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
Putin: Communist ideology similar to Christianity, Lenin’s body like saintly relics
Russian President Vladimir Putin has likened communism to Christianity and Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow’s Red Square to the veneration of the relics of saints.
Philippine volcano rumbles back to life, thousands evacuated
The Philippines' most active volcano rumbled back to life Sunday with lava rising to its crater in a gentle eruption that has prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of villagers.
Powerful earthquake strikes off Peru's coast, killing at least 1
A powerful earthquake struck off Peru's coast early Sunday, tumbling adobe homes in small, rural towns, killing at least one person and leaving dozens injured, officials said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF destroys Hamas attack tunnel that penetrated Israel and Egypt
The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday said it had destroyed a border-crossing Hamas attack tunnel, the third in recent months, that penetrated hundreds of meters into both Israeli and Egyptian territory from the Gaza Strip, in an airstrike in southern Gaza on Saturday night.
Abbas confirms Palestinians being offered Abu Dis as capital of future state
The Palestinians are being offered Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday.
In compromise, US set to cut only some aid for UN Palestinian refugee agency
The Trump administration is preparing to withhold tens of millions of dollars from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, cutting the year’s first contribution by more than half or perhaps entirely, and making additional donations contingent on major changes to the organization, according to US officials.
Inside the United States
Trump Says Program to Protect ‘Dreamers’ is ‘Probably Dead’
President Donald Trump said Sunday that a program that protects immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children is 'probably dead,' casting a cloud over already tenuous negotiations just days before a deadline on a government funding deal that Democrats have tied to immigration.
Hawaii says lack of adequate fail-safe measures led to false missile alert
Human error and a lack of adequate fail-safe measures during a civil defense warning drill led to the false missile alert that stirred panic across Hawaii over the weekend, a state emergency management agency spokesman acknowledged on Sunday.
Prayers for California mudslide victims; death toll hits 20
Parishioners prayed Sunday for those killed and for families still searching for missing relatives in a Southern California community ravaged by mudslides, and authorities announced another body had been found, increasing the death toll to 20.
Christian News
Trump Designates $55 Million to Help Christians, Religious Minorities Rebuild in Iraq
In the wake of Vice President Mike Pence's announcement last October that the United States government would provide direct aid to persecuted Iraqi Christians struggling to rebuild following the liberation of the Nineveh Plains, the Trump administration has taken concrete steps to follow through on its promises.
North Korea is Worst Place for Christian Persecution, Group Says
For the 16th year in a row, North Korea tops the list of 50 countries ranked for the worst persecution of Christians in the world, according to the Christian watchdog organization Open Doors USA.
Putin: Communist ideology similar to Christianity, Lenin’s body like saintly relics
Russian President Vladimir Putin has likened communism to Christianity and Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow’s Red Square to the veneration of the relics of saints.
Philippine volcano rumbles back to life, thousands evacuated
The Philippines' most active volcano rumbled back to life Sunday with lava rising to its crater in a gentle eruption that has prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of villagers.
Powerful earthquake strikes off Peru's coast, killing at least 1
A powerful earthquake struck off Peru's coast early Sunday, tumbling adobe homes in small, rural towns, killing at least one person and leaving dozens injured, officials said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF destroys Hamas attack tunnel that penetrated Israel and Egypt
The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday said it had destroyed a border-crossing Hamas attack tunnel, the third in recent months, that penetrated hundreds of meters into both Israeli and Egyptian territory from the Gaza Strip, in an airstrike in southern Gaza on Saturday night.
Abbas confirms Palestinians being offered Abu Dis as capital of future state
The Palestinians are being offered Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday.
In compromise, US set to cut only some aid for UN Palestinian refugee agency
The Trump administration is preparing to withhold tens of millions of dollars from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, cutting the year’s first contribution by more than half or perhaps entirely, and making additional donations contingent on major changes to the organization, according to US officials.
Inside the United States
Trump Says Program to Protect ‘Dreamers’ is ‘Probably Dead’
President Donald Trump said Sunday that a program that protects immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children is 'probably dead,' casting a cloud over already tenuous negotiations just days before a deadline on a government funding deal that Democrats have tied to immigration.
Hawaii says lack of adequate fail-safe measures led to false missile alert
Human error and a lack of adequate fail-safe measures during a civil defense warning drill led to the false missile alert that stirred panic across Hawaii over the weekend, a state emergency management agency spokesman acknowledged on Sunday.
Prayers for California mudslide victims; death toll hits 20
Parishioners prayed Sunday for those killed and for families still searching for missing relatives in a Southern California community ravaged by mudslides, and authorities announced another body had been found, increasing the death toll to 20.
