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
Russian Forces Encircle Ukraine’s Bakhmut City (Worthy News Radio)
The chief of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner says his fighters have practically encircled Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian city the Kremlin has been trying to seize for months. But as Stefan Bos reports, Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting in the streets as Moscow doesn't control the eastern city yet.
Belarus Jails Belarus Nobel Peace Winner For 10 Years; Others Also Sentenced
A court in autocratically-ruled Belarus has sentenced Ales Bialiatski, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in November, “to 10 years imprisonment,” said Viasna, the rights group he helped found.
Orbán: ‘Hungary Dragged Into War’
Hungary’s nationalist prime minister has accused the United States and the European Union of dragging his nation into war.
Death Toll Greece Train Crash Rising To Nearly 60
Authorities in Greece say at least 57 people are now known to have died in the nation’s deadliest train disaster and one of the worst in Europe in years.
U.S., South Korea to revive large-scale military drills amid North Korea threat
The United States and South Korea will revive a massive springtime joint military exercise this month, both countries announced Friday, returning to a scale not seen in five years in response to growing missile and nuclear threats from North Korea.
Panama rejects same-sex marriage in landmark court case; not a ‘human right’
Panama’s Supreme Court has ruled against same-sex marriage, saying that it is not a human right, closing the door to establishing the practice through judicial ruling.
Russia and Iran secret nuclear deal would allow uranium transfers to Tehran’s illicit weapons program: sources
Amid the International Atomic Energy Agency’s disclosure this week that the Islamic Republic of Iran accumulated near weapons-grade enriched uranium for its alleged nuclear weapon program, Fox News Digital has learned that Iran has allegedly secured secret deals with Russia to guarantee deliveries of uranium.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Anti-judicial reform protesters defy police, block major roads in Tel Aviv
Israelis demonstrating in Tel Aviv on Saturday night against the government’s judicial reform plan defied police orders and attempted to block major roads and highways, leading to limited clashes.
Top U.S. general in Israel for talks on regional security issues
he top U.S. military officer, Army General Mark Milley, arrived in Israel on Friday for talks with his Israeli counterparts on regional security issues.
Inside the United States
Now that pandemic aid has vanished, bankruptcies are on the rise
The end of federal pandemic aid is putting many Americans and businesses under mounting financial pressure, leading to a spike in bankruptcies.
US Senate Allows Foreign Nationals, Illegal Aliens, to Vote in Local D.C. Elections
Because the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate failed to block it, a new District of Columbia law will allow non-citizens -- foreign nationals and illegal aliens -- to vote in local elections.
Christian News
Egypt Removes Adopted Baby From Christians
Christians have launched a campaign for a 5-year-old Egyptian Coptic boy who was reportedly taken away from his adoptive parents by Egyptian authorities at age four and forced to become a Muslim.
Revival Goes Nationwide, Hits Theaters After ‘Jesus Revolution’ Film as Well as ORU, Portland, Ohio State
The move of God that began as the Asbury Awakening is becoming increasingly decentralized as it spreads across the country. It's popping up in all types of spots, from secular colleges to theaters to youth events to special church services, with passionate responses to God's outpouring of His Holy Spirit.
Suffering Churches Help Earthquake Victims
Suffering churches in one of the areas hardest hit by last month’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are still “delivering aid and letting people know they are not forgotten,” a spokesperson said Thursday.
Russian Forces Encircle Ukraine’s Bakhmut City (Worthy News Radio)
The chief of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner says his fighters have practically encircled Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian city the Kremlin has been trying to seize for months. But as Stefan Bos reports, Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting in the streets as Moscow doesn't control the eastern city yet.
Belarus Jails Belarus Nobel Peace Winner For 10 Years; Others Also Sentenced
A court in autocratically-ruled Belarus has sentenced Ales Bialiatski, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in November, “to 10 years imprisonment,” said Viasna, the rights group he helped found.
Orbán: ‘Hungary Dragged Into War’
Hungary’s nationalist prime minister has accused the United States and the European Union of dragging his nation into war.
Death Toll Greece Train Crash Rising To Nearly 60
Authorities in Greece say at least 57 people are now known to have died in the nation’s deadliest train disaster and one of the worst in Europe in years.
