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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – U.S. billionaire Bill Gates, whose foundation supports the development of vaccines, has warned of a new global pandemic that could wipe out more than 10 percent of the world’s population of over 8 billion people. https://www.worthynews.com/wordpressimages/2025/02/Gates-Vaccine.mp4 “The [recent] COVID-19 pandemic killed 1 percent, that’s millions of people. The next one can kill greater than 10 percent,” more than 800 million people, he told prominent journalist Katie Couric in a live-streamed interview at the famed Strand Bookstore in New York City. “We should be prepared for the next pandemic; the next pandemic could be far worse,” Gates stressed in remarks reviewed by Worthy News on Wednesday. His Gates Foundation backed the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which critics claim have, at least in some cases, caused more harm than good. However, Gates told Couric, “The [COVID-19] vaccine saved millions of lives. [U.S.] President [Donald J.] Trump was the one that accelerated the availability of that vaccine.” Trump previously dismissed claims that COVID-19 vaccines are broadly unsafe while asserting that his role in the development of the jabs may have “saved 100 million lives.” MILLIONS IMPACTED Gates, 69, made clear that he hopes the current Trump administration would not abandon the world’s most vulnerable people There is concern within the Gates Foundation that Trump’s recent freeze on foreign aid halted funding for HIV/AIDS disease programs, potentially impacting the health of over 20 million people, including 500,000 children. Although subsequent waivers from the U.S. State Department reportedly enabled some work to continue, funding and legal approvals remain stalled. Gates and Couric suggested that without treatment, “millions” face severe illness or premature death and threaten to undo “years of progress” against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, a potentially deadly disease. They fear it could potentially foster drug-resistant strains – “an outcome with global repercussions,” including in the United States. Trump said that the winding down of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) targets non-essential “woke” programs and that necessary aid will eventually continue. The post Gates: New Pandemic Wipes Out ’10 Percent Of World Population’ (Video) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Wartorn Ukraine has made U.S. President Donald J. Trump an offer the deal-maker-in-chief may find difficult to refuse: In exchange for American military aid, he will have access to Ukraine’s mineral industry, which could provide a valuable source of rare earth elements needed for many kinds of technology. Kyiv’s announcement came after an interview that aired Monday in which Trump said he wanted such a deal and warned that Ukraine “may be Russian someday.” “We really have this big potential in the territory which we control,” Andrii Yermak, chief of staff to the Ukrainian president, said in published remarks. “We are interested to work, to develop, with our partners, first of all, with the United States.” President Trump claims that Ukraine, which has been facing a full-scale Russian military invasion since February 2022, has “essentially agreed” to give America half a trillion dollars worth of rare earth minerals. They would serve as payment for the multi-billion dollar military aid Washington provided Kyiv. “They have tremendously valuable land in terms of rare earth [minerals], in terms of oil and gas, in terms of other things. I want to have our money secured because we’re spending hundreds of billions of dollars [in Ukraine],” Trump told broadcaster Fox News’ “Special Report” program host Bret Baier. The interview was taped before Sunday’s Super Bowl, America’s most prominent football event. “They [Ukraine] may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday,” Trump stressed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed on Trump’s plan, say sources familiar with his thinking, as he seeks to strengthen Kyiv’s hand ahead of future peace negotiations with Moscow. More than 1 million people are believed to have been killed and injured in Europe’s bloodiest armed conflict since World War II. The post Ukraine Offers US Minerals For Weapons appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News AMMAN/ WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump told Jordan’s King Abdullah visiting the White House on Tuesday that he still wants to take over Gaza and move its population of two million Palestinians to other nearby countries, including Jordan. Yet the king, sitting alongside Trump, announced Amman would take in “2,000 sick children,” including cancer patients, from Gaza, as he sought to please the president, who threatened to withhold aid if Jordan disagreed with his plan. The figure proposed by Abdullah amounts to roughly 0.1 percent of the Gaza Strip’s population, but Trump praised the gesture. Despite controversy over Trump’s plan to make Gaza the “Riviera of the Middle East,” King Abdullah suggested that the real estate mogul-turned-president could bring peace to the Middle East. “I truly believe, with all the challenges that we have in the Middle East, that I finally see somebody that can take us across the finish line to bring stability, peace, and prosperity to all of us in the region,” the king stressed. Abdullah said he would await the outcome of Egypt’s emergency Arab summit on February 27, held in response to Trump’s call to expel Palestinians from Gaza and rebuild the enclave after the devastating Israel-Hamas war there. The post Jordan To Host 2,000 Sick Children From Gaza, King Says appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News AMMAN/ WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump told Jordan’s King Abdullah visiting the White House on Tuesday that he still wants to take over Gaza and move its population of two million Palestinians to other nearby countries, including Jordan. Yet the king, sitting alongside Trump, announced Amman would take in “2,000 sick children,” including cancer patients, from Gaza, as he sought to please the president, who threatened to withhold aid if Jordan disagreed with his plan. The figure proposed by Abdullah amounts to roughly 0.1 percent of the Gaza Strip’s population, but Trump praised the gesture. Despite controversy over Trump’s plan to make Gaza the “Riviera of the Middle East,” King Abdullah suggested that the real estate mogul-turned-president could bring peace to the Middle East. “I truly believe, with all the challenges that we have in the Middle East, that I finally see somebody that can take us across the finish line to bring stability, peace, and prosperity to all of us in the region,” the king stressed. Abdullah said he would await the outcome of Egypt’s emergency Arab summit on February 27, held in response to Trump’s call to expel Palestinians from Gaza and rebuild the enclave after the devastating Israel-Hamas war there. The post Jordan To Host 2,000 Sick Children From Gaza, King Says appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, understand the times and know what you ought to do! 1 Chronicles 12:32 And from the sons of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred. And all their brothers were at their command. Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come. We are on the brink of something huge this year— it’s REVOLUTIONARY. If you’re following Worthy News, you’ll see we posted an interesting article yesterday about the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the ability to produce the Bible in untranslated languages more quickly because of it. I guess God can use anything to further His Kingdom! According to the president of Wycliffe, they are aiming to have the Bible translated to EVERY LANGUAGE ON EARTH by 2025. In other words, there are now less than only 900 translations to go for the Gospel to be proclaimed to every nation! This is exciting news! This is prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes, as the Bible says that when this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and THEN the end will come. The speed at which biblical events are taking place now is unprecedented. This is not the time to sit back and relax — on the contrary, it’s a time for all of us to push FORWARD! I want to be a part of this, don’t you? I really believe that we are about to witness more souls coming into the Kingdom in our generation than in all previous generations COMBINED! Friend, let’s aim to be like the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew exactly what to do! We have marching orders from the Lord: to spread this gospel to the far corners of the earth and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that He taught us. We are essential instruments in the Lord's hand, proclaiming the good news—that Yeshua (Jesus) came, sacrificed His life for our redemption, and is soon returning to establish His Kingdom! Maranatha! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (Phoenix, Arizona) Editor's Note: Latest Video: Worthy Wrap-Up: Trump's Gaza Saga 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 Vows Retaliation Against Trump’s Tariffs, Trade Wars Loom The president of the European Commission has vowed to retaliate and strongly condemned President Trump's decision to levy a 25% tariff on foreign steel and aluminum, as markets anticipate a potential trade war between the U.S. and Europe. Trump Suggests Bombing Iran Without Nuclear Deal (Video) U.S. President Donald J. Trump threatened to “bomb the hell out of” Iran if the Islamic Republic continues a nuclear program that he suggested is aimed at developing a nuclear weapon. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Netanyahu Warns War Will Resume if Hostages Are Not Returned by Saturday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that if Hamas does not release the hostages by Saturday at noon, the ceasefire deal will end, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume "intense fighting until Hamas is defeated." Rubio Calls Hamas ‘Evil,’ Urges Leaders to Step Up with Gaza Plan U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday condemned Hamas as an "evil" organization that must be "eradicated," urging leaders to "step up" with a plan for Gaza if they do not support President Trump's vision for the region. Palestinian President Claims To End System Of Payments To Jailed Terrorist Families Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree Monday "to end" a system of payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed after carrying out attacks against Israel, but critics called it window dressing as disbursements would continue under a new scheme. Trump Warns Jordan, Egypt On Aid If They Reject His Gaza Plan Tensions were rising in the Middle East on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump warned Jordan and Egypt he could "conceivably" withhold aid to them if they don’t take Palestinian refugees he seeks to relocate from the Gaza Strip, which was partly destroyed in the Israel-Hamas war. Inside the United States Trump Criticizes ‘Activist Judges’ for Obstructing Federal Policy Changes President Donald Trump sharply criticized a series of federal judges on Tuesday who have issued rulings to block several of his executive orders and attempts to reform the government. Religious Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Immigration