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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – The U.S. military struck Houthi targets in Yemen late Saturday “in a message to Iran” at a time when the U.S. administration is proposing to open negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program, U.S. and Israeli sources say. The air and naval strikes hit the Iran-backed Houthis’ radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems. Witnesses said dust was seen over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, after the strikes. U.S. President Donald J. Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform, “Today, I have ordered the United States military to launch decisive and powerful military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American and other ships, aircraft, and drones.” Trump also slammed his predecessor, former president Joe Biden, for his “pathetically weak” handling of the Houthi threat. “It has been over a year since a U.S. flagged commercial ship safely sailed through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden. The last American Warship to go through the Red Sea, four months ago, was attacked by the Houthis over a dozen times,” Trump wrote. “Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at U.S. aircraft and targeted our Troops and Allies. These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” he added. However, “The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective. The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a haltand attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends.” Trump warned on Truth Social: “All Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!” He also told Iran that “Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes.” Trump made clear to Tehran, “If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!” The post U.S. Strikes Houthis In Message To Iran appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News LONDON/BUDAPEST/KYIV (Worthy News) – Britain has made clear it supports U.S. plans for a ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine, however Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that the question of territory in his nation’s war with Russia is “complicated” and must be discussed at a later stage. Speaking at a press briefing in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Ukraine would never recognize the occupied territory as Russian. He added that he wasn’t aware of what exactly U.S. and Russian officials discussed during recent talks in Moscow. However, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that he supports U.S. efforts for a ceasefire to end a war that is believed to have killed some 1 million people. He said the “guns must fall silent in Ukraine.”Starmer added that military powers would meet next week as plans to secure a peace deal move to an “operational phase.” The British prime minister added that Vladimir Putin’s “yes, but” approach to a proposed ceasefire was “not good enough,” and the Russian president would have to negotiate “sooner or later.” He accused Putin of trying to delay peace and added it must become a reality after more than three years of war. COALITION OF THE WILLING Starmer spoke at a press conference in Downing Street after a video link meeting of the “coalition of the willing.” That coalition included, besides Ukraine, the European Commission, European nations, the NATO military alliance, Canada, Ukraine, Australia, and New Zealand. Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the Saturday meeting. It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukrainian troops in Russia’s region of Kursk to surrender. Kyiv had hoped to keep that territory as leverage for peace talks but recently suffered setbacks. Civilians suffer too: On Saturday, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider said overnight Russian airstrikes damaged its energy facilities in the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions. In a statement, DTEK warned that “damages are significant” and that some consumers in both regions were left without power. The post Britain Supports U.S.-Backed Ceasefire for Ukraine appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News MANILA/THE HAGUE (Worthy News) – Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has appeared by video link before judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for alleged “crimes against humanity” during his “war on drugs.” A judge said Duterte had been allowed to participate in his first ICC hearing through videoconference because he “had just come off a long flight.” Duterte, wearing a jacket and tie, listened to the hearing through headphones, often with his eyes closed. He spoke in English to confirm his name, date, and place of birth. Presiding judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc set a pre-trial hearing date of September 23 to determine whether the prosecution’s evidence is strong enough to merit sending the case to trial. If a trial continues, it could take years, and if Duterte is convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, ICC observers said. Duterte’s lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, stressed that his client had been “abducted from his country.” “He was summarily transported to The Hague” this week, Medialdea said. “To lawyers, it’s extrajudicial rendition. For less legal minds, it’s pure and simple kidnapping.” ‘POLITICAL SCORE-SETTING His lawyer called Duterte’s arrest “political score-settling” in the Philippines. Critics also point out that the Philippines is not a member of the ICC. However, current President Ferdinand Marcos said the country acted on an arrest warrant from Interpol, of which the Philippines is a member, adding, “Politics doesn’t enter into it.” However, Medialdea said that the detention comes at a time when Duterte, 79, has been under observation at a hospital because of health issues. Duterte’s children have been trying to rally support for their father over recent days. They have accused the Philippines government of undermining the country’s sovereignty by complying with the arrest warrant and demanding that he be returned. His eldest daughter, Sara Duterte, who is the vice president, traveled to the ICC, where she condemned her father’s detention. Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica, who has shared a video of her father’s arrest on social media, has called for people “to light a candle” in support. And, Duterte fans told Worthy News they were “praying for his release” despite allegations that up to 30,000 people, mainly poor men and boys, had been shot dead randomly under Duterte’s rule. “He saved the lives of at least a million Filipinos with his war on drugs,” a municipal worker told Worthy News, who asked not to be identified. LOVED ONES KILLED Yet, loved ones of those killed by Duterte’s forces saw his detention as a way to justice. Remains from more than a dozen victims of extrajudicial killings were laid to rest at a cemetery in Manila this week. The ceremony, overseen by a priest, was part of a non-government organization’s program to help impoverished victims of Duterte’s war on drugs to find a resting place for their slain relatives. Some were overwhelmed by tears as their loved ones received the dignity they had lacked when Duterte’s forces shot them dead. Among the remains that were interred was the 44-year-old son of Josephine Comendo, who was killed in 2016. “The justice that we want for those who died is slowly moving forward,” a mother said. Comdneo said Duterte’s arrest has helped her family “move on.” Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC in The Hague. Tuesday’s shocking arrest comes barely a month after the impeachment of Duterte’s daughter Sara, the country’s vice president, leaving the family’s national political fortunes in deep peril, analysts say. NOT PROMISING “Let me put it this way. Their situation wasn’t promising in the first place, even before all of these things happened,” said Michael Henry Yusingco, senior fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center, pointing to polling for May’s mid-term elections. Only three candidates from Duterte’s PDP Laban party are on track to grab one of the 12 nationally elected Senate seats, while Marcos’s ruling New Philippines Alliance has eight candidates firmly among the leaders, pollsters say. Those elected will hold the deciding votes in the trial of the vice president, impeached last month on charges of graft, corruption, and an alleged plot to assassinate her former running mate Marcos. The elder Dutertes was arrested this week at Manila’s international airport after returning home from a trip from Hong Kong despite an ICC warrant for his arrest. The decision to return may have been because he hoped “to portray himself as a victim,” political analyst Richard Heydarian told French news agency AFP, a gambit that immediately backfired. “The government outsmarted him by making sure that they had a mechanism in place to… whisk him away directly to The Hague,” Heydarian said. “I think that really caught them off guard because I think the Dutertes were hoping to… employ legal delaying tactics,” he said, like taking it to the courts to buy supporters time to mount large-scale rallies. But the speed of Duterte’s transfer to The Hague—he was arrested and flown out on the same day—made any such plans moot. Analysts said that without the quarrel between the vice president and Marcos, the handover to the ICC may never have happened. Yet whatever the reason, those mourning the victims of extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s reign are pleased that he may now face a fair trial that was denied to their loved ones. The post Philippines Ex-President Faces ICC Court As Mothers Mourn Loved Ones (Worthy News In-Depth) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News KYIV/MOSCOW/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Ukrainian troops suffering setbacks in Russia’s border region of Kursk to surrender and said he was open to U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s request to “spare their lives.” Putin also announced he could agree on a ceasefire with Ukraine “with nuances” after a Kremlin official suggested he was “cautiously optimistic” about a deal, though Kyiv remaimed sceptical. “If they lay down their arms and surrender, their lives will be guaranteed, and they will be treated with dignity,” the Russian president stated Friday. He also urged Ukrainian leaders to order their troops to surrender, a view shared by Trump. “At this very moment, thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military and in a very bad and vulnerable position,” Trump wrote in all capital letters on his Truth Social media platform, monitored by Worthy News. “I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!,” he added. “Thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military,” Trump wrote in all capital letters on his Truth Social media platform. He added that he asked Putin to spare the lives of the Ukrainian troops. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that his forces in partially occupied Kursk are in serious trouble, describing the situation as “very difficult.” However, Ukraine has denied Trump’s assertion that Russian forces have encircled its troops. Yet several sources indicated that thousands have withdrawn from key positions. ATTACKING TROOPS After hammering Ukrainian troops for days around Sudzha, Russian forces retook the town in the Kursk region, Russian officials claimed Thursday. If current trends continue, Russian forces could soon recapture the entire area that Ukrainian troops had occupied since August, explained the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based research group that publishes daily assessments of the conflict. Russia had steadily built up a large force around Kursk since Ukrainians seized the area in August, with an estimated 78,000 Russian and North Korean troops on the ground, according to the research group. Ukrainian troops seized the area inside Russia, just over Ukraine’s eastern border, last year in an audacious move that embarrassed Moscow. It was the first time a nation had captured Russian land since World War II. However, losing control of the Kursk region would be a blow for Kyiv, as the Ukrainian government viewed the area as valuable leverage in future peace talks. Over the past 11 days, Russian forces stepped up ground and air attacks on the Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region from multiple directions, two Western officials and a military analyst said. European officials and analysts say the intensified offensive was launched after the Trump administration temporarily suspended military and intelligence assistance to Kyiv. ASSISTANCE RESTORED The U.S. assistance was restored on Wednesday after the Trump administration said it was satisfied Ukraine’s government was ready to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who met U.S. delegates in Saudi Arabia this week, said his country supports a 30-day ceasefire toward lasting peace. But he accused Russia of “deliberately setting conditions that only complicate and drag out the process.” As Ukrainian troops came under pressure in Kursk, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Putin in Moscow on Thursday to try to advance the proposed ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. A Kremlin spokesperson said afterward that there were “reasons to be cautiously optimistic” about the prospects for ending the war. Before meeting Witkoff, Putin said that although “in theory” he accepted the ceasefire on the table, he said many “nuances” had to be worked out, including the fate of Ukrainian troops in Kursk. European officials and Kyiv suggested that Putin appeared to be trying to complicate the negotiations to buy time for Russian forces as they advance in Kursk. Referring to the Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, Putin asked what would happen to the troops if a ceasefire was agreed upon. “Will all those who are there come out without a fight? Or will the Ukrainian leadership order them to lay down arms and surrender?” However, President Trump didn’t give up hope. “We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The post Putin Urges Ukrainian Troops in Russia to Surrender, Citing Trump’s Appeal (Worthy News Focus) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Dan McCaleb and Therese Boudreaux | The Center Square (Worthy News) – With just a day before the potential for a government shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., switched course Thursday night and said he would vote to approve House Republicans’ Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. “I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. Just a day earlier, Schumer said Democrats would not support the House bill unless a Democratic amendment was added to shorten the stopgap budget to one month. The measure passed by the Republican majority in the House funds the government for more than six months, through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. Republicans, who hold a slight majority in the Senate, need eight Democratic votes to avoid a filibuster and move the Continuing Resolution to the floor for a full Senate vote, when only a majority is needed to pass it and send it to President Donald Trump’s desk. Trump supports the measure. Up until Thursday night, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the only Democrat to say publicly that he would support the CR, arguing that Democrats’ demand for a futile vote on their own stopgap is merely a symbolic show of defiance against Trump. With Schumer now saying he will vote for the GOP CR, the door is open for other Democrats to follow suit. Without passage, many parts of the federal government would shut down at midnight. As The Center Square previously reported, Republicans’ 99-page bill would keep most government spending on autopilot through the end of the existing fiscal year on Sept. 30. The CR makes some funding adjustments from fiscal year 2024, including slashing $13 billion in non-defense spending, boosting defense spending by $6 billion, increasing WIC and CSFP nutritional programs spending by $500 million and $36 million, respectively. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Schumer Says He’ll Now Vote to Approve GOP Spending Bill, Avoid Shutdown appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WARSAW/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Poland’s president says he has discussed with Washington transferring U.S. nuclear weapons to its territory as a deterrent against Russian aggression. Andrzej Duda said he spoke about the issue with U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg. Poland has previously made clear it would be ready to host U.S. weapons under a nuclear arms-sharing program. Additionally, Polish policymakers have recently expressed interest in French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to extend Paris’s nuclear umbrella to its European allies. “Russia did not even hesitate when they were relocating their nuclear weapons into Belarus,” Duda told the Financial Times newspaper about actions Russia took beginning in 2023, a year after it invaded Ukraine. “They didn’t ask anyone’s permission.” The White House did not immediately respond. However, Trump has said the U.S. will defend NATO military alliance members such as Poland if they spend more on defense. NATIONAL DEFENSE Duda recently announced that his country plans to spend 4.7 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense this year. He added that the national defense budget is expected to reach 30 billion euros ($32.5 billion), making it the largest among NATO countries. According to official figures, Poland already spends 4.1 percent of its GDP on defense. This week, the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also said the government wants to launch a new program to offer voluntary military training starting next year, with a target of training 100,000 volunteers in 2027. “The most important thing for us is that every person interested can participate in such training no later than 2026. And that is a difficult task, but I know it is doable,” Tusk added. “In 2027, we will achieve the ability to train 100,000 volunteers per year… Apart from the professional army and beyond the Territorial Defence Force, we must de facto build an army of reservists, and our actions will serve this purpose.” Poland’s concerns about Russia are rooted in its recent history: the country was occupied by Russian soldiers as a Soviet satellite state from the end of World War Two until 1993. Adding nuclear weapons to its military deterrence is seen as crucial in Warsaw. Duda’s advisor on international affairs, Wojciech Kolarski, echoed the Polish president’s nuclear plea Thursday on Polish radio. He said as a NATO member who shares a border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, as well as war-torn Ukraine and Belarus, the atomic weapons steps were necessary for the security of Eastern Europe’s largest economy outside Russia. The post Poland Seeks Stationing U.S. Nuclear Weapons appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Luke Booker, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – In 2024, Christians in India experienced significant levels of violence and discrimination, with 640 reported cases, a surge in cases since 2014, according to the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Religious Liberty Commission (EFIRLC). Last year, four Christians were murdered, along with 255 incidents of threats and harassment, 129 arrests, 76 instances of physical violence, 60 cases of gender-based violence, 46 disruptions of worship services, and 41 acts of vandalism, according to a EFIRLC report entitled, “Faith at Risk: Examining Violence and Discrimination Against Christians in India (2024).” “What most concerns us is that on average, four to five churches or pastors are attacked every day, with attacks coming close to doubling every Sunday when believers come to worship,” Rev. Vijayesh Lal, Evangelical Fellowship of India’s general secretary, told Morning Star News. “We’re not asking for special treatment but for the religious freedom guarantees under the constitution to be enforced on an even-handed basis,” Lal told MSN News.. “All Indians must be able to practice their faith without violence and intimidation. We urge all state governments to enforce the rule of law and bring offenders of religious violence to justice, whoever they are or from whatever religious and political background they belong to.” The 640 incidents in 2024 mark an increase from the 601 cases reported in 2023 and represent nearly a 400% surge from the 147 incidents recorded in 2014. This ongoing rise highlights a decade-long trend of increasing hostility toward the Christian minority, which makes up 2.3% of India’s population. Uttar Pradesh remained the epicenter of anti-Christian incidents, with pastors and other Christians often arrested on unfounded charges of forced conversions. Police routinely detained Christians after prayer meetings, family gatherings, and celebrations, typically without credible evidence. The report emphasized numerous cases where such arrests disrupted religious activities and fostered fear within the Christian communities. According to the Joshua Project, India is home to one of the largest concentrations of unreached people groups, with over 1.3 billion people having little to no access to the gospel. India currently ranks 11th on Open Doors’ World Watch List, which identifies the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. However, in 2013, it was ranked 31st, but persecution has steadily intensified in India over the past decade. The post Christian Group Reports Rising Persecution in India appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, understand the war you are fighting! Daniel 10:12-14 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days [acharit hayamim (in the end of days), for the vision refers to many days yet to come." Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Make no mistake—the spirit of antisemitism is very much alive today. Yet this isn't a new struggle. It is an ancient spiritual war that has been ongoing for thousands of years. As people worldwide celebrate Purim, recalling the Jewish people’s deliverance from Haman's evil schemes that took place in the ancient Kingdom of Persia (Iran), we are reminded of a deeper reality: a spiritual conflict between heavenly powers and demonic principalities. In Daniel's time, this battle was clearly depicted as the Principality of Persia waged war against the angels of God, delaying Daniel’s answer to prayer for twenty-one days. When the Apostle Paul wrote of our battle being not against flesh and blood but against spiritual principalities, I firmly believe he was recalling this ancient conflict revealed to Daniel. The very same spiritual enemy who opposed God's people then continues to oppose Israel today. When we witness this in the rhetoric and actions of modern-day Iranian leaders who openly call for Israel’s destruction, this is not just geopolitics; it's the continuation of the spiritual war that was present in Esther's day, a prophetic battle outlined long ago. This ongoing struggle reaffirms the truth and power of our faith. The persistent hatred towards the Jewish people testifies to the existence of our God. The unrest and conflict we see today in the Middle East serve as undeniable evidence of Daniel's prophecy unfolding before our eyes. Indeed, these are signs of the "acharit hayamim," the end of days. So let us grasp this truth clearly: the conflict Israel faces physically is, in reality, a spiritual war. We have been divinely positioned, just like Esther, for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14) And like the sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32), who understood their times and knew precisely what Israel should do, we too must discern our role in God’s prophetic plan. Friend, let us rise boldly in this hour! Stand firm in prayer, passionately seeking God’s divine purposes for Israel and the Middle East. Remember, we have indeed been born for this very moment in history -- for such a time as this! Shabbat Shalom, Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday), and have a great weekend. Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: Quick clarification—yesterday, my devotional mentioned "BCE" instead of "B.C." —but apparently, my overly helpful grammar/spell checker thought it knew better and swapped my "B.C." to "BCE" Whoops! Lesson learned: spellcheck doesn't always get along with theology. Next time, I'll keep an eye out for these sneaky autocorrect ambushes! Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce. Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out! Around the World Trump Threatens 200% Tariffs on European Wine, Spirits President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened European countries with a 200% tariff on wine, champagne and other alcoholic products from France and the European Union as U.S. booze makers urged free trade. Trump: Russia Giving ‘Promising Statement’ About Truce With Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a “very promising statement” about reaching a truce with Ukraine, U.S. President Donald J. Trump said after Moscow experienced its bloodiest Ukrainian drone attack. Duterte Takes ‘Full Responsibility’ For War on Drugs (Worthy News In-Depth) Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he takes full responsibility for his administration's "war on drugs" that killed thousands and is ready for a battle with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Dutch city of The Hague. Detained Ex-Philippines President In Netherlands For Mass Killings (Worthy News In-Depth) Ex-Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on Wednesday to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged “crimes against humanity” over his “war on drugs” that killed up to 30,000 people. Israel-Palestinian Conflict U.S. Proposes Ceasefire Deal to Secure Hostage Release U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a proposal to resolve the hostage crisis, as negotiations continue in Qatar over extending the Gaza ceasefire and releasing Israeli hostages. Israel Rejects UN Report That Accused Israel of “Genocidal Acts” Israel has rejected a United Nations report released Thursday, in which UN experts accused it of committing "genocidal acts" against Palestinians by systematically destroying women's healthcare facilities and using sexual violence as a war strategy during the Gaza conflict. Inside the United States Democrats Gamble With Government Shutdown as Deadline Looms Less than 48 hours before federal agencies run out of money, Senate Democrats have decided to risk a government shutdown in a largely symbolic effort to oppose the six-month funding stopgap endorsed by President Donald Trump. Report: Foreign-Born Population Hits ‘All-Time High’ The foreign-born population in the U.S. hit an all-time high in January, representing nearly 16% of the nation’s population, according to a new report. Christian News UK Court: Christian Can’t Be Prosecuted For Criticizing Koran A British court has thrown out the prosecution of a Christian preacher who was surrounded by an angry Muslim mob for criticizing the Koran, deemed a holy book by Muslims. USCIRF Investigates Continuing Christian Persecution in Myanmar The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar since a military coup overthrew the government was the focus of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hearing held in late February, according to a leading Christian advocacy group. Nigeria Christian Facing Death Sentence Despite Doubts About Trial (Worthy News Focus) An umbrella group of Nigeria’s main Christian denominations has condemned the Nigerian Supreme Court over upholding the death sentence for a Christian farmer who defended himself against an attack by Islamic Fulani herdsmen. Iran Sentences Christian Converts To Long Prison Terms An Iranian court has sentenced a Christian woman pregnant with her first child to 16 years imprisonment while two other believers also received lengthy jail terms for activities related to the Christian faith, trial observers confirmed Wednesday. Worthy Insights Oklahoma House Passes Bill Requiring ‘Chemical Castration’ For Sex Offenders Who Want Parole This week, the Oklahoma House passed a bill requiring registered child sex offenders to be “chemically castrated” in order to be released on parole. Mike Huckabee’s appointment as Israel ambassador could be in jeopardy The Senate confirmation hearing for Gov. Mike Huckabee to become the U.S. ambassador to Israel was delayed once again—this time from March 13 to March 25. Embryos are the new fuel for AI. Is this the future we want? Unborn children are being harvested as an energy source to fuel rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, a development that should deeply concern everyone. Israeli Expert: Through USAID, Taxpayers Funded Terror Regimes Even after October 7th Atrocities Roman cited Gaza as a case study, telling lawmakers, “$2.1 billion in American taxpayers’ money (went) to Gaza since October 7, when Hamas invaded southern Israel. USAID money was going in terms of an emergency use authorization to try to go to parties that USAID formerly had a relationship with in the Gaza Strip.” View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a proposal to resolve the hostage crisis, as negotiations continue in Qatar over extending the Gaza ceasefire and releasing Israeli hostages. Witkoff’s proposal includes two rounds of hostage releases, each involving five to six living hostages and the return of five to ten bodies. In exchange, Palestinian prisoners would be released, along with a 45-50 day ceasefire. Negotiations for the deal’s next phases would continue during the ceasefire. Additionally, humanitarian aid and electricity supplies to Gaza, previously halted by Israel, would resume. Reportedly, Israel is pressing for the release of additional hostages but has tentatively agreed to the current proposal, described by officials as an “interim agreement” to facilitate talks on the next phase. While Hamas has not rejected the U.S. proposal it demands an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor and a commitment to a second negotiation phase, as outlined in the original ceasefire agreement. The first phase of the hostage deal ended on March 1, but the ceasefire continues despite Hamas not releasing additional hostages. As of March 13, 59 hostages—24 officially confirmed alive—remain in Gaza after 523 days in captivity. During this proposed ceasefire, Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia within six weeks to advance Middle East normalization and expand the Abraham Accords to include more Arab and Muslim nations. The post U.S. Proposes Ceasefire Deal to Secure Hostage Release appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Israel has rejected a United Nations report released Thursday, in which UN experts accused it of committing “genocidal acts” against Palestinians by systematically destroying women’s healthcare facilities and using sexual violence as a war strategy during the Gaza conflict. A UN commission report accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting Gaza’s main fertility center, restricting women’s access to essential medical care for pregnancy and childbirth, and employing forced public stripping and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees—actions it says amount to genocidal attempts to destroy Palestinians’ reproductive capacity. Israel’s mission to the UN in Geneva forcefully rejected the report as politically motivated, asserting that Israeli military directives explicitly forbid such misconduct. It emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces maintain strict policies against these acts and that their internal review mechanisms comply fully with international standards. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the UN Human Rights Council as an “antisemitic, corrupt, irrelevant organization that supports terrorism,” emphasizing Israel’s deliberate withdrawal from the body. “Instead of focusing on the crimes against humanity and the war crimes that were perpetrated by the Hamas terrorist organization in the worst massacre carried out against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, the UN has again chosen to attack the state of Israel with false accusations, including baseless accusations of sexual violence”, Netanyahu said a released statement. “This is not a human rights council; it is a blood rights council.” U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Elise Stefanik agreed with Netanyahu, calling the report baseless and labeling it “antisemitic and anti-Israel slander.” She stated on X that the council failed to condemn the “barbaric atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against Israel including the brutal slaughter, torture, kidnapping of thousands of innocent civilians, and Hamas’ horrific use of rape and sexual violence against Israeli women and girls, yet disgracefully attacks Israel with unfounded smears.” Stefanik concluded, “This report exposes the disgraceful and obsessive antisemitism of UNHRC and reaffirms why President Trump took the strong, correct decisive executive action to withdraw from it.” The post Israel Rejects UN Report That Accused Israel of “Genocidal Acts” appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened European countries with a 200% tariff on wine, champagne and other alcoholic products from France and the European Union as U.S. booze makers urged free trade. Trump’s latest tariff threat comes in response to a planned European tariff on American whiskey. “The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky,” Trump wrote in a morning post on Truth Social. “If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.” Trump also made clear his feelings about the existing trade environment as he prepares to impose reciprocal tariffs on all nations that charge tariffs on U.S. products starting April 2. “The Entire World is RIPPING US OFF!!!” American spirit makers don’t want any tariffs and said shifting regionally-renowned products to other places doesn’t make sense. Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger called the latest trade threats disappointing. “For the past three years that the EU’s 25% tariff on American Whiskey has been suspended in the steel and aluminum dispute, U.S. distillers have worked hard to regain solid footing in our largest export market,” he said. “The EU’s announcement to reimpose these tariffs on American Whiskey at 50% on April 1 is deeply disappointing and will severely undercut the successful efforts to rebuild U.S. spirits exports in EU countries.” Other business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Farm Bureau Federation, have urged Trump to back off tariff threats, which has become the president’s go-to tool for addressing trade issues. Swonger said the U.S. and EU spirits sectors have had fair and reciprocal zero-for-zero tariffs between 1997 and 2018 while trade in spirits increased by nearly 450%. “Many spirits products are recognized as ‘distinctive products’ by the U.S. and EU and can only be made in their designated countries,” Swonger said. “As a result, the production of these spirits products, including Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, Cognac and Irish Whiskey, cannot simply be moved to another country or region.” He urged leaders in Europe and the U.S. to work toward free trade deals. “Reimposing these debilitating tariffs at a time when the spirits industry continues to face a slowdown in U.S. marketplace will further curtail growth and negatively impact distillers and farmers in states across the country,” Swonger said. “We urge the U.S. and EU governments to come to a resolution that gets our spirits industry back to zero-for-zero tariffs. This is a model that has allowed spirits exports between the U.S. and EU to flourish and is in line with President Trump’s vision for fair and reciprocal trade.” Tariffs are taxes charged on imported products. The company importing the products pays the tariffs and can either try to absorb the loss or pass the additional costs on to consumers. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Trump Threatens 200% Tariffs on European Wine, Spirits appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News LONDON (Worthy News) – A British court has thrown out the prosecution of a Christian preacher who was surrounded by an angry Muslim mob for criticizing the Koran, deemed a holy book by Muslims. In a statement obtained by Worthy News Thursday, the Wolverhampton Crown Court announced it had thrown out the case against Karandeep Mamman, 33. Judge Recorder G Kelly said that “because the Crown had refused to offer any evidence to the charges of section 4A of the Public Order Act, only a verdict of not guilty could be entered” against Mamman. The troubles began on January 14, 2023, when Mamman was preaching in the center of England’s town of Walsall when “he was confronted by a group of 20-30 Islamic men and women,” lawyers said. “Forming a ring around him, Mr. Mamman said the group threatened to take him away, beat him up, and ‘cut his throat,’” said the Christian Legal Centre, which represented the preacher in court. The threats were reportedly made after Mamman said that Islam represents “a wrong Jesus” in the Koran by presenting him as a prophet rather than the Son of God. He added that: “Jesus in the Koran is not the true Jesus,” and “according to the Koran [Islam’s Prophet] Mohammad promoted hatred, terrorism and killing of Jews and Christians who do not convert.” WITNESS STATEMENT Mamman said: “Except that if you don’t repent, you are all going to perish.” A witness statement obtained as part of Mamman’s subsequent legal defense said, “he wanted to leave, but the mob would not let him go.” The mob followed and threatened him until town center security appeared, and Mamman was allowed to leave the scene, representatives said. Security camera footage also revealed two men assaulting and aggressively ripping apart a sign the Christian preacher was holding. Listing a series of Christian commands from the Bible, the sign included a symbol suggesting the prohibition of homosexual practice. The two men, reportedly a homosexual couple, can be seen in the footage calling the police, presumably to report an alleged ‘hate crime.’ “As Mamman left the scene, however, police officers arrived, appearing to be concerned for his safety, and checked if he was ok. Mamman was therefore shocked to later be invited by the police to a voluntary interview, and he was eventually charged under section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 for causing religiously aggravated harassment, alarm, and distress,” the Christian Legal Centre added. Mamman told the police, “I did not attack anybody in particular. I was just expressing my freedom of speech,” according to comments seen by Worthy News. MAMMAN LAWYERS Lawyers representing Mamman said it was “an abuse of process to prosecute him for exercising his right to free speech.” They added that Mamman’s “conduct in this case was peaceful protest that did not come near what” prosecutors described as a “reprehensible act.” While the court agreed, Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “We are pleased that this case has gone no further, but it is very concerning that it got this far.” Although “[security camera] CCTV footage reveals Karandeep being assaulted, threatened and surrounded, for expressing his Christian beliefs, it is he that ends up being prosecuted by the police.” Williams said there “are growing concerns over whether the U.K. government and authorities are defending free speech in the public sphere. More must be done to protect free speech and cherished Christian freedoms in our town squares, not just in Walsall, but across the U.K.” It comes amid concerns among Christians about the growing influence of Islam in Britain after years of an influx of migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty in often Muslim nations. This week, British Christian leaders and politicians said they fear a new working group advising the government on “anti-Muslim hatred /Islamophobia” will lead to blasphemy legislation that would further limit freedom of expression, Worthy News reported. The post UK Court: Christian Can’t Be Prosecuted For Criticizing Koran appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Luke Booker, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar since a military coup overthrew the government was the focus of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hearing held in late February, according to a leading Christian advocacy group. Following the February 1, 2021 military coup, Myanmar’s Christian population has endured escalating persecution. Under the control of the State Administration Council (SAC), religious minorities—including Christians—have been targeted through arrests, killings, and the destruction of churches. In his opening remarks at the hearing, USCIRF Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik noted, “over the past four years, Myanmar has sunk into a human rights and humanitarian abyss.” Soloveichik highlighted, “on Jan. 7, 2024, the military launched airstrikes in the Sagaing region, killing 17 civilians, including nine children, at Saint Peter Baptist Church in Kanan village.” He noted that this is just one example of many reported incidents where Christians are being persecuted for their faith. According to the USCIRF, Christian pastor Thian Lian Sang has been detained by authorities since his arrest in September 2021 due to his “leadership role” as a Baptist pastor. In December 2022, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison, the International Christian Concern reported. At the hearing, Salai Za Uk Ling, executive director of the Chin Human Rights Association, testified about the severe conditions for Christians in the country. “Since the military coup in Burma (Myanmar) four years ago, we have witnessed a systematic campaign of religious persecution, particularly targeting the Christian population in Chin State,” Ling told the commission. “These actions include the destruction of churches, the unlawful killing and enforced disappearance of pastors, the arrest of religious leaders, and severe restrictions on free worship and assembly.” Myanmar is ranked 13th on Open Doors’ World Watch List in 2025, which identifies the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. The post USCIRF Investigates Continuing Christian Persecution in Myanmar appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Less than 48 hours before federal agencies run out of money, Senate Democrats have decided to risk a government shutdown in a largely symbolic effort to oppose the six-month funding stopgap endorsed by President Donald Trump. Backed by their colleagues in the House, which passed the partisan Continuing Resolution earlier this week, Senate Democrats are clamoring for Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to hold an amendment vote on their month-long stopgap alternative. Otherwise, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., warned, his party will not give Republicans the eight Democratic votes needed for the CR to pass cloture and advance in the Senate for a majority vote. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is the only Democrat so far who has publicly pledged to support the CR, arguing that Democrats’ demand for a futile vote on their own stopgap is merely a symbolic show of defiance against Trump. “Shut the government down, plunge the country into chaos, risk a recession – or – Exchange cloture for a 30 day CR that 100% fails. The House GOP CR will then pass the Senate because it only needs 51 votes,” Fetterman posted on X Thursday. “Total theater is neither honest with constituents nor a winning argument.” Thune indicated willingness to negotiate with Democrats, but also pointed out the logistical difficulties with the House in recess. “If they want a vote on that in exchange for getting us the votes to pass the [CR] to Sept. 30, I think we’re open to that,” Thune told reporters Thursday morning. “But as you all know, the House is gone, so whatever happens is going to have to be the final action here, and really it’s up to them.” Republicans’ 99-page bill would keep most government spending on autopilot through the end of the existing fiscal year on Sept. 30. The CR makes some funding adjustments from fiscal year 2024, including slashing $13 billion in non-defense spending, boosting defense spending by $6 billion, increasing WIC and CSFP nutritional programs spending by $500 million and $36 million, respectively. It also authorizes billions of dollars for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation efforts, veterans’ health care, and air traffic control safety priorities. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid spending would remain unchanged. But Democrats are concerned that passing the CR, which lacks specificity on many of the funding directives, could give Trump free rein to selectively allocate or withhold the approved funding. Thune reminded lawmakers Thursday that while CRs are “never the preferred option,” the long-term stopgap is necessary in the current situation. “I intend to do my very best to ensure that from here on out, the government is funded through appropriation bills that proceed through regular order,” Thune said. “But at this point, our best option is a Continuing Resolution to fund the remainder of fiscal year 2025 and clear the decks for the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process to begin.” If passed, the CR would mark the third time Congress punted the deadline to pass the annual 12 comprehensive appropriations bills that provide money for federal agencies to spend on programs each year. The post Democrats Gamble With Government Shutdown as Deadline Looms appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/MOSCOW/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a “very promising statement” about reaching a truce with Ukraine, U.S. President Donald J. Trump said after Moscow experienced its bloodiest Ukrainian drone attack. “We’re getting words that things are going okay in Russia, but that doesn’t mean anything until we hear what the final outcome is,” Trump stressed when talking to reporters in the Oval Office. On Putin’s first reaction, he explained that it was “a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete,” and added, “I would love to meet with him or talk to him, but we have to get it over with fast.” The move by Putin came as Moscow was still reeling Thursday from an unprecedented drone attack by Ukraine that Russian officials said killed at least three employees of a meat warehouse. Tuesday’s drone attack also injured some 17 others and caused a short shutdown at the Russian capital’s four airports, according to authorities. A total of 343 drones were downed over Russia, including 91 over the Moscow region and 126 over the western region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have been pulling back, as well as near the Kursk nuclear power plant, the defense ministry said. VISITING KURSK However, Russia made progress on the frontlines in its region, Kursk, which had been entered by Ukrainian troops to give Kyiv leverage in peace talks. Putin visited Kursk Thursday for the first time since Ukraine partly invaded the Russian region in a surprise August 2024 offensive. The Russian president expressed hope his army was on the brink of “fully liberating” Kursk after it claimed to have retaken 24 settlements in the past five days and warned Ukrainian forces they would be treated as “terrorists.” Minutes after Putin’s remarks aired, Ukraine’s army commander-in-chief, Gen Oleksandr Syrski, suggested his troops were pulling back to minimize losses. “In the most difficult situation, my priority has been and remains saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. To this end, the units of the defense forces, if necessary, maneuver to more favorable positions,” Syrski said on social media in terms typically used to describe a withdrawal. And in an apparent response to Ukraine’s drone attack on Moscow, Russia unleashed a deadly missile strike on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown Wednesday. The attack on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih killed a 47-year-old woman and wounded at least nine other people, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Serhiy Lysak said. With suffering on both sides continuing, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine accepted a 30-day ceasefire with Russia after critical peace talks with the United States in Saudi Arabia. AGAIN AID Officials confirmed that Washington has, in turn, lifted its pause on military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. After eight hours of negotiations in the port city of Jeddah, the peace terms were jointly signed and will be presented to Russia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who represented Washington in Saudi Arabia, said. The ball is now in Moscow’s court, said Rubio. On Thursday, President Trump appeared optimistic that the two nations could agree on a ceasefire. “Thousands of young people on both sides are dying. I have seen horrible pictures. This has to stop,” the president said while meeting Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the NATO military alliance. “Well, we’d like to see a cease-fire from Russia,” as a start, he stressed. “And we have, you know, not been working in the dark. We’ve been discussing … Ukraine land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost, and all of the other elements of a final agreement.” Additionally, “There’s a power