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
China Extends Feared Detention Centers
Corruption suspects in China prepare for a Chinese New Year behind bars across the Communist-run nation. Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly built or expanded more than 200 specialized detention facilities nationwide to interrogate those allegedly involved in graft.
China Hacks US Treasury In Major Security Breach’
Investigations into a significant security breach were ongoing Tuesday after China-backed experts allegedly managed to hack the U.S. Treasury Department's computers, “stealing” documents in what officials called a "major incident.”
Russia, Ukraine Exchange Hundreds Of Prisoners
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, officials confirmed.
Scores Killed In Ethiopia As Truck Crashes After Wedding
Authorities say at least 71 people have died in southern Ethiopia after a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river after returning from a wedding event.
NATO Sceptic Croatian President Wins Election
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, a critic of the European Union and NATO aid to Ukraine, won the first round of presidential elections on Sunday. Still, he did not receive enough votes to avoid a runoff on January 12.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Launches Operation in Syria
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a major operation in Quneitra, a strategically significant city in southwestern Syria near the Golan Heights. Syrian sources have confirmed that Israeli tanks have surrounded government buildings and issued evacuation orders, according to Sky News Arabia on Monday.
Israel Shoots Down Ballistic Missile Fired From Yemen, Triggers Alarms Across Israel
Late Monday night, sirens were triggered across central Israel as air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this was the seventh such nighttime attack in less than two weeks. The missile was successfully intercepted before it could reach Israeli territory.
Inside the United States
Trump Endorses Speaker Johnson to Keep Leadership Post
President-elect Donald Trump on Monday endorsed Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson to keep his leadership role when a new Congress is sworn in after the first of the year.
Venezuelan Prison Gang Crime, Arrests Confirmed in 22 U.S. States
Of the more than 14 million illegal border crossers reported under the Biden administration, an unknown number of violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua prison gang members illegally entered the country.
Southern US Tornadoes Kill at Least Four
Dozens of tornadoes swept the southern United States at the weekend, killing at least four people, Axios reports.
Christian News
Nigeria: “14 Christians murdered after church carol service,” “A trail of grief and trauma”
Three days before Christmas on December 22, suspected Fulani Islamic terrorists in Nigeria’s Plateau state ambushed and murdered 14 Christians, including a pregnant woman and her 1-year-old daughter, shortly after a carol service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Pastor and Family Members Killed In Colombia
A Protestant pastor in northern Colombia was killed, along with two family members, after being attacked while having lunch following a church service on Sunday, Christians told Worthy News.
China Extends Feared Detention Centers
Corruption suspects in China prepare for a Chinese New Year behind bars across the Communist-run nation. Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly built or expanded more than 200 specialized detention facilities nationwide to interrogate those allegedly involved in graft.
China Hacks US Treasury In Major Security Breach’
Investigations into a significant security breach were ongoing Tuesday after China-backed experts allegedly managed to hack the U.S. Treasury Department's computers, “stealing” documents in what officials called a "major incident.”
Russia, Ukraine Exchange Hundreds Of Prisoners
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, officials confirmed.
Scores Killed In Ethiopia As Truck Crashes After Wedding
Authorities say at least 71 people have died in southern Ethiopia after a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river after returning from a wedding event.
NATO Sceptic Croatian President Wins Election
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, a critic of the European Union and NATO aid to Ukraine, won the first round of presidential elections on Sunday. Still, he did not receive enough votes to avoid a runoff on January 12.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Launches Operation in Syria
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a major operation in Quneitra, a strategically significant city in southwestern Syria near the Golan Heights. Syrian sources have confirmed that Israeli tanks have surrounded government buildings and issued evacuation orders, according to Sky News Arabia on Monday.
Israel Shoots Down Ballistic Missile Fired From Yemen, Triggers Alarms Across Israel
Late Monday night, sirens were triggered across central Israel as air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this was the seventh such nighttime attack in less than two weeks. The missile was successfully intercepted before it could reach Israeli territory.
Inside the United States
Trump Endorses Speaker Johnson to Keep Leadership Post
President-elect Donald Trump on Monday endorsed Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson to keep his leadership role when a new Congress is sworn in after the first of the year.
Venezuelan Prison Gang Crime, Arrests Confirmed in 22 U.S. States
Of the more than 14 million illegal border crossers reported under the Biden administration, an unknown number of violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua prison gang members illegally entered the country.