Christian News
Trump Designates $55 Million to Help Christians, Religious Minorities Rebuild in Iraq
In the wake of Vice President Mike Pence's announcement last October that the United States government would provide direct aid to persecuted Iraqi Christians struggling to rebuild following the liberation of the Nineveh Plains, the Trump administration has taken concrete steps to follow through on its promises.
North Korea is Worst Place for Christian Persecution, Group Says
For the 16th year in a row, North Korea tops the list of 50 countries ranked for the worst persecution of Christians in the world, according to the Christian watchdog organization Open Doors USA.
Around the World
A Message to North Korea? US Sends 3 B-2 Stealth Bombers to Guam
The U.S. Air Force has sent three B-2 nuclear-capable stealth bombers to Andersen Air Force Base on the island territory of Guam.
Russia, US hold talks about nuclear pact, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is holding negotiations with Washington regarding a pivotal nuclear arms pact.
Surprise awakening of Papua New Guinea volcano forces evacuations
An island volcano in Papua New Guinea has begun spewing ash into the air, forcing the evacuation of more than 500 residents, media and non-profit groups have said.
8 Earthquakes Strike Along Iran-Iraq Border
A series of eight earthquakes hit the Iran-Iraq border area and rattled Baghdad on Thursday, apparent aftershocks of a temblor that struck the mountainous region in November and killed over 530 people. Four people suffered minor injuries in Iran, state television reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA security forces expose Hamas' top terror architects in West Bank
The Palestinian Authority's security forces revealed on Wednesday the identities of senior Hamas operatives behind efforts to rehabilitate the group's terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, chief among them Maher Obeid, the organization's newly appointed military commander in the West Bank.
Test Launch of Israel’s Arrow Defense System Canceled for 2nd Time in a Month
The Israeli Defense Ministry on Wednesday canceled a test launch for the Arrow 3 missile defense system, citing a problem with its ground control’s data systems.
Inside the United States
House passes NSA spying bill after Trump tweets cause confusion
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to renew the National Security Agency’s warrantless internet surveillance program, overcoming objections from privacy advocates and confusion prompted by morning tweets from President Donald Trump that initially questioned the spying tool.
Court Rules in Favor of Constitutional Amendment Saying There’s No 'Fundamental Right to Abortion'
In a resounding victory for pro-life Tennesseans, judges on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals have rejected the pro-abortion effort to overturn the 2014 voter passage of Amendment 1, which states: 'Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion.'
Christian News
1 in 12 Christians worldwide persecuted, report shows
About 215 million Christians are being persecuted due to their faith, according to a report released by the Open Doors organization Wednesday. This represents 1 in 12 Christians worldwide.
Iranian Christian Receive Eight Year Sentences
Two Iranian Christians were sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by a revolutionary court in December 2017, after being convicted of national security-related crimes.
Moody Bible President, COO Resign Amid Controversy, Provost Retires
The president and chief operating officer of Moody Bible Institute have resigned amid controversy over the theological direction of the institution and allegations of shady administration practices, the school announced Wednesday. One of the school's provosts will also be retiring.
A Message to North Korea? US Sends 3 B-2 Stealth Bombers to Guam
The U.S. Air Force has sent three B-2 nuclear-capable stealth bombers to Andersen Air Force Base on the island territory of Guam.
Russia, US hold talks about nuclear pact, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is holding negotiations with Washington regarding a pivotal nuclear arms pact.
Surprise awakening of Papua New Guinea volcano forces evacuations
An island volcano in Papua New Guinea has begun spewing ash into the air, forcing the evacuation of more than 500 residents, media and non-profit groups have said.
8 Earthquakes Strike Along Iran-Iraq Border
A series of eight earthquakes hit the Iran-Iraq border area and rattled Baghdad on Thursday, apparent aftershocks of a temblor that struck the mountainous region in November and killed over 530 people. Four people suffered minor injuries in Iran, state television reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA security forces expose Hamas' top terror architects in West Bank
The Palestinian Authority's security forces revealed on Wednesday the identities of senior Hamas operatives behind efforts to rehabilitate the group's terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, chief among them Maher Obeid, the organization's newly appointed military commander in the West Bank.
Test Launch of Israel’s Arrow Defense System Canceled for 2nd Time in a Month
The Israeli Defense Ministry on Wednesday canceled a test launch for the Arrow 3 missile defense system, citing a problem with its ground control’s data systems.
Inside the United States
House passes NSA spying bill after Trump tweets cause confusion
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to renew the National Security Agency’s warrantless internet surveillance program, overcoming objections from privacy advocates and confusion prompted by morning tweets from President Donald Trump that initially questioned the spying tool.