U.S., South Korea to revive large-scale military drills amid North Korea threat
The United States and South Korea will revive a massive springtime joint military exercise this month, both countries announced Friday, returning to a scale not seen in five years in response to growing missile and nuclear threats from North Korea.
Panama rejects same-sex marriage in landmark court case; not a ‘human right’
Panama’s Supreme Court has ruled against same-sex marriage, saying that it is not a human right, closing the door to establishing the practice through judicial ruling.
Russia and Iran secret nuclear deal would allow uranium transfers to Tehran’s illicit weapons program: sources
Amid the International Atomic Energy Agency’s disclosure this week that the Islamic Republic of Iran accumulated near weapons-grade enriched uranium for its alleged nuclear weapon program, Fox News Digital has learned that Iran has allegedly secured secret deals with Russia to guarantee deliveries of uranium.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Anti-judicial reform protesters defy police, block major roads in Tel Aviv
Israelis demonstrating in Tel Aviv on Saturday night against the government’s judicial reform plan defied police orders and attempted to block major roads and highways, leading to limited clashes.
Top U.S. general in Israel for talks on regional security issues
he top U.S. military officer, Army General Mark Milley, arrived in Israel on Friday for talks with his Israeli counterparts on regional security issues.
Inside the United States
Now that pandemic aid has vanished, bankruptcies are on the rise
The end of federal pandemic aid is putting many Americans and businesses under mounting financial pressure, leading to a spike in bankruptcies.
US Senate Allows Foreign Nationals, Illegal Aliens, to Vote in Local D.C. Elections
Because the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate failed to block it, a new District of Columbia law will allow non-citizens -- foreign nationals and illegal aliens -- to vote in local elections.
Christian News
Egypt Removes Adopted Baby From Christians
Christians have launched a campaign for a 5-year-old Egyptian Coptic boy who was reportedly taken away from his adoptive parents by Egyptian authorities at age four and forced to become a Muslim.
Revival Goes Nationwide, Hits Theaters After ‘Jesus Revolution’ Film as Well as ORU, Portland, Ohio State
The move of God that began as the Asbury Awakening is becoming increasingly decentralized as it spreads across the country. It's popping up in all types of spots, from secular colleges to theaters to youth events to special church services, with passionate responses to God's outpouring of His Holy Spirit.
Suffering Churches Help Earthquake Victims
Suffering churches in one of the areas hardest hit by last month’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are still “delivering aid and letting people know they are not forgotten,” a spokesperson said Thursday.
Around the World
Iranian warships in Rio de Janeiro raise alarm abroad
The arrival this week to Rio de Janeiro of two Iranian warships that Brazil‘s government authorized to dock has prompted rebukes both from Israel and the U.S.
Taiwan military to get $619 million in U.S. arms amid Chinese pressure
The United States on Wednesday approved the potential sale of $619 million in new arms to Taiwan as the island continues to warn of mounting Chinese military pressure.
Egypt announces new Great Pyramid discovery
Egyptian antiquities authorities on Thursday made public the discovery of a hidden chamber inside the 4,500-year-old Pyramid of Khufu — formerly known as the Pyramid of Cheops — or the Great Pyramid of Giza.
America’s Blinken and Russia’s Lavrov Meet For First Time Since Russia’s Invasion
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov briefly spoke one-on-one in their first private meeting since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February last year.
Denmark Cancels Prayer Day To Boost Defense
In a controversial move, Denmark's parliament has voted to cancel a centuries-old Christian public holiday “to boost spending” on the military.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel fears Russia to supply S-400s to Iran – report
Iran is seeking sophisticated new air defense systems from Russia that Israeli officials say would reduce the window of a potential attack on Tehran's nuclear program, media reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the issue.
Gantz Speaks to Netanyahu: Calls for Talks on Judicial Reform
Opposition MK Benny Gantz (National Unity party) was the first opposition member to break ranks today, after he announced that he spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and asked them to not open the Knesset plenum for discussion and legislation until things calms down, and they’ll go together tonight to speak to President Isaac Herzog. Gantz said, “History won’t forgive whoever didn’t try to stop a civil war.”
Inside the United States
Mississippi passes law banning sex-change treatment for minors
Mississippi has joined six other US states in passing legislation that bans puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and sex-change surgeries for minors under the age of 18 who identify as the opposite sex, ABC News reports.