Southern US Tornadoes Kill at Least Four
Dozens of tornadoes swept the southern United States at the weekend, killing at least four people, Axios reports.
Christian News
Nigeria: “14 Christians murdered after church carol service,” “A trail of grief and trauma”
Three days before Christmas on December 22, suspected Fulani Islamic terrorists in Nigeria’s Plateau state ambushed and murdered 14 Christians, including a pregnant woman and her 1-year-old daughter, shortly after a carol service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Pastor and Family Members Killed In Colombia
A Protestant pastor in northern Colombia was killed, along with two family members, after being attacked while having lunch following a church service on Sunday, Christians told Worthy News.
Around the World
Georgia’s Pro-Western President Refuses To Step Down (Worthy News Radio)
Georgia’s pro-Western head-of-state said Sunday that she would remain the “only legitimate president” despite a new leader being sworn in following a controversial election. Salome Zourabichvili made the comments amid a turbulent inauguration of her successor, a former soccer star who critics view as a far-right pro-Russian politician.
At Least 179 Killed In South Korea Crash (Worthy News In-Depth)
Authorities say that among the 181 people aboard the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, all but two were killed after the aircraft crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning local time.
Crimea Facing Ecological Disaster After Deadly Oil Spil
Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, annexed by Russia a decade ago, still faced an ecological disaster Sunday from a major oil spill, two weeks after two tankers were hit by a storm in the Black Sea, killing one crew member, Russian officials announced.
Azerbaijan Says Russia Caused Plane Crash (Worthy News Radio)
Azerbaijani government sources and survivors say a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. The United States also suggested that Russia was behind the crash, raising concerns about air safety in the region amid an ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
US Suggests Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Was Downed by Russian Air Defense
The United States said Friday that it has evidence suggesting Russian air defense systems may have shot down the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan this week.
Russia Accused Of Involvement In Air Crash (Worthy News Investigation)
Russia’s aviation authority claimed Friday that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed on Wednesday “deviated” from its planned destination of Grozny “due to heavy fog and Ukrainian drones.”
NATO to Bolster Military Presence in Baltic Sea
The NATO chief announced Friday that the military alliance would strengthen its presence in the Baltic Sea following Russia's suspected sabotage of an undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia.
South Korea’s Acting President Impeached
South Korea's political crisis deepened Friday as the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo despite loud protests by governing party lawmakers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Conducts Covert Raid on Iranian Missile Site in Syria
An exclusive report by Israel's KAN News on Sunday revealed that Israel executed a commando raid in September on an underground Iranian missile production facility near Maysaf, Syria. The operation targeted two key sites: the Syrian defense industry's Scientific Studies and Research Center and an underground facility operated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
Netanyahu Recuperates Following Successful Prostate Surgery
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is alert and recuperating following successful prostate surgery at Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center, according to a late Sunday statement from his office. The statement also noted that the prime minister has been transferred to a fortified recovery ward underground.
Inside the United States
Jimmy Carter, 39th President, Dies At 100
Jimmy Carter, the dedicated Christian who was America’s 39th president and won the Nobel Peace Prize, has died at age 100, his son says.
Violent Venezuelan Gang Expands Operations in Northeast, Mid-Atlantic
Members of the violent Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), continue to expand criminal operations nationwide, including in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Virginia.
NASA Probe Calls Home After Close Encounter With Sun
NASA Probe Calls Home After Close Encounter With Sun The U.S. space agency says its Parker Solar Probe has called home after it survived the closest human-backed approach to the sun in recorded history.
Christian News
Sri Lanka: Evangelicals Warn Government Proposal May Restrict Religious Freedom
A national evangelical association in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka has raised concerns that a new government proposal may restrict freedom of religion or belief for minority faith groups in the country if enacted, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.
Pakistan: Middle-Aged Christian Woman Jailed for Blasphemy
A 50-year-old Christian woman in Punjab Province, Pakistan has been jailed after being charged with committing blasphemy by allegedly burning books containing Islamic scripture, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Pakistan: Hope for Christian Youth Jailed on Blasphemy Charges
A 17-year-old Christian youth who is incarcerated in Punjab Province, Pakistan has been granted bail in one of three cases against him of blasphemy - although he will remain in prison over Christmas because of the remaining two cases, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Georgia’s Pro-Western President Refuses To Step Down (Worthy News Radio)
Georgia’s pro-Western head-of-state said Sunday that she would remain the “only legitimate president” despite a new leader being sworn in following a controversial election. Salome Zourabichvili made the comments amid a turbulent inauguration of her successor, a former soccer star who critics view as a far-right pro-Russian politician.