Arrests in Churches Over two dozen Christian and Jewish groups, representing millions, sued the Trump administration to block expanded immigration arrests at houses of worship. FEMA Employees Terminated Over $59M Payment for Luxury Hotels for Migrants Four FEMA employees were fired for approving a $59M payment to house illegal migrants in NYC, according to DHS. The decision came after Elon Musk criticized federal spending on ‘luxury hotels’ for migrants. Christian News Ai Boosts Bible Translation: Fewer Than 900 Languages Left, Completion Expected by 2025 Wycliffe Bible Translators, a leader in Bible translation for decades, is advancing towards their Vision 2025 goal, set in the late nineties, to make the Bible accessible in every language by 2025. The integration of artificial intelligence is accelerating this translation process, according to CBN News. Three-Quarters of U.S. Teens Committed to Lifelong Learning About Jesus, Survey Finds Over three-quarters of U.S. teens (77%) express motivation—52% very motivated and 25% somewhat motivated—to continue learning about Jesus throughout their lives, according to a recent Barna study titled 'The Open Generation.' Evangelical Leader Killed In Nigeria A prominent evangelical leader has been killed in northeastern Nigeria, a friend confirmed to Worthy News on Tuesday. Mastermind Of Killing Pakistan Christian Detained At Lahore Airport The main suspect in the killing of a young Christian man in Pakistan that shocked the Christian community has been detained at the international airport of Lahore, the country’s second-largest city, sources involved in the case told Worthy News on Tuesday. Worthy Insights Iranian ex-commander – now believer in Jesus – addresses members of Knesset: ‘I’m here, standing with Israel’ Just days before the streets of Tehran filled with people declaring “Death to Israel! Death to America!” to mark the anniversary of the Islamic revolution, an Iranian from that same city stood to address the Knesset in Israel with exactly the opposite message. Rabbi: Trump’s Gaza plan the catalyst to bring Messiah Rabbi Pinchas Winston praised Trump's unique vision for Gaza, humorously noting the shift from viewing it as a "terrorist resort" to a "tourist resort." He likened Trump to the biblical Cyrus, highlighting his role in helping Jews return to Israel and in establishing the Third Temple, a move aligned with prophecies about the Messiah and the ultimate gathering of Jews in Israel. Federal Judge Threatening Trump Admin With Criminal Charges Over Spending Freeze Used To Be A Major Dem Donor The federal judge who suggested Trump administration officials could face criminal contempt over the spending freeze on Monday is a Democrat donor. Unedited ’60 Minutes’ Kamala Interview Proves Again The Democrat 2024 Campaign Was A Media-Driven Psyop It’s been three months since the election, and there are still so many unanswered questions as to what exactly happened in the very obvious partnership that took place between the dying national news media and the Kamala Harris campaign. But a little more clarity was offered this week when Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, released the full nearly hour-long interview CBS “60 Minutes” aired with Harris several weeks before Election Day. Operation Mockingbird and DOGE: Exposing Deep State Corruption For decades, the deep state has quietly manipulated American institutions, consolidating power beyond the reach of the electorate. Two distinct efforts—Operation Mockingbird and the contemporary DOGE (Disclosure of Government Expenditures) movement—highlight different aspects of this subversion. Unraveling the deep state: Here are the most egregious things USAID was doing with your money Over the past several decades, billions of hard-earned American taxpayer dollars have been funneled into left-wing initiatives around the globe through the United States Agency for International Development. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump sharply criticized a series of federal judges on Tuesday who have issued rulings to block several of his executive orders and attempts to reform the government. Under Trump’s administration, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has initiated efforts to access records from various federal agencies, including the Treasury Department’s payment systems. This has led to several judicial stays being imposed on its operations. Additionally, several of Trump’s executive orders, such as ending birthright citizenship and implementing a federal buyout program, have been blocked or delayed by various judges. The string of adverse rulings blocking President Trump from reorganizing his branch has led to numerous questions about the separation of powers and the extent of a federal judge’s authority. Trump’s Department of Justice is likely to appeal most of these rulings. President Trump criticized the current government’s management on Truth Social, highlighting the discovery of significant fraud, waste, and abuse in an ongoing investigation. He voiced concerns about activists and political judges attempting to decelerate or halt the process, warning that such actions could severely impede the pursuit of truth and prove disastrous for those involved in government operations. “Billions of Dollars of FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE, has already been found in the investigation of our incompetently run Government,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Now certain activists and highly political judges want us to slow down, or stop. Losing this momentum will be very detrimental to finding the TRUTH, which is turning out to be a disaster for those involved in running our Government. Much left to find. No Excuses!!!” https://worthynews-1fe3e.kxcdn.com/wordpressimages/2025/02/trump-truth-judges-doge-640x358.png Vice President JD Vance wrote, “If a judge tried to tell a general how to conduct a military operation, that would be illegal. If a judge tried to command the attorney general in how to use her discretion as a prosecutor, that’s also illegal. Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” Obama Appointed Judge Demands Trump Resume All Paused Funding On Monday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. of Rhode Island, who the Daily Caller has reported as a donor to the Democratic Party, ordered the Trump administration to “immediately restore frozen funding.” He ruled that officials had violated his earlier restraining order and indicated that continued noncompliance could lead to criminal charges. Before his judicial appointment in 2009, McConnell contributed substantially to Democratic campaigns and political action committees, including the 2008 presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama, as per Federal Election Commission records. He also donated over $8,000 to Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s 2006 campaign in Rhode Island. The post Trump Criticizes ‘Activist Judges’ for Obstructing Federal Policy Changes appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that if Hamas does not release the hostages by Saturday at noon, the ceasefire deal will end, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume “intense fighting until Hamas is defeated.” After a four-hour security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined Israel’s next steps, following Hamas’s suspension of the hostages’ release. In a video statement, Netanyahu confirmed that Hamas “breached the deal” by announcing its decision not to release the hostages. This announcement came after the political and security cabinet convened to discuss the situation. “I have just concluded an in-depth four-hour discussion in the security cabinet. We all expressed outrage at the appalling condition of the three hostages who were released last Saturday,” Netanyahu said. The security cabinet, according to Netanyahu, “welcomed President Trump’s demand for the release of our hostages by Saturday noon, and we all also welcomed the president’s revolutionary vision for the future of Gaza.” “We also all welcomed President Trump’s demand for the release of our hostages by noon on Saturday, and we also welcomed the president’s revolutionary vision for the future of Gaza,” Netanyahu noted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that if Hamas does not return the hostages by Saturday at noon, the ceasefire will end, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will resume intense fighting until Hamas is ultimately defeated. “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon,” Netanyahu stated, “the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “open the gates of hell” on Hamas if the terror group fails to meet President Trump’s demand for the release of all hostages by Saturday. In a statement, Smotrich urged Netanyahu to make it clear to Hamas: “Either all the hostages are released by Saturday — no more phases, no more games — or we open the gates of hell on them.” Meanwhile, the IDF Southern Command is finalizing battle plans for the Gaza Strip in case the ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas collapses, according to the military. Currently, two IDF divisions, the 162nd Division and Gaza Division, are responsible for defenses along the Gaza border and the Philadelphi Corridor. Since last night, several brigades and special forces units have been deployed to the Southern Command to reinforce the existing forces. The military describes the bolstering of troops as “extensive,” including the call-up of reservists. “The reinforcements of troops and mobilization of reservists are being carried out in preparation for various scenarios,” the IDF says. The post Netanyahu Warns War Will Resume if Hostages Are Not Returned by Saturday appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Over two dozen Christian and Jewish groups, representing millions, sued the Trump administration to block expanded immigration arrests at houses of worship. The lawsuit, filed in D.C. federal court, argues the policy instills fear, reducing church attendance and programs, violating religious freedom to minister to migrants. “We have immigrants, refugees, people who are documented and undocumented,” said the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. “We cannot worship freely if some of us are living in fear,” he told The Associated Press. “By joining this lawsuit, we’re seeking the ability to gather and fully practice our faith, to follow Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves.” The new lawsuit builds on a similar case filed Jan. 27 by Quaker congregations, later joined by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and a Sikh temple, now pending in Maryland federal court. The Trump administration has yet to respond to the new lawsuit, which names the Department of Homeland Security and its immigration agencies as defendants. However, a Justice Department memo filed Friday opposing the Quaker lawsuit argued that blocking the policy is based on speculative future harm, insufficient for an injunction. The memo also stated that immigration enforcement in houses of worship has long been permitted, and the January policy merely grants field agents discretion to act without prior supervisor approval. The latest lawsuit represents a diverse coalition of faith groups, including over 1 million Reform Jews, 1.5 million Episcopalians, 1.1 million Presbyterians (U.S.A.), and 1.5 million African Methodist Episcopalians. Other plaintiffs