Massachusetts Supreme Court upholds homicide conviction for man who killed a full-term unborn baby by killing its mother
Amid a raging public debate in the US over whether the unborn have personhood rights, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts last week upheld the first-degree homicide convictions of a man found guilty of killing not only his pregnant girlfriend but also her full-term unborn baby, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Senate unanimously passes bill to declassify intelligence on COVID-19 origins
The Senate passed legislation Wednesday evening that would require the Biden administration to declassify all intelligence related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology and possible links to the origins of the COVID-19 virus, in light of the weekend report that the Department of Energy (DOE) that concluded the coronavirus pandemic likely stemmed from a lab leak.
US creates new antisemitism task force
In 2021, the United States recorded its highest level of antisemitic attacks in recent years — on average seven per day. The Anti-Defamation League, an NGO that fights all all forms of antisemitism, fears even worse figures for 2022. Doubtless many incidents also go unreported. As the US wakes up to a new, more anti-Jewish reality, US President Joe Biden has vowed to ensure that "antisemitism has no place in America." To this end, the White House set up an inter-agency group at the end of 2022, tasked with putting together the country's first national strategy for countering antisemitism.
Christian News
Suffering Churches Help Earthquake Victims
Suffering churches in one of the areas hardest hit by last month’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are still “delivering aid and letting people know they are not forgotten,” a spokesperson said Thursday.
Indonesia: Church allowed to reopen after local Muslims shut it down
In a remarkable piece of good news for persecuted Indonesian Christians, a church in Bandar Lampung has been allowed to reopen after local Muslim village authorities and residents interrupted a worship service and forced it to close down last month, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The Kemah Daud Christian Church had been in the middle of a Sunday service on February 19 when the disruption and subsequent closure occurred.
India: Pastor and his wife arrested/imprisoned under Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion laws
A pastor and his wife in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have been criminally charged and imprisoned under harsh local anti-conversion laws for allegedly luring Hindus into becoming Christians, Scroll reports. Ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014, India ranks 11th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
China: Church releases statement detailing torture of imprisoned leaders
An evangelical church in China has released a statement detailing torture and maltreatment inflicted on three of the congregation’s leaders who have been in detention since August last year, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. China ranks 16th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Iranian warships in Rio de Janeiro raise alarm abroad
The arrival this week to Rio de Janeiro of two Iranian warships that Brazil‘s government authorized to dock has prompted rebukes both from Israel and the U.S.
Taiwan military to get $619 million in U.S. arms amid Chinese pressure
The United States on Wednesday approved the potential sale of $619 million in new arms to Taiwan as the island continues to warn of mounting Chinese military pressure.
Egypt announces new Great Pyramid discovery
Egyptian antiquities authorities on Thursday made public the discovery of a hidden chamber inside the 4,500-year-old Pyramid of Khufu — formerly known as the Pyramid of Cheops — or the Great Pyramid of Giza.
America’s Blinken and Russia’s Lavrov Meet For First Time Since Russia’s Invasion
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov briefly spoke one-on-one in their first private meeting since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February last year.
Denmark Cancels Prayer Day To Boost Defense
In a controversial move, Denmark's parliament has voted to cancel a centuries-old Christian public holiday “to boost spending” on the military.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel fears Russia to supply S-400s to Iran – report
Iran is seeking sophisticated new air defense systems from Russia that Israeli officials say would reduce the window of a potential attack on Tehran's nuclear program, media reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the issue.
Gantz Speaks to Netanyahu: Calls for Talks on Judicial Reform
Opposition MK Benny Gantz (National Unity party) was the first opposition member to break ranks today, after he announced that he spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and asked them to not open the Knesset plenum for discussion and legislation until things calms down, and they’ll go together tonight to speak to President Isaac Herzog. Gantz said, “History won’t forgive whoever didn’t try to stop a civil war.”
Inside the United States
Mississippi passes law banning sex-change treatment for minors
Mississippi has joined six other US states in passing legislation that bans puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and sex-change surgeries for minors under the age of 18 who identify as the opposite sex, ABC News reports.
Massachusetts Supreme Court upholds homicide conviction for man who killed a full-term unborn baby by killing its mother
Amid a raging public debate in the US over whether the unborn have personhood rights, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts last week upheld the first-degree homicide convictions of a man found guilty of killing not only his pregnant girlfriend but also her full-term unborn baby, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Senate unanimously passes bill to declassify intelligence on COVID-19 origins
The Senate passed legislation Wednesday evening that would require the Biden administration to declassify all intelligence related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology and possible links to the origins of the COVID-19 virus, in light of the weekend report that the Department of Energy (DOE) that concluded the coronavirus pandemic likely stemmed from a lab leak.