plant involved. You know, very big power plant involved,” Trump said, likely referring to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant currently occupied by Russia. “Who’s going to get the power plant, and who’s going to get this and that? And so, you know, it’s, it’s not an easy process. But phase 1 is the ceasefire,” Trump noted. The post Trump: Russia Giving ‘Promising Statement’ About Truce With Ukraine appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | The Center Square (Worthy News) – The foreign-born population in the U.S. hit an all-time high in January, representing nearly 16% of the nation’s population, according to a new report. The Center for Immigration Studies – an anti-immigration think tank – has been tracking the “size and growth” of the foreign-born population from the Current Population Survey, showing that the “immigration population (legal and illegal together) hit 53.3 million” in January, which the report notes is 15.8% of the total population in the U.S – setting record highs. The report notes that the January survey “is the first government survey to be adjusted to better reflect the recent surge in illegal immigrants.” “Without adjusting for those missed by the survey, we estimate illegal immigrants accounted for 5.4 million or two-thirds of the 8.3 million growth in the foreign-born population since President Biden took office in January 2021,” according to the Center for Immigration Studies. The report shows between former president Barack Obama’s first term (January 2009) and the beginning of Biden’s term (January 2021), the immigrant population grew by 7.9 million. President Donald Trump had four of those years, from 2017-21. The Center for Immigration Studies uses the terms “immigrant” and “foreign-born” interchangeably in this report. It says the foreign-born as defined by the Census Bureau includes all persons who were not U.S. citizens at birth – mainly naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, long-term temporary visitors, and people illegally in the country. Steven Camarota, the center’s director of research, warns that the rapid increase in immigration could have major implications for the country, specifically the economy. “America has entered uncharted territory on immigration, with significant implications for taxpayers, the labor market, and our ability to assimilate so many people,” said Camarota. “Sadly, those at the bottom of the economic ladder are the most adversely impacted.” The report noted that the foreign-born population surpassed its prior peak from over 100 years ago, between 1890 and 1910, adding, “no U.S. government survey or census has ever shown such a large foreign-born population.” For reference, the U.S. total population in 1910 was 92,228,531, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The report slams the U.S. Census Bureau for prior projections that only two years ago predicted the foreign-born population wouldn’t reach 15.8% until 2042. It noted the country has had an 8.3 million increase in the last four years, larger than the preceding 12 years. It added that the figures represent net growth, saying that new arrivals are offset by outmigration and deaths “in the existing immigrant population.” “Our best estimate is that 11.5 to 12.5 million legal and illegal immigrants settled in the country in the last four years,” the report said. “Although some immigrants are missed by government surveys, our preliminary estimate is that there are 15.4 million illegal immigrants in the January 2025 CPS, an increase of more than 50% (5.4 million) over the last four years in the survey.” The report shows that in the last four years, a majority (58% or 4.9 million) of the foreign-born population has come from Latin America, while India accounts for 12% (958,000), Middle Easterners for 8% (690,000), and Chinese for 7% (621,000). The analysis notes of “all immigrants,” 60% are employed, underscoring that some are children, disabled, elderly, caregivers or “have no desire to work.” The report highlighted that since 2000, the working immigrant population has increased 83% (31.7 million), representing 19.6% of all workers. The center estimates that “10.8 million illegal immigrants worked in the January 2025 data.” “Illegal immigrants in particular are heavily concentrated in lower-skilled, lower-paid jobs, typically done by those without a bachelor’s degree,” the report said. “The rapid rise in immigrant workers has coincided with a significant increase in the share of U.S.-born (ages 16 to 64) men without a bachelor’s degree not in the labor force — neither working nor looking for work — from 20.3 percent in 2000 to 28.2 percent today.” Since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, the number of people apprehended while trying to enter the country illegally has dropped to its lowest level in recorded history in February. In February, there were only 8,326 apprehensions and encounters reported at the southwestern border, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. In comparison, data shows 189,913 in February 2024, 156,630 in February 2023, and 166,010 in February 2022 – those figures don’t account for those who illegally entered or evaded capture. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Report: Foreign-Born Population Hits ‘All-Time High’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News MANILA/THE HAGUE (Worthy News) – Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he takes full responsibility for his administration’s “war on drugs” that killed thousands and is ready for a battle with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Dutch city of The Hague. “Whatever happened in the past, I will be the front of Our law enforcement and the military. I said this already: I will protect you, and I will be responsible for everything,” Duterte explained on the social media platform Facebook, which was distributed on Thursday. His remarks were his first since being put on a plane to The Hague to stand trial at the ICC as the first former Asian leader. The footage appeared to have been recorded aboard the aircraft that brought him Wednesday to the Rotterdam-The Hague airport. “To my countrymen, just to give you the current situation. I am about to land,” he said, adding later in the more than two-minute video clip: “This will be a long legal proceeding, but I say to you, I will continue to serve my country. And so be it if that is my destiny.” Wearing a white shirt and talking slowly, the 79-year-old told his followers he was healthy despite his reported medical treatment in Dubai on his way from Manila to the Netherlands. “I am okay, do not worry,” he said. In a statement, the ICC said Duterte was “surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court. He was arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines…for charges of murder as a crime against humanity”. ICC JUDGE He will be brought before an ICC judge in The Hague in the coming days for an initial appearance, the statement said. He was transferred to a detention unit on the Dutch coast. Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, will face allegations of crimes against humanity for overseeing death squads in his anti-drugs crackdown. During his six years in office, at least 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations, according to official the police’s counts. Investigators said the actual number could be tens of thousands. The charges at the ICC over alleged extrajudicial killings cover the period November 1, 2011, through March 16, 2019, according to sources familiar with the case. The dates cover the first three years of Duterte’s presidency from 2016 to 2019, and the preceding years when he was mayor of the southern Philippine city of Davao. As news emerged of his detention, family members and activists of those who died in extrajudicial killings held a vigil in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. “Through our prayers and the people who helped us – we did not expect to achieve something like this,” said Christine Pascaul, the mother of a drug war victim. “[We did not expect that] a president, someone like Duterte, will receive a warrant of arrest.” However, “This is only the start of our fight,” added LIore Pasco, another mother of a drug war victim. “Our justice has not yet been achieved because there’s still a lot of things that will happen. But we will not stop fighting,” she added. The war on drugs here has been labeled a war on the poor, and generating the money for a final resting place could be too difficult for some families. Filipino Catholic leaders who have helped families welcomed Duterte’s detention. CRUCIAL STEP In a statement, the social justice arm of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) said Duterte’s arrest “is a crucial step toward addressing the countless human rights violations committed under his administration.” The CMSP is a 54-year-old organization of male and female religious superiors who resisted Ferdinand E. Marcos’s dictatorship from 1972 to 1986. Marcos is the father of the current Philippine president who succeeded Duterte. “True peace can only emerge when past wrongs are acknowledged, and those responsible are held to account,” the CMSP said in a statement that was read at a thanksgiving Mass on the morning of 12 March. “Duterte’s ICC warrant is not just a legal matter – it is a moral call for justice and truth.” The statement added: “We call on the Philippine government to fully cooperate with the ICC’s investigation and arrest orders. Justice must not be obstructed, and Duterte, along with those who enforced and enabled his reign of terror, must face the consequences of their actions.” The organization emphasized that this “is not about vengeance but about upholding the dignity of every person, especially the poor and vulnerable.” In a separate statement, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines welcomes the latest developments in Duterte’s ICC case. “For years, former president Duterte has claimed that he is ready to face the consequences of his actions. Now is the time for him to prove it,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines. TRUE JUSTICE “True justice is not about political allegiance or personal loyalty. It is about accountability, transparency, and the protection of human dignity.“ Church charity Caritas Philippines noticed that based on recent testimonies, the drug war killings during Duterte’s term “were state-sanctioned.” “These killings were not random; they were part of a policy that violated the fundamental right to life,” said Caritas Philippines Vice-President Bishop Gerardo Alminaza. “The families of the victims deserve truth, reparations, and justice. As a nation, we must ensure that such crimes never happen again.” Duterte had a tense relationship with the Roman Catholic Church in this former Spanish colony, where nearly 79 percent of the population, or about 85 million people, identify as Roman Catholic, the Catholic Herald newspaper reported. When he was a presidential candidate, Duterte reportedly called Pope Francis a “son of a bitch” for causing heavy traffic during the pontiff’s 2015 trip to the Philippines. When he was president, Duterte called God “stupid” for allowing Adam and Eve to sin. He also threatened to kill bishops and priests whom he branded as drug addicts, Catholic Church sources said. “Nevertheless, a vast majority in this predominantly Catholic nation supported Duterte during his six-year term,” commented the Catholic Herald. This was followed in 2022, when Filipinos elected his daughter as vice president and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the late dictator’s son, president in an overwhelming vote, defying warnings from Catholic clergy. NO APOLOGY Duterte himself did not appear in a mood to apologize for his blood-tainted legacy. It reminded reporters of his statements during the presidential campaign: “Forget the laws on human rights. If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men, and do-nothings, you better go out. Because I’d kill you.” As longtime mayor of the southern Philippine city of Davao, Rodrigo Duterte was known as “the punisher” for his harsh policies. His profanity-packed speeches and death threats to drug gangs were a feature of his successful campaign for the presidency in 2016. He said his campaign in Davao kept citizens safe from crime. During the campaign, he also reiterated his intentions for a violent crackdown. “I say let’s kill five criminals every week so that they will be eliminated,” he told reporters. By the end of 2016, Duterte’s war on drugs was well underway across the nation, and the body count was setting records. Police killed more than 2,000 people in the months after Duterte was inaugurated on June 30 until the end of the year. Most of the deaths were described as shootouts. Families of some of those killed and human rights advocates later exhumed bodies. Accompanied sometimes by journalists, they compared the remains with death certificates and official reports. Dozens of cases showed violent deaths where the death certificates listed natural causes. In at least one case, the death certificate listed pneumonia as the cause of death, although the skull of the exhumed body had a bullet hole. The ICC prosecutor has said as many as 30,000 may have been killed by police or unidentified individuals over the years. Yet some supporters told Worthy News they prayed that he would be released. “He kept us safe. I know that millions still love him,” a municipality worker said. The post Duterte Takes ‘Full Responsibility’ For War on Drugs (Worthy News In-Depth) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News ABIJA (Worthy News) – An umbrella group of Nigeria’s main Christian denominations has condemned the Nigerian Supreme Court over upholding the death sentence for a Christian farmer who defended himself against an attack by Islamic Fulani herdsmen. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the March 7 ruling would see Sunday Jackson being executed, although he was nearly killed in 2015 by an armed herdsman in Nigeria’s northeastern Adamawa State. CAN Chairman John Joseph Hayab and Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association’s secretary general for northern Nigeria, said it was painful that both Appeal and Supreme Courts upheld the sentence of death by hanging. They also cited the trial judge’s “misinterpreting” Section 23 of the Adamawa State Penal Code Laws to mean that Jackson should have fled and not defended himself. “It is a distortion of logic to suggest that the defendant should have run away, despite admitting into evidence that he was stabbed in the leg and thus momentarily handicapped,” they stressed in a press statement. The CAN leaders joined Jackson in appealing to Nigeria’s Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to “kindly exercise his constitutional duties and ‘prerogative of mercy,’ and in the spirit of peacebuilding and reconciliation – which both the state and the nation now desperately need – to please pardon Sunday Jackson.” EXCRUCIATING PAIN Jackson, they added, “has truly been subjected to the excruciating pain of waiting for death in the midst of the shadow of death by the grave travesty of the misinterpretation of Section 23 of the Adamawa State Penal Code Laws and the unnecessarily prolonged trial that lasted six and a half years, which ordinarily should not have lasted such a lengthy period.” In a separate letter shared with Sahara Reporters news agency and seen by Worthy News, Jackson also urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to grant him clemency. Jackson recalled that he was just 20 years old and an expectant father when he was attacked by a knife-wielding herdsman while farming for his family. In a desperate struggle, he managed to disarm his assailant, who was fatally wounded in the process, the Christian explained. However, Jackson argued that instead of being recognized as a victim defending himself, the legal system turned against him. He noted that he spent the last decade behind bars, including some seven years in pretrial detention, even though evidence apparently showed he had been stabbed in the leg. LONG TRIAL When his case finally went to trial, Jackson was sentenced to death, with the court ruling that he should have fled after disarming his attacker. The Supreme Court upheld this judgment, leaving Jackson facing execution. Now in his early 30s, Jackson said he had not been able to see his now 10-year-old daughter, born months after his arrest. “I have been devastated emotionally and mentally as I have had to deal with the pain of this grave injustice against me. I have never set eyes on my 10-year-old daughter all these years, as she was born after my arrest,” he wrote. “In light of these circumstances, I urge Your Excellency to exercise your prerogative of mercy and grant me a pardon, particularly as I have also spent ten years in the correctional facility through the determination of this case. This would be a just and compassionate decision, considering the clear miscarriage of justice that has occurred in this case.” His case has underscored broader concerns about the legal system in Nigeria, where thousands of Christians have been killed annually, mainly by several Islamic groups. Nigeria ranks 7th on the World Watch List (WWL) of 50 nations, where advocacy group Open Doors says Christians suffer most for their faith in Christ. According to Open Doors research, more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined. THOUSANDS KILLED Some 3,100 Christians were killed, and 2,830 Christians were kidnapped in Nigeria in 2024, far more than other countries in the same year, the WWL noted. While “Nigeria has greater religious freedom than other countries in the World Watch List top 10,” the “biggest threat is from Islamic militants who seek to destroy Christianity and Christians in the region,” Open Doors warned. It said that “Jihadist violence” continues to escalate in Nigeria, and Christians are at particular risk from targeted attacks by Islamic militant groups, including “Fulani” militant herdsmen, as well as groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). “These attacks are shockingly brutal in nature – many believers are killed, particularly men, while women are often kidnapped and targeted for sexual violence. These militants also destroy homes, churches, and livelihoods.” Additionally, “Kidnap for ransom is used regularly with the deliberate intention of destabilizing Christian families and the church,” added Open Doors. More than 16.2 million Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, including high numbers from Nigeria, have been driven from their homes by violence and conflict, according to researchers. Millions now live in displacement camps. The post Nigeria Christian Facing Death Sentence Despite Doubts About Trial (Worthy News Focus) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News TEHRAN (Worthy News) – An Iranian court has sentenced a Christian woman pregnant with her first child to 16 years imprisonment while two other believers also received lengthy jail terms for activities related to the Christian faith, trial observers confirmed Wednesday. Abbas Soori, Mehran Shamloui, and Narges Nasri, “who is approximately halfway through her pregnancy,” were sentenced by “notorious Revolutionary Court judge Iman Afshari on 8 March – International Women’s Day” added Article18, an advocacy group closely following the case. “Narges, who is 37 years old, received the stiffest sentence – 10 years for ‘propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law,’ five for membership of an ‘opposition group’ (house-church) and an additional one year for ‘propaganda against the state’ – for having posted on social media in support of the Women, Life, Freedom movement,” the group explained. “Abbas, 48, received a total of 15 years in prison – 10 years for “propaganda activities” and five for membership of an “opposition group” – while Mehran, 37, received an eight-year sentence for the first charge and two years and eight months for the second,” Article18 added. All three were also sentenced to years of deprivation of social rights, such as health, employment, or education – 15 years each for Narges and Abbas and 11 years for Mehran, according to trial observers. Additionally, Narges and Abbas were fined 330 million tomans ($3,500) each and Mehran 250 million ($2,750). The two were also “banned from membership of any group, residing in their home province of Tehran or leaving Iran for two years after their release,” Article 18 explained. The three Christians were reportedly detained on November 3 last year in raids by intelligence agents on their homes in Tehran, the capital, during which personal belongings, including Bibles, crosses, and musical instruments, were confiscated. CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN Mehran is a musician, and his supporters said the equipment the agents confiscated from him was worth around $5,500. The Christians were then transferred to Ward 209 of the notorious Evin Prison, which is under the control of the Ministry of Intelligence, according to sources familiar with the case. They were reportedly released on bail equivalent to more than $20,000 each a month later, following a series of lengthy and intensive interrogations. Their court hearing that led to their conduction occurred on February 15 at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, Article 18 said. During the hearing, the Christians were reportedly charged with “membership of opposition groups,” “propaganda against the system,” and “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law through foreign relations” under Iranian legislation. Besides them, at least 10 other Christians were arrested on the same November day during coordinated raids on Christian homes across the country, Christians said. The raids were said to have been carried out in the cities of Karaj (near Tehran), Mashhad in the north-east, and Shiraz and Bandar Abbas in the south. Abbas was previously arrested in 2020 and later sentenced alongside another Christian convert, Maryam Mohammadi, and their pastor, an Iranian-Armenian, Anooshavan Avedian, according to sources familiar with their situation. TRAVEL BANS Abbas and Maryam received non-custodial punishments, including travel bans, exile from the province of Tehran, and prohibition of membership in any political or social groups. Anooshavan, who is in his 60s, was given a 10-year prison term. Worthy News learned that he was acquitted in September last year, having served just over one year of his sentence. The raids are part of a broader crackdown on devoted Christians in the strict Islamic Republic, Worthy News documented. “In Iran, the Christian community is divided between constitutionally recognized and unrecognized Christians,” advocacy group Open Doors explained in a recent assessment. “Unrecognised converts from Islam to Christianity face severe religious freedom violations, primarily from the government and, to a lesser extent, from society and their families. The government views these converts as a threat, believing they are influenced by Western countries to undermine Islam and the regime,” the group said. “Both leaders and ordinary members of Christian groups are often arrested, prosecuted, and given long prison sentences for ‘crimes against national security,” Open Doors added. “Recognised historical communities such as Armenian and Assyrian Christians are state-protected but treated as second-class citizens. They face many discriminatory legal provisions and are not allowed to worship in Persian or interact with Christian converts. Those who support converts can also face imprisonment.” The latest reported crackdown comes while Iran’s Islamic leadership has come under mounting international pressure over its reported human rights abuses and nuclear program. Iran ranks 9th on the annual Open Doors’ “World Watch List” of 50 nations, where the advocacy group says Christians face most persecution for their faith in Christ. The post Iran Sentences Christian Converts To Long Prison Terms appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News MANILA/ROTTERDAM (Worthy News) – Ex-Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on Wednesday to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged “crimes against humanity” over his “war on drugs” that killed up to 30,000 people. Duterte, the first former Asian leader to be served an ICC arrest warrant, was detained Tuesday in the Philippine capital, Manila, after returning from a trip to Hong Kong. Police later placed him on a plane to the Dutch port city of Rotterdam. A privately owned Gulfstream G550 jet carrying Duterte arrived just before 5 p.m. local time at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, according to flight tracking information monitored by Worthy News through the Flightradar24 service. The aircraft arrived Wednesday from Dubai where it had unexpectedly stopped as Duterte required medical treatment, Worthy News learned. After landing in the Netherlands, officials said he was brought to a nearby coastal detention unit from where he will be transported to the ICC within the coming days. In a statement on Wednesday, the ICC said Duterte, 79, had been “arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I for charges of murder as a crime against humanity.” The statement said he will be brought before an ICC judge in The Hague in the coming days for an initial appearance. ICC WARRANT The ICC’s warrant for his arrest stressed that as president, Duterte created, funded, and armed death squads that took part in the murders of alleged drug users and dealers. Many of the victims were poor men shot dead on the streets in extrajudicial killings, according to human rights investigators and family members. While the loved ones of victims welcomed his detention, lawyers for Duterte, 79, filed a petition on behalf of his youngest daughter, Veronica, accusing the government of “kidnapping” and demanding it bring him back. It also led to tensions within the government. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was confident “the arrest was proper, correct, and followed all necessary legal procedures.” He added, “We did not help the International Criminal Court in any way. The arrest was made in compliance with Interpol,” a reference to the international police organization. However, Vice President Sara Duterte, the eldest daughter of the detained former leader, traveled to the Netherlands to lobby for his release. Her office shared a picture on its page on the social media platform Facebook of a red ribbon with the text “BRING PRRD HOME,” – referring to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Some supporters of Duterte agreed. “Our former President tried to save millions of Filipino people. If he allowed those [drug addicts and drug dealers] people to do their things, what would happen to the Philippines?” said a municipal worker talking to Worthy News. “Most people in the Philippines are so sad. We love our former president. During his time, we feel safe, and all were disciplined,” she added, speaking on condition of anonymity. “I am very sad,” added Clarita, another supporter of the ex-president. HISTORIC DEVELOPMENTS “You don’t understand what is happening in the Philippines,” when asked about the thousands of people who were allegedly killed without a fair trial. Yet Carlos Conde, a senior researcher at the Asia division of the advocacy group Human Rights Watch, said the developments were historic. He said that it would be an understatement to say that victims felt ecstatic at his arrest. “This is something that’s totally unprecedented in the history of this country … not just in this country, [but] for Southeast Asia and even Asia,” he added. “[Victims’] spirits are buoyed. They’re very, very optimistic that this is something that can move along expeditiously in The Hague,” Conde stressed. “The victims here in the Philippines have pretty much-lost faith in the domestic justice system, which has done so very little in terms of addressing their quest for justice. This is why they pinned their hopes on the ICC.” Building the case had been a “very painstaking process” for victims, the families of victims, and domestic human rights groups, Conde added. The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, which has represented the families of victims of the killings, said “victims’ pain from loss” had been, for the day, “eclipsed by joy and hope.” Duterte’s arrest was symbolic of “a victory of the poor and marginalized, akin to that of David versus Goliath,” the lawyers’ group said, adding: “We still have to press on and work for his eventual conviction.” SIMPLE JOY “There’s a feeling of simple joy at what is happening and relief,” said Brother Jun Santiago, who set up Silingan Coffee, a small coffee shop, to help give jobs to the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and to provide a space to memorialize their stories. The cafe offered discounted drinks to customers to encourage people to visit and learn about “the abuses that were committed” under Duterte’s government. Santiago described the arrest as a “first step to justice.” Duterte became president in 2016 after promising a merciless, bloody crackdown that would rid the country of drugs. During his election campaign, he once said there would be so many bodies dumped in Manila Bay that fish would grow fat from feeding on them. After taking office, he publicly threatened to kill suspected drug dealers and urged the public to kill people with an addiction. Yet he seemed to deny wrongdoing on Tuesday when speaking to those who had detained him in Manila. “What is the law, and what is the crime that I committed? Explain to me now the legal basis for my being here as apparently I was brought here not of my own volition. It’s somebody else’s,” he said in a video recording seen by Worthy News. “You have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty… Have you read the case at the time you made the arrest so that you should be guided on what you should know?” The ICC is now due to answer these questions in a case followed by millions in his home country. The post Detained Ex-Philippines President In Netherlands For Mass Killings (Worthy News In-Depth) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said Tuesday that as part of the Department of Education’s “final mission,” it would cut its workforce by half. “Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” McMahon said in a statement. “I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.” Affected employees will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21. McMahon said the department would “continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking.” When Trump took office in January, the Department of Education had about 4,133 workers. After Tuesday’s reduction in force, the department’s workforce will total about 2,183 workers. Included in the reduction in force are nearly 600 employees who accepted voluntary resignation opportunities and retirement over the last seven weeks, including: 259 employees accepted the deferred resignation program and 313 employees accepted the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment, according to the department. The Department of Education oversees education policy for schools that receive federal funding, enforces Title IX rules, manages FAFSA, and administers Pell Grants and about 10% of public school funding, among other things. President Donald Trump has long planned to reduce the department’s workforce and potentially dismantle it entirely, returning control of education entirely to the state and local level. National Education Association President Becky Pringle, who leads the largest education union, said Trump was destroying education in the U.S. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk have aimed their wrecking ball at public schools and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America by dismantling public education to pay for tax handouts for billionaires,” she said in a statement. “The real victims will be our most vulnerable students. Gutting the Department of Education will send class sizes soaring, cut job training programs, make higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle-class families, take away special education services for students with disabilities, and gut student civil rights protections.” Former President Ronald Reagan wanted to eliminate the Department of Education shortly after it took its modern form as a Cabinet agency in 1980. The department is primarily responsible for providing grants to public school districts and aid to college students. The Congressional Budget Office’s primer on eliminating Cabinet-level departments said savings from closing any such department would depend on multiple factors. “Eliminating a department could result in considerable budgetary savings to the federal government if some or all of the programs operated by that department were also terminated,” according to the CBO. “The amount of savings would eventually be equal to the department’s full budget for the canceled programs, minus any income that the department had received through its operation of those programs. Initially, however, the government could incur one-time costs for terminating programs or activities, such as paying the cost of accrued annual leave and unemployment benefits to federal employees whose jobs had been eliminated or paying penalties for canceling leases for office space.” The CBO also noted that many decisions would have to be made along the way to closure. “In deciding whether to eliminate one or more of the current departments and whether to terminate, move, or reorganize its programs and activities, lawmakers would confront a variety of questions about the appropriate role of the federal government,” according to the CBO. “In particular, lawmakers would face decisions about whether the activities of a department should be carried out by the public sector at all, and if so, whether the federal government was the most effective level of government to conduct them. Even if lawmakers concluded that state and local governments were best positioned to operate a program or activity, they would still have to decide whether the federal government should coordinate particular activities that crossed state borders and whether programs administered by different states should meet national standards. In addition, lawmakers would face choices about how to organize most efficiently the activities of the federal government.” The Department of Education was started in 1867, when President Andrew Johnson signed legislation creating the first such department. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post U.S. Department of Education to Cut Half of Employees appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, casting lots! Esther 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" The Festival of Purim, which we celebrate on the 14th of Adar—the last month in the Biblical calendar—begins this Thursday evening and continues through Friday evening this year. Although Purim isn't one of the moedim, or appointed feasts, named in the Torah, it arose in the 4th century BCE and has been cherished ever since. While the dramatic events leading to Purim are vividly detailed in the Book of Esther, the festival of Purim does not appear in the New Testament. The Book of Esther is set in the ancient city of Susa (Shushan), now part of modern-day western Iran. The story unfolds sometime after the 70-year exile in Babylon, but likely before Ezra the priest and Nehemiah the governor returned to Israel. In a remarkable series of divinely guided events, a young Jewish woman named Hadassah, better known as Esther, ascends to become queen of Persia. Despite her high status, Esther conceals her Jewish identity on the advice of Mordecai: “Esther had not made known her people or her kindred, for Mordecai had charged her not to make it known” (Esther 2:10, 20). As the plot thickens, Haman, the king’s advisor, engineers a plan to annihilate all Jews. By casting lots (Esther 3:7; Esther 9:26), known in Hebrew as purim, the 13th of Adar is set for this horrific event (Esther 3:13). However, the narrative takes a turn when Esther, spurred by Mordecai, discloses her heritage to the king, leading to Haman’s death and the Jews' miraculous deliverance. While the Book of Esther does not explicitly mention God, His presence is intricately woven throughout the narrative, visible to all who immerse themselves in its pages. One of the most profound lessons from Purim is that God's rescue plan for the Jewish people would happen with or without Esther's help. Mordecai even tells Esther that if she kept quiet, "relief and deliverance for the Jews would arise from another place." This shows that God’s plans don’t rely on just one person, even though Esther was in the right place at the right time, "for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14) Likewise, we are alive now "for such a time as this." God’s prophetic plan to redeem the world, as well as the Jewish people, will happen with or without us, however, God has placed us here for "such a time as this" to see God's prophetic plan unfold fully, that we may see the "fulness of the Gentiles" (Romans 11:25) and then "all of Israel be saved" (Romans 11:26) for this Gospel must be preached to the ends of the earth, and then the end will come! (Matthew 24:14) Friend, so, take hold of this moment, this special time in your life, and really get that God put you here "for such a time as this." You're meant to do incredible things and participate in His ultimate plan—bringing hope and redemption through His Son to the whole world. And guess what? You might just be the spark that ignites a revival right where you are! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce. Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out! Around the World EU Retaliates With Counter-Tariffs After US Tariffs Take Effect The European Union announced on Wednesday immediate retaliatory trade measures, imposing new duties on U.S. industrial and farm products in response to the Trump administration's implementation of 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. Greenland’s Pro-Business Opposition Wins Election Greenland's pro-business opposition Demokraatit party won Tuesday's parliamentary election, dominated by U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s pledge to take control of the island, official results show. Syria’s Ruling Islamists ‘To Integrate Kurds, Druze,’ After Massacres (Worthy News In-Depth) espite allegations of massacres by his forces, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has convinced Kurdish fighters to support him and join Syria’s state institutions by the end of the year. Israel-Palestinian Conflict IDF deploying ‘worm-sized’ spy devices in Gaza to track hostages, future targets Israel has recently intensified its intelligence operations, using drones to deploy espionage devices in various areas of the Gaza Strip and collect information on future targets, the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported, citing sources from Palestinian terror factions in Gaza. Israel’s IDF Executes Largest Airstrikes in Two Months on Syrian Regime’s Military Sites The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out dozens of attacks from Monday night into early Tuesday in the most extensive Israeli airstrikes in Syria in over two months, striking military installations affiliated with the newly installed Syrian regime. Inside the United States US deficit sets record with $1.1 trillion in first five months of fiscal year 2025 The United States' deficit increased by a record-breaking $1.1 trillion during the first five months of the current fiscal year, new data from the Treasury Department showed. U.S. Department of Education to Cut Half of Employees U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said Tuesday that as part of the Department of Education's "final mission," it would cut its workforce by half. Annual Inflation Rate Declines in Latest Federal Data Lower energy prices drove down inflation in February, according new federal data released this week. Oklahoma's Supreme Court Bans Bibles From Public Schools The top court of the U.S. state of Oklahoma has blocked school officials from purchasing Bibles and Scripture-based instructional materials for public school classrooms. Christian News Los Angeles County Bans Church On Beach Authorities in the most populous county of the United States have banned meetings of Church on the Beach, which had been holding public beach services for nearly two decades. Worthy Insights 6G Is Not Just A Tech Upgrade, It’s A Preview Of The Global System Described In Prophecy 6G will mean the total automation of society—every action, conversation, and movement tracked, monitored, and potentially controlled. New DNA mapping reveals gene ‘on/off’ switches, paving way for disease treatment Israeli researchers mapping DNA methylation — a process where a small chemical tag is attached to a person’s DNA — said they have uncovered insights into how genes are turned on and off, potentially revolutionizing how genetic diseases are diagnosed and treated. Elon Musk’s DOGE is reportedly automating government tasks with an AI chatbot as it continues to slash the federal workforce DOGE has rolled out a custom AI-powered chatbot, GSAi, to around 1,500 government workers as it continues to slash the federal workforce, Wired reported. Neuralink Seeks ‘Telepathy’ And ‘Telekinesis’—Is Mind Control Next? Elon Musk's Neuralink has taken remarkable steps toward realizing a future that once seemed confined to science fiction and metaphysics by filing trademark applications for "Telepathy" and "Telekinesis" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These applications, submitted on March 3, 2025, offer fascinating insights into the company's ambitious vision beyond its current brain-computer interface technology. 5,000 Students Seek Jesus at WVU, Nearly 1,000 Respond to Altar Call: ‘Life-Changing Salvation’ rganizers of a nationwide revival movement taking place on college campuses across the United States say they were "blown away" Tuesday night after 5,000 students gathered at West Virginia University to praise Jesus. RFK Jr. Issues Artificial Dye Ultimatum to Food Companies Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called on senior food company executives to remove artificial dyes from their products, warning them in a meeting this week that he would take action if they did not. A new movie, I Am Living Proof, just won first place in seven film festivals! I Am Living Proof was the result of three miraculous healings that occurred during a tent meeting in Colorado Springs. The storyline follows the lives of three disparate individuals who were suffering from debilitating conditions that were beyond the power of modern medicine to cure. You will experience firsthand their encounter with the Savior and Healer, Jesus Christ. Then you will hear testimony from medical professionals who testify to the reality of these miracles.View the full article

By Casey Harper | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Lower energy prices drove down inflation in February, according new federal data released this week. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released new data Wednesday showing inflation rose just 0.2% last month, part of a 2.8% rise over the last year. The average annual inflation rate from January’s data was 3%, so overall annual inflation dropped in February. The decrease was partially driven by a decline in energy prices, a key promise of President Donald Trump’s campaign, though whether it will last remains to be seen. The BLS energy index decreased 0.2% on average in the last twelve months now that February’s data is released. “The index for shelter rose 0.3% in February, accounting for nearly half of the monthly all items increase,” BLS said. “The shelter increase was partially offset by a 4% decrease in the index for airline fares and a 1% decline in the index for gasoline. Despite the decrease in the gasoline index, the energy index rose 0.2% over the month as the indexes for electricity and natural gas increased. The index for food also increased in February, rising 0.2% as the index for food away from home increased 0.4%. The food at home index was unchanged over the month.” Egg prices remain high amid an Avian flu outbreak. The White House touted the lower gas prices and airline fares, pointing to cutting regulations and opening up domestic energy production. Trump declared a national energy emergency upon taking office. “Core consumer prices, which is the best measure of inflation, dropped to its lowest level in FOUR years,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X. “This inflation report, much like last week’s jobs report, is far better than the media predicted and the so-called ‘experts’ expected. When will they learn to stop doubting President Trump? As he successfully did in his first term, President Trump is driving down costs through massive deregulation and energy dominance.” Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Annual Inflation Rate Declines in Latest Federal Data appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The European Union announced on Wednesday immediate retaliatory trade measures, imposing new duties on U.S. industrial and farm products in response to the Trump administration’s implementation of 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. The EU’s retaliatory tariffs on textiles, home appliances, and agricultural products will affect approximately $28 billion worth of U.S. goods. European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen told reporters, “The countermeasures we take today are strong but proportionate. As the United States is applying tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures worth 26 billion euros.” She added, “The EU must act to protect its consumers and businesses.” The European Commission will resume tariffs on U.S. products from April 1, with full enforcement by April 13. These tariffs, strategically placed on goods from Republican-led states such as soybeans in Louisiana, beef and poultry in Kansas and Nebraska, and produce in Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia, aim to pressure the U.S. while minimizing Europe’s impact. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. is one of the EU’s largest trading partners. In 2024, the U.S. exported $370.2 billion worth of goods to the EU, a 0.7% increase from 2023, and imported $605.8 billion from the EU. President Trump is spearheading a campaign to reshape global trade and lessen America’s reliance on foreign sources, which aligns with his “America First” agenda. He claims his tariff policies will create U.S. factory jobs. However, European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen disagrees, saying, “Jobs are at stake. Prices will go up. In Europe and in the United States.” Numerous foreign investors and major businesses have recently committed to making significant investments in the U.S. in the coming years. The post EU Retaliates With Counter-Tariffs After US Tariffs Take Effect appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent LOS ANGELES, USA (Worthy News) – Authorities in the most populous county of the United States have banned meetings of Church on the Beach, which had been holding public beach services for nearly two decades. The decision by Los Angeles County has been challenged by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). “For 18 years, Church on the Beach has been faithfully serving its community by holding worship services on Redondo Beach with proper permits from Los Angeles County,” the advocacy group said in a statement obtained by Worthy News on Tuesday. “Approximately 120 people gather every Sunday morning to worship in God’s creation, with many attendees specifically choosing this setting because they have had difficult or negative experiences in traditional church buildings,” the ACLJ added. The group said its legal team sent a detailed demand letter to officials, outlining the “constitutional violations” of singling out one organization because of its viewpoint and discriminating against members. “Our letter made it clear that the county’s actions violate well-established First Amendment principles as articulated by the Supreme Court in cases like Widmar v. Vincent and Lamb’s Chapel.” The ACLJ warned that it had given Los Angeles County “until March 20, 2025, to provide assurances that this discriminatory policy will be ended and that churches will be free to use the beach under the same generally applicable rules as nonreligious gatherings.” NO PERMITS Yet the Department of Beaches and Harbors recently told the Church on the Beach that it would no longer issue yearly permits for “religious activities,” Worthy News learned. Instead, the county reportedly announced that “grandfathered” groups would be allowed only six annual events, with $250 permit fees required for four. It also is restricting the meetings to specific locations. “The key fact: None of these rules apply to nonreligious groups. Even more concerning, a county official told the pastor that churches ‘don’t need the beach’ because they can ‘meet in a building’ – a statement that demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of both religious freedom and the specific ministry of Church on the Beach,” the ACLJ complained. The Church on the Beach views its mission as reaching at least some of the county’s nearly 9.7 million people with the Gospel who may otherwise not attend worship services. The ACLJ added that the “beach location isn’t merely a preference – it’s a crucial component of their ministry’s outreach to those who might never step foot in a conventional church.” The post Los Angeles County Bans Church On Beach appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article