At Least 179 Killed In South Korea Crash (Worthy News In-Depth)
Authorities say that among the 181 people aboard the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, all but two were killed after the aircraft crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning local time.
Crimea Facing Ecological Disaster After Deadly Oil Spil
Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, annexed by Russia a decade ago, still faced an ecological disaster Sunday from a major oil spill, two weeks after two tankers were hit by a storm in the Black Sea, killing one crew member, Russian officials announced.
Azerbaijan Says Russia Caused Plane Crash (Worthy News Radio)
Azerbaijani government sources and survivors say a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. The United States also suggested that Russia was behind the crash, raising concerns about air safety in the region amid an ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
US Suggests Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Was Downed by Russian Air Defense
The United States said Friday that it has evidence suggesting Russian air defense systems may have shot down the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan this week.
Russia Accused Of Involvement In Air Crash (Worthy News Investigation)
Russia’s aviation authority claimed Friday that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed on Wednesday “deviated” from its planned destination of Grozny “due to heavy fog and Ukrainian drones.”
NATO to Bolster Military Presence in Baltic Sea
The NATO chief announced Friday that the military alliance would strengthen its presence in the Baltic Sea following Russia's suspected sabotage of an undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia.
South Korea’s Acting President Impeached
South Korea's political crisis deepened Friday as the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo despite loud protests by governing party lawmakers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Conducts Covert Raid on Iranian Missile Site in Syria
An exclusive report by Israel's KAN News on Sunday revealed that Israel executed a commando raid in September on an underground Iranian missile production facility near Maysaf, Syria. The operation targeted two key sites: the Syrian defense industry's Scientific Studies and Research Center and an underground facility operated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
Netanyahu Recuperates Following Successful Prostate Surgery
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is alert and recuperating following successful prostate surgery at Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center, according to a late Sunday statement from his office. The statement also noted that the prime minister has been transferred to a fortified recovery ward underground.
Inside the United States
Jimmy Carter, 39th President, Dies At 100
Jimmy Carter, the dedicated Christian who was America’s 39th president and won the Nobel Peace Prize, has died at age 100, his son says.
Violent Venezuelan Gang Expands Operations in Northeast, Mid-Atlantic
Members of the violent Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), continue to expand criminal operations nationwide, including in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Virginia.
NASA Probe Calls Home After Close Encounter With Sun
NASA Probe Calls Home After Close Encounter With Sun The U.S. space agency says its Parker Solar Probe has called home after it survived the closest human-backed approach to the sun in recorded history.
Christian News
Sri Lanka: Evangelicals Warn Government Proposal May Restrict Religious Freedom
A national evangelical association in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka has raised concerns that a new government proposal may restrict freedom of religion or belief for minority faith groups in the country if enacted, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.
Pakistan: Middle-Aged Christian Woman Jailed for Blasphemy
A 50-year-old Christian woman in Punjab Province, Pakistan has been jailed after being charged with committing blasphemy by allegedly burning books containing Islamic scripture, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Pakistan: Hope for Christian Youth Jailed on Blasphemy Charges
A 17-year-old Christian youth who is incarcerated in Punjab Province, Pakistan has been granted bail in one of three cases against him of blasphemy - although he will remain in prison over Christmas because of the remaining two cases, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Around the World
Russia Hits Ukraine’s Infrastructure In Christmas Barrage Ignoring Vatican
Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, ignoring appeals from Pope Francis for a Christmas truce in the war-torn nation and around the world.
Dutch King Urges Jews Not To Leave After ‘Pogrom’ And Other Attacks
Dutch King Willem-Alexander urged the Dutch Jewish community on Christmas Day to remain in the Netherlands despite concerns about mounting antisemitism.
Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes, Dozens Killed
An Embraer passenger plane flying from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday with 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities announced, saying that 32 people had survived.