US creates new antisemitism task force
In 2021, the United States recorded its highest level of antisemitic attacks in recent years — on average seven per day. The Anti-Defamation League, an NGO that fights all all forms of antisemitism, fears even worse figures for 2022. Doubtless many incidents also go unreported. As the US wakes up to a new, more anti-Jewish reality, US President Joe Biden has vowed to ensure that "antisemitism has no place in America." To this end, the White House set up an inter-agency group at the end of 2022, tasked with putting together the country's first national strategy for countering antisemitism.
Christian News
Suffering Churches Help Earthquake Victims
Suffering churches in one of the areas hardest hit by last month’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are still “delivering aid and letting people know they are not forgotten,” a spokesperson said Thursday.
Indonesia: Church allowed to reopen after local Muslims shut it down
In a remarkable piece of good news for persecuted Indonesian Christians, a church in Bandar Lampung has been allowed to reopen after local Muslim village authorities and residents interrupted a worship service and forced it to close down last month, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The Kemah Daud Christian Church had been in the middle of a Sunday service on February 19 when the disruption and subsequent closure occurred.
India: Pastor and his wife arrested/imprisoned under Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion laws
A pastor and his wife in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have been criminally charged and imprisoned under harsh local anti-conversion laws for allegedly luring Hindus into becoming Christians, Scroll reports. Ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014, India ranks 11th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
China: Church releases statement detailing torture of imprisoned leaders
An evangelical church in China has released a statement detailing torture and maltreatment inflicted on three of the congregation’s leaders who have been in detention since August last year, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. China ranks 16th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Around the World
Tigris and Euphrates river levels plummet in Iraq
Water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq — the headwaters of which originate in Turkey — have plunged 30 per cent in recent days, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources.
Greek Train Crash: Minister Resigns, Suspect Detained
Greek's Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned, and a station master was detained after the deadliest known train accident in the country's, and Europe's, recent history killed scores of people.
Nigeria’s Opposition: ‘Scrap Fraudulent Vote’ As Ruling Party ‘Wins’
Nigeria’s main opposition parties urged authorities to scrap the African nation’s elections, saying results showing the ruling party’s presidential candidate in the lead had been manipulated.
Italy: Scores Of Migrants Killed In Boat Crash
As night fell over the Ionian Sea, there were fears that up to 100 migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty had died after their wooden sailing boat crashed against rocks near the southern Italian coast Sunday.
Russian launches 28 airstrikes in massive bombardment of Ukraine
Ramping up its attacks on Ukraine, Russia launched 28 airstrikes in 24 hours on Monday, including the use of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, Newsweek reports. Monday reportedly also saw Ukrainians bombarded with a further eight Russian rocket attacks and 55 shellings.
CIA director: Iran’s enriched uranium program very close to nuclear weapon level
The director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) stated Sunday that Iran had advanced its nuclear program so far now that it could enrich uranium to the 90% purity required for an atomic bomb within weeks, CBS News reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Widespread protests over judicial reforms result in dozens arrested, major disruptions
Protesters against the judicial reform proposed by the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked a major traffic route leading from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Wednesday morning.
In time for Purim: Inscription bearing name of King Ahasuerus’s father found in Israel
In an archaeological first, the name of King Darius the Great, father of King Ahasuerus of Purim holiday fame, has been discovered in Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Wednesday.
Inside the United States
77% of Americans aged 17-24 aren’t fit for service: DOD
An overwhelmingly majority of Americans aged 17-24 are unfit for military service, according to a Department of Defense report.
FBI Director Chris Wray says COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China
FBI Director Chris Wray joined Fox News' "Special Report" with Bret Baier where he stated that the COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China.
Missouri Christian college asks Supreme Court to review Biden directive allowing biological trans gender students to be housed in girls’ dorms
A Christian college in Missouri is asking the US Supreme Court to review a federal government directive allowing biologically male transgender students to be housed in women-only dormitories, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The College of the Ozarks filed a petition for a writ of certiorari on Monday.
