his Department of Justice condemns cases such as in the U.S. State of Mississippi where worshipers were fined for attending drive-in church service.
Appeals Court rules medication abortions allowed in Texas during ban on non-essential medical procedures
Texas abortion providers can continue to offer pill-based abortions during a state order banning non-essential medical procedures, Freebeacon.com reports. The order, given by Texas governor Greg Abbott (R) on March 22, was issued in an effort to conserve hospital beds and medical supplies for coronavirus patients.
Christian News
Nigerian Christian Widow prays her husband’s militant killers find Jesus
In the wake of a Christian genocide warning for Nigeria issued by Christian Solidarity International (CSI) on January 30, a 27-year-old widow from Plateau state has prayed her husband’s murderers will find Jesus.
Christians in Nigeria being killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen
Two Christians in Benue State, Nigeria were beheaded Monday by Muslim Fulani herdsmen, Morning Star News reported. Another Christian was shot dead on Saturday by a group of herdsman in Bokkos county, Plateau state. These are the latest in ongoing murderous attacks on Nigerian Christians. Nigeria ranked second in Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List of countries where Christians are killed for their faith, after Pakistan.