Court Rules in Favor of Constitutional Amendment Saying There’s No 'Fundamental Right to Abortion'
In a resounding victory for pro-life Tennesseans, judges on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals have rejected the pro-abortion effort to overturn the 2014 voter passage of Amendment 1, which states: 'Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion.'
Christian News
1 in 12 Christians worldwide persecuted, report shows
About 215 million Christians are being persecuted due to their faith, according to a report released by the Open Doors organization Wednesday. This represents 1 in 12 Christians worldwide.
Iranian Christian Receive Eight Year Sentences
Two Iranian Christians were sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by a revolutionary court in December 2017, after being convicted of national security-related crimes.
Moody Bible President, COO Resign Amid Controversy, Provost Retires
The president and chief operating officer of Moody Bible Institute have resigned amid controversy over the theological direction of the institution and allegations of shady administration practices, the school announced Wednesday. One of the school's provosts will also be retiring.
Around the World
Iranian FM in Russia for talks on nuclear deal, Syria
Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Moscow for talks focusing on the future of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the situation in Syria, where both nations support President Bashar Assad.
Dollar bruised by worries over China's stance on US bonds
The dollar nursed its losses against the yen on Thursday, having suffered its biggest one-day drop in nearly eight months following a report that China was ready to slow or halt its purchases of US Treasuries.
Europe, Iran to meet on backing nuclear deal as Trump decision looms
Europe and Iran are to put on a united front in support of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal at talks in Brussels Thursday as Washington mulls reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to hold meeting on Jerusalem next month
The Arab League will meet on February 1 to discuss how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's move last month to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Egypt's state news agency MENA said on Wednesday.
Norway, EU call meeting in bid to ‘speed up’ efforts for 2-state solution
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an 'extraordinary session' of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
Support for Israel among young evangelicals dips, says new survey
A new study has some troubling news for Israel and its supporters, who have come to rely on the political and financial support of the 25 percent of Americans who identify as evangelical Christians.
Inside the United States
A Federal Judge Has Blocked Trump's Plan to End the DACA Program for Young Immigrants
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
GOP gambles with vote on controversial surveillance bill
House Republicans on Thursday will try to reauthorize a key but controversial counterterrorism tool, despite a split among lawmakers that could end up sinking the bill.
Growing number of retirements threatens Republican House majority
The Republican Party’s tenuous grip on the House majority slipped Wednesday after Rep. Darrell Issa became the second California Republican this week to opt for retirement over fighting an uncertain battle for re-election.
California's Brown Raises Prospect of Pension Cuts in Downturn
California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.
Christian News
Militant Muslims Firebomb Evangelical Church in Kyrgyzstan; Flames Stop at Open Bible
Christians said they saw a 'sign from God' following a firebombing attack by Muslim militants on an evangelical church in Kyrgyzstan. The flames burned through much of the interior but stopped at the open Bible on the altar.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran's Islamic government.
Iranian FM in Russia for talks on nuclear deal, Syria
Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Moscow for talks focusing on the future of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the situation in Syria, where both nations support President Bashar Assad.
Dollar bruised by worries over China's stance on US bonds
The dollar nursed its losses against the yen on Thursday, having suffered its biggest one-day drop in nearly eight months following a report that China was ready to slow or halt its purchases of US Treasuries.
Europe, Iran to meet on backing nuclear deal as Trump decision looms
Europe and Iran are to put on a united front in support of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal at talks in Brussels Thursday as Washington mulls reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to hold meeting on Jerusalem next month
The Arab League will meet on February 1 to discuss how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's move last month to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Egypt's state news agency MENA said on Wednesday.
Norway, EU call meeting in bid to ‘speed up’ efforts for 2-state solution
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an 'extraordinary session' of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
Support for Israel among young evangelicals dips, says new survey
A new study has some troubling news for Israel and its supporters, who have come to rely on the political and financial support of the 25 percent of Americans who identify as evangelical Christians.
Inside the United States
A Federal Judge Has Blocked Trump's Plan to End the DACA Program for Young Immigrants
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
GOP gambles with vote on controversial surveillance bill
House Republicans on Thursday will try to reauthorize a key but controversial counterterrorism tool, despite a split among lawmakers that could end up sinking the bill.
Growing number of retirements threatens Republican House majority
The Republican Party’s tenuous grip on the House majority slipped Wednesday after Rep. Darrell Issa became the second California Republican this week to opt for retirement over fighting an uncertain battle for re-election.
California's Brown Raises Prospect of Pension Cuts in Downturn
California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.
Christian News
Militant Muslims Firebomb Evangelical Church in Kyrgyzstan; Flames Stop at Open Bible
Christians said they saw a 'sign from God' following a firebombing attack by Muslim militants on an evangelical church in Kyrgyzstan. The flames burned through much of the interior but stopped at the open Bible on the altar.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran's Islamic government.