Christian News
Uganda: Evangelist attacked after leading 37 Muslims to Christ
An evangelist in eastern Uganda is recovering after being hospitalized by Islamist extremists enraged that he ostensibly led 37 Muslims to Christ during an extended public debate on Islam and Christianity last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. While Christianity is legal in Uganda, followers of Christ - especially former Muslims - have come under intense violent attack by Islamic extremists who seek to prevent the Gospel from being shared in the country.
Vermont Christian school forfeits basketball tournament to avoid playing against transgender opponent
The Mid Vermont Christian School in Vermont has forfeited a state girls basketball tournament so as not to play against a biologically male transgender student-athlete on the opposing team, Valley News reports. Under Vermont law, transgender girls who remain biologically male are allowed to play on female sports teams.
Iran Releases Church Leader Nadarkhani After Years Behind Bars
An Iranian pastor, who spent most of his time in prison since 2016, has been released as part of a national amnesty issued by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to commemorate the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Tigris and Euphrates river levels plummet in Iraq
Water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq — the headwaters of which originate in Turkey — have plunged 30 per cent in recent days, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources.
Greek Train Crash: Minister Resigns, Suspect Detained
Greek's Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned, and a station master was detained after the deadliest known train accident in the country's, and Europe's, recent history killed scores of people.
Nigeria’s Opposition: ‘Scrap Fraudulent Vote’ As Ruling Party ‘Wins’
Nigeria’s main opposition parties urged authorities to scrap the African nation’s elections, saying results showing the ruling party’s presidential candidate in the lead had been manipulated.
Italy: Scores Of Migrants Killed In Boat Crash
As night fell over the Ionian Sea, there were fears that up to 100 migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty had died after their wooden sailing boat crashed against rocks near the southern Italian coast Sunday.
Russian launches 28 airstrikes in massive bombardment of Ukraine
Ramping up its attacks on Ukraine, Russia launched 28 airstrikes in 24 hours on Monday, including the use of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, Newsweek reports. Monday reportedly also saw Ukrainians bombarded with a further eight Russian rocket attacks and 55 shellings.
CIA director: Iran’s enriched uranium program very close to nuclear weapon level
The director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) stated Sunday that Iran had advanced its nuclear program so far now that it could enrich uranium to the 90% purity required for an atomic bomb within weeks, CBS News reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Widespread protests over judicial reforms result in dozens arrested, major disruptions
Protesters against the judicial reform proposed by the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked a major traffic route leading from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Wednesday morning.
In time for Purim: Inscription bearing name of King Ahasuerus’s father found in Israel
In an archaeological first, the name of King Darius the Great, father of King Ahasuerus of Purim holiday fame, has been discovered in Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Wednesday.
Inside the United States
77% of Americans aged 17-24 aren’t fit for service: DOD
An overwhelmingly majority of Americans aged 17-24 are unfit for military service, according to a Department of Defense report.
FBI Director Chris Wray says COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China
FBI Director Chris Wray joined Fox News' "Special Report" with Bret Baier where he stated that the COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China.
Missouri Christian college asks Supreme Court to review Biden directive allowing biological trans gender students to be housed in girls’ dorms
A Christian college in Missouri is asking the US Supreme Court to review a federal government directive allowing biologically male transgender students to be housed in women-only dormitories, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The College of the Ozarks filed a petition for a writ of certiorari on Monday.
Christian News
Uganda: Evangelist attacked after leading 37 Muslims to Christ
An evangelist in eastern Uganda is recovering after being hospitalized by Islamist extremists enraged that he ostensibly led 37 Muslims to Christ during an extended public debate on Islam and Christianity last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. While Christianity is legal in Uganda, followers of Christ - especially former Muslims - have come under intense violent attack by Islamic extremists who seek to prevent the Gospel from being shared in the country.
Vermont Christian school forfeits basketball tournament to avoid playing against transgender opponent
The Mid Vermont Christian School in Vermont has forfeited a state girls basketball tournament so as not to play against a biologically male transgender student-athlete on the opposing team, Valley News reports. Under Vermont law, transgender girls who remain biologically male are allowed to play on female sports teams.
Iran Releases Church Leader Nadarkhani After Years Behind Bars
An Iranian pastor, who spent most of his time in prison since 2016, has been released as part of a national amnesty issued by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to commemorate the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Worthy News learned Wednesday.