Ex-Suriname President Bouterse Dies In Hiding After Conviction For Murders
Suriname’s ex-president Desi Bouterse, who was on the run after being convicted for political murders, has died, several Surinamese sources say. He was 79.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Houthis Target Israel with Missile and Drone Attacks
Israeli air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels early Wednesday, marking the second consecutive night and fourth attack in a week targeting central Israel in an escalating near-nightly pattern. The same day, the Houthis also launched a drone that crashed in an open area near Ashkelon in southern Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Inside the United States
Bah, Humbug! Rand Paul Report Details ‘Waste’ in Federal Spending
Congress and federal agencies wasted more than $1 trillion of taxpayer money in 2024, according to an analysis published by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, who has long called for fiscal responsibility and the end of waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer money.
Chinese Spies Arrested in California
People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operatives and spies continue to be arrested in the U.S. The latest include two Chinese spies in California and several arrested in Guam near a U.S. military installation on the same day as an historic live ballistic missile interception test.
Christian News
German Christians in Mourning Over Christmas Market Attack
Christian churches in Germany are mourning with the loved ones of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries during the terrorist attack on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.
Congo (DRC): 60 New Believers to Be Baptized in Christmas Day Service, “A Christmas Miracle”
A beacon of light and hope in a country devastated by war, dozens of newly Christian believers were to be baptized at a special Christmas Day service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian Today (CT) reports.
Vietnam: Christians Arrested Ahead of Christmas, “Following Jesus Can Bring Intense Hostility”
Multiple ethnic Montagnard Christian leaders in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region were arrested on December 21 after they began preparing to celebrate Christmas and led congregations in unauthorized worship services, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Sudan: Abused Christian Mother Stands Firm in New Faith
A Sudanese refugee and Christian mother whose husband stabbed her for leaving Islam and putting her faith in Christ is reported to be standing firm in her new faith despite her family’s ongoing hostility and the challenge of living in a camp for displaced people, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Russia Hits Ukraine’s Infrastructure In Christmas Barrage Ignoring Vatican
Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, ignoring appeals from Pope Francis for a Christmas truce in the war-torn nation and around the world.
Dutch King Urges Jews Not To Leave After ‘Pogrom’ And Other Attacks
Dutch King Willem-Alexander urged the Dutch Jewish community on Christmas Day to remain in the Netherlands despite concerns about mounting antisemitism.
Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes, Dozens Killed
An Embraer passenger plane flying from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday with 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities announced, saying that 32 people had survived.
Ex-Suriname President Bouterse Dies In Hiding After Conviction For Murders
Suriname’s ex-president Desi Bouterse, who was on the run after being convicted for political murders, has died, several Surinamese sources say. He was 79.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Houthis Target Israel with Missile and Drone Attacks
Israeli air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels early Wednesday, marking the second consecutive night and fourth attack in a week targeting central Israel in an escalating near-nightly pattern. The same day, the Houthis also launched a drone that crashed in an open area near Ashkelon in southern Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Inside the United States
Bah, Humbug! Rand Paul Report Details ‘Waste’ in Federal Spending
Congress and federal agencies wasted more than $1 trillion of taxpayer money in 2024, according to an analysis published by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, who has long called for fiscal responsibility and the end of waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer money.
Chinese Spies Arrested in California
People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operatives and spies continue to be arrested in the U.S. The latest include two Chinese spies in California and several arrested in Guam near a U.S. military installation on the same day as an historic live ballistic missile interception test.
Christian News
German Christians in Mourning Over Christmas Market Attack
Christian churches in Germany are mourning with the loved ones of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries during the terrorist attack on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.
Congo (DRC): 60 New Believers to Be Baptized in Christmas Day Service, “A Christmas Miracle”
A beacon of light and hope in a country devastated by war, dozens of newly Christian believers were to be baptized at a special Christmas Day service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian Today (CT) reports.
Vietnam: Christians Arrested Ahead of Christmas, “Following Jesus Can Bring Intense Hostility”
Multiple ethnic Montagnard Christian leaders in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region were arrested on December 21 after they began preparing to celebrate Christmas and led congregations in unauthorized worship services, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Sudan: Abused Christian Mother Stands Firm in New Faith
A Sudanese refugee and Christian mother whose husband stabbed her for leaving Islam and putting her faith in Christ is reported to be standing firm in her new faith despite her family’s ongoing hostility and the challenge of living in a camp for displaced people, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.