include the Disciples of Christ, Church of the Brethren, Hispanic Baptist churches, Quakers, Mennonites, Unitarian Universalists, Conservative Jewish congregations, and regional branches of the United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ. Many conservative faith leaders and legal experts disagree with concerns over the new arrest policy. “Places of worship are for worship and are not sanctuaries for illegal activity or for harboring people engaged in illegal activity,” said Mat Staver, founder of the conservative Christian legal group Liberty Counsel. “Fugitives or criminals are not immune from the law merely because they enter a place of worship,” he stated via email. “This is not a matter of religious freedom. There is no right to openly violate the law and disobey law enforcement.” The post Religious Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Immigration Arrests in Churches appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Four FEMA employees were fired for approving a $59M payment to house illegal migrants in NYC, according to DHS. The decision came after Elon Musk criticized federal spending on ‘luxury hotels’ for migrants. “Effective immediately, FEMA is terminating the employment of four individuals for circumventing leadership to unilaterally make egregious payments for luxury NYC hotels for migrants,” DHS officials said in a statement. Fox first reported that the fired employees include FEMA’s Chief Financial Officer, two program analysts, and a grant specialist. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS will not sit idly and allow deep state activists to undermine the will and safety of the American people,” the statement added. Musk claimed on X that his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) “discovered” FEMA had sent over $50 million to “luxury” hotels for “migrant housing,” violating the president’s executive order on immigration crackdown. “That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high-end hotels for illegals,” Musk posted on X on Monday — and promised DOGE would be making “a clawback demand … to recoup those funds.” Trump echoed Musk’s criticism of FEMA in a Truth Social post Tuesday, accusing the agency of mismanaging funds, failing to assist North Carolina, and stating it should be “TERMINATED.” The post FEMA Employees Terminated Over $59M Payment for Luxury Hotels for Migrants appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday condemned Hamas as an “evil” organization that must be “eradicated,” urging leaders to “step up” with a plan for Gaza if they do not support President Trump’s vision for the region. During an interview on the conservative talk radio channel SiriusXM Patriot, Rubio denounced the terrorist organization for its mistreatment of hostages. “This is an evil organization. Hamas is evil. It’s pure evil. These are monsters. These are savages. That’s a group that needs to be eradicated,” he said. Rubio warned that Hamas’s dominance in Gaza threatens regional stability and makes peace impossible, arguing that no nation would accept a neighboring state ruled by terrorists. Rubio praised Donald Trump as the only leader willing to take action on Gaza and challenged other regional powers, particularly wealthy nations, to step up with solutions. He urged them to take responsibility, contribute financially, and lead efforts for stability if they have a better plan. “And right now, the only one who’s stood up and said I’m willing to help do it is Donald Trump. All these other leaders, they’re going to have to step up,” he said. “If they’ve got a better idea, then now is the time. Now is the time for the other governments and other powers in the region, some of these very rich countries, to basically say, okay, we’ll do it. We’re going to pay for this; we’re going to step forward; we’re going to be the ones that take charge,” Rubio stated. Rubio criticized regional leaders for failing to take concrete action in rebuilding Gaza, despite claiming to support the Palestinian people. He argued that while many are quick to reject certain proposals, few have stepped forward with real solutions. He emphasized that true advocacy requires more than rhetoric, calling on nations to commit to tangible efforts rather than simply opposing existing plans. “None of them is offering to do it. And I think that you can’t go around claiming that you’re a fighter for, an advocate for the Palestinian people, but you’re not willing to do anything to help rebuild Gaza,” he continued. “They’ll all tell you what they’re not for. But we’re still waiting for more countries to step forward and say here’s what we’re willing to do. And right now, they’ve not been willing to do anything … or at least anything concrete,” Rubio continued. Rubio described Trump’s Gaza plan as a bold challenge to regional leaders, calling it “outside the box” but consistent with Trump’s blunt, truth-telling approach. He criticized the Middle East for being a region where leaders talk but fail to take action, emphasizing that if they oppose Trump’s plan, it is their responsibility to present a viable alternative. “I mean, he’s going to state the obvious. It’s the one thing about Donald Trump—he doesn’t hide behind silly, traditional lies and things of that nature. He’s going to put out blunt truth. And the blunt truth is that the Middle East has, for too long, been a region of places all of whom love to talk but don’t want to do. So, it’s time: If they don’t like Donald Trump’s plan, then it’s time for these countries in the region to step forward and offer their solution,” Rubio concluded. Rubio echoed President Donald Trump’s demand for Hamas to immediately release all hostages, declaring in a White House post on X, “The President was clear—Hamas MUST release ALL hostages NOW!” The post Rubio Calls Hamas ‘Evil,’ Urges Leaders to Step Up with Gaza Plan appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The president of the European Commission has vowed to retaliate and strongly condemned President Trump’s decision to levy a 25% tariff on foreign steel and aluminum, as markets anticipate a potential trade war between the U.S. and Europe. Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, strongly criticized the imposition of tariffs, stating, “Tariffs are taxes that are bad for business and worse for consumers.” She warned late Monday, “Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.” von der Leyen further emphasized, “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers.” President Trump states that tariffs encourage companies to either return to the U.S. or maintain their operations domestically, leading to job creation for American workers and generating revenue to support domestic programs. Later this week, President Trump intends to implement reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose taxes on U.S. goods, potentially escalating tensions between the U.S. and the EU into a trade war. The post EU Vows Retaliation Against Trump’s Tariffs, Trade Wars Loom appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Wycliffe Bible Translators, a leader in the field for decades, is close to achieving their Vision 2025 objective of making the Bible accessible in every language by 2025, a target established in the late nineties. Currently, translations into only 888 languages remain, a feat made possible through strategic partnerships with global churches and the adoption of advanced AI technology, according to CBN News. “Our focus is how do we see God’s word come to these languages that have never had scripture in their own language and that is our heart passion and that’s what we’ve been about for these 80-plus years,” John Chesnut, president of Wycliffe Translators told CBN News. Chesnut from Wycliffe Bible Translators highlighted the significant strides made since 1999, noting, “As of today, it is about 888 remaining languages that are on our list anyway, so it’s been huge, huge progress.” He attributes this success to robust partnerships with local churches globally. Chesnut added, “The new thing that we’re seeing God do is that he literally is raising up his church around the world and taking on this effort. They’re owning it now. They’re the ones that are doing it. And more and more, our role is coming alongside of these groups to say, ‘Can we help you accomplish what God has placed on your heart?'” Moreover, artificial intelligence is contributing to their efforts. “God’s using it for his glory as well. So, we have a new tool that just has been out here for probably about a year or so that if a New Testament has been translated they can use the material from the New Testament to load into the software and it will draft an Old Testament in just a few days.” Chesnut explained how translators are equipped with innovative tools to aid their work, even in regions without a written alphabet. “We have another AI tool that, where there’s nothing written, no scripture yet at all, that will gather words from the community and then it uses that to teach the machine on how to draft translation too. So, that’s where there’s nothing started to help accelerate that as well,” he said. This technology, he believes, could significantly hasten the fulfillment of the Great Commission. “This is the first generation that can look and say, ‘This could happen during our lifetime.’ And I mean, it’s an incredible day to be part of what God’s doing around the world.” The post Ai Boosts Bible Translation: Fewer Than 900 Languages Left, Completion Expected by 2025 appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Over three-quarters of U.S. teens (77%) express motivation—52% very motivated and 25% somewhat motivated—to continue learning about Jesus throughout their lives, according to a recent Barna study titled ‘The Open Generation.‘ Barna’s Gen Z Vol. 3 study indicates that while today’s teens and young adults are curious about spirituality and believe in a power greater than themselves, many are reluctant to commit to organized religion or regular church attendance. The study also found that less than one in five teens (16%) lack motivation to pursue spiritual learning—6% are somewhat unmotivated and 10% are not at all motivated—with an additional 7% uncertain about their interest in continuing this exploration. The Barna report advises church leaders to see the willingness of teens to learn about Jesus as a vital opportunity for deep engagement. However, this requires a thoughtful strategy in light of Gen Z’s skepticism towards religion and the Church. Leaders are encouraged to cultivate environments that promote open dialogue, where teens can freely explore their questions about Jesus without feeling pressured. The Barna report emphasizes the importance of recognizing that while teens show interest in Jesus, their approach to faith may differ from previous generations. Authenticity and relevance are essential. Leaders should be ready to honestly tackle tough questions and show how Jesus and the Bible are pertinent to today’s world. The post Three-Quarters of U.S. Teens Committed to Lifelong Learning About Jesus, Survey Finds appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News ABUJA (Worthy News) – A prominent evangelical leader has been killed in northeastern Nigeria, a friend confirmed to Worthy News on Tuesday. Reverend Bala Galadima, a presiding pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) church, was murdered Sunday in the Lubo community of Nigeria’s Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area in Gombe State, said Paul Jongas, an evangelist and farmer. Police spokesman Buhari Abdullahi linked the killing to “a robbery.” He said, “The issue is a robbery because they entered the house at night, and maybe they attempted to rob him.” A group of armed men dressed in black stormed the home of a pastor around 1 a.m., local told shooting him in the back while he lay in bed, according to members of his congregation. The attackers then opened fire throughout the village to prevent any resistance, Christians recalled. “Unfortunately, from the way he was shot in the back, maybe he was trying to escape, which is natural and normal, and he was shot,” Abdullahi added. Galadima is among thousands of Christians killed in Nigeria in recent years Human rights investigators say criminal groups, as well as Muslim extremists, have disproportionately targeted the Christian minority in Nigeria, one of the deadliest countries for Christians. LEADER MISSED Jongas said the murdered church leader will be missed. “We graduated from the same Bible college and done the same mission work. We are from the same Gombe state from the same village,” Jongas explained to Worthy News. “I will remember him as [a man of] strong faith, kindness, and endurance,” he added. Jonas said he was “praying for means of going to Gombe for his burial on Saturday.” “We are devastated by the loss of our pastor,” added church member Lami Sabo in remarks monitored by Worthy News. “His courage, wisdom, and generosity will be deeply missed.” Gombe’s state government ordered a “manhunt” for ECWA pastor’s killers. Abdullahi said the local “Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, visited the hospital where the body of the deceased was taken. He deployed a team containing a special squad to maintain peace, assuring that the culprits would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.” Yet it has done little to increase security for Christians, rights watchers suggest. “Jihadist violence continues to escalate in Nigeria, and Christians are particularly at risk from targeted attacks by Islamist militants, including Fulani fighters, Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province),” noticed Christian advocacy group Open Doors. INCREASED ATTACKS The attacks “increased under the rule of former president Muhammadu Buhari, putting Nigeria at the epicenter of targeted violence against the church. The government’s failure to protect Christians and punish perpetrators has only strengthened the militants’ influence,” the group added. “While Christians used to be vulnerable only in the Muslim-majority northern states, this violence continues to spread into the Middle Belt and even further south. The attacks are shockingly brutal. Many believers are killed, particularly men, while women are often kidnapped and targeted for sexual violence,” Open Doors noticed. “More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. Militants also destroy homes, churches, and livelihoods.” In other recent violence, last month, on January 12, the village of Bamzir was reportedly attacked by extremists. “Two brothers, Enoch and Josiah Pogu Pudza, both church members, were murdered,” said villager Iliya Dauda. “Their bodies were left in the ashes of the church.” Later on, on January 16, an Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa, a Nigeria (EYN) church in the town of Yimirmugza, was destroyed by Islamic group Boko Haram, Christians recalled. On January 30, extremists reportedly raided the village of Kauthlama, torching an Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN) church, destroying homes, and looting livestock. “Our community is suffering greatly from these relentless attacks,” said resident Paul Mauntah. “We urge our leaders to take action.” The violence comes amid growing controversy over the Nigerian government’s decision to release 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters on January 30. Officials claim the militants had been “deradicalized and reformed,” but Christians remain skeptical. “While we suffer daily at the hands of Boko Haram, the government is setting these terrorists free,” said Amos Dauda, an EYN church member. “How can we believe they have truly changed?” The post Evangelical Leader Killed In Nigeria appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News LAHORE, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – The main suspect in the killing of a young Christian man in Pakistan that shocked the Christian community has been detained at the international airport of Lahore, the country’s second-largest city, sources involved in the case told Worthy News on Tuesday. Suleman Masih, 24, was attacked on December 29 last year in the Kot Saadullah area of Rahawali district in the city of Gujranwala and succumbed to his injuries on New Year’s Day, Christians said. Police made four arrests, but the main suspect remained at large till Tuesdaywhen authorities detained Abdul Rehman while attempting to fly on a “fake and forged passport” to Muscat, the capital and most populous city in Oman, confirmed Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, a Christian aid and advocacy group in the region. “He was detained at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. He is under Police custody in Police Station Gujranwala.” The arrest is “a significant step toward bringing the perpetrators to justice and offering some degree of closure to the grieving family and community,” Gill told Worthy News. “Authorities have expressed their commitment to ensuring that all those responsible for the crime will be held accountable.” Masih was the first known Christian to die in Pakistan in an attack linked to his faith and jealousy over his success as a young farmer, according to rights investigators and church sources. “Suleman Masih was a very hardworking and entrepreneurial young man. He began his journey collecting waste materials and, with a lot of effort, eventually acquired agricultural machinery to work in wheat and rice fields. Over the past year, he achieved considerable success, managing 25 acres of land and owning a vehicle,” recalled Pakistani priest Lazar Aslam. For six months, Suleman endured “threats, attacks and harassment,” including “intentional damage to his machinery and the destruction of his crops,” church sources said. NO ACTION Despite reporting these incidents to the authorities, there was little to no action, leaving him vulnerable to further violence, according to Christians familiar with the situation. “Suleman was brutally attacked and shot, sustaining severe kidney damage,” the priest added. Another individual, who was also injured in the incident, initially gave “a false statement” under police pressure, church officials said. However, eyewitnesses said Suleman was “an innocent victim of a deliberate attack.” It comes amid mounting pressure on Christians, who comprise at least 1.8 percent of Pakistan’s predominantly Muslim population of 252 million, according to Christian researchers. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) says the number of minority Christians and Hindus could be 3.5 percent. Pakistan ranks 8th on the annual World Watch List of 50 nations, where advocacy group Open Doors claims Christians face the most persecution for their faith in Christ. The post Mastermind Of Killing Pakistan Christian Detained At Lahore Airport appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump threatened to “bomb the hell out of” Iran if the Islamic Republic continues a nuclear program that he suggested is aimed at developing a nuclear weapon. https://www.worthynews.com/wordpressimages/2025/02/Trump-Iran.mp4 In comments to the Fox News Channel aired Monday, Trump said he would prefer to make a deal with Tehran to avoid air strikes. “Everyone thinks Israel, with our help or our approval, will go in and bomb the hell out of them [Iran]. I would prefer that not happening. I would much rather see a deal with Iran… Supervised, check it, inspect it [the nuclear facilities], and then blow it up or just make sure that there’s no more nuclear there,” he stressed. [U.S. President Barrack Obama’s nuclear deal] was the dumbest… By the way, it would’ve expired by now. That was a road [for Iran] to a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “It was a short-term deal… It would have already expired by now, and they would have a legal right to have a nuclear weapon,” he added. Trump noted that Iran “is very concerned” amid mounting pressure from the U.S. and Israel. “I think Iran is very frightened, to be honest with you. Their air defense is pretty much gone.,” he said, referring to recent U.S.-backed Israeli strikes. “I think Iran is very nervous; I think they’re scared. I think Iran would love to make a deal, and I would love to make a deal with them without bombing them,” explained Trump, who co-authored the 1987 best seller “Trump: The Art of the Deal.” The post Trump Suggests Bombing Iran Without Nuclear Deal (Video) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News RAMALLAH/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree Monday “to end” a system of payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed after carrying out attacks against Israel, but critics called it window dressing as disbursements would continue under a new scheme. The payments, dubbed “pay for slay” by commentators who say it rewards “the families of terrorists,” have been a longstanding source of friction with the United States. Amid pressure, Abbas agreed to sign a decree stating that families of prisoners and slain attackers who require welfare assistance will be eligible for stipends “based solely on their financial needs,” as is the case with other Palestinians. The initiative to cancel the stipends had been in the works for years, and its pilot program was “even quietly launched” toward the end of the administration of previous U.S. President Joe Biden, U.S. and Israeli sources say. The Palestinian Authority (PA) presented the reform to the United States at the start of Biden’s administration over four years ago to bring it into compliance with legislation adopted by the U.S. Congress in 2018, Worthy News learned. The so-called “Taylor Force Act” suspended American aid to the PA as long as it continued granting the controversial welfare payments. It was not immediately clear when and if the aid would resume under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, which had been critical of government spending. SUSPENDING OPERATIONS Trump effectively suspended operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) over alleged misspending of at least hundreds of millions of dollars. Abbas signed the decree while the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to rule this year on whether American victims of terrorism can sue the PA and its international arm, the Palestine Liberation Organization, for “damages” due to Ramallah’s payments program, Israeli commentators said. The PA did not address the case but said the decree was made partly to “strengthen the status of the state of Palestine” in the United Nations and other international bodies. It was also aimed at gaining “further international recognition” and “restoring international aid programs that were suspended in the past year.” The move was also designed to stop “the illegal deductions” that Israel made from taxes it gathered on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, the decree added. However, Israel did not appear in a hurry to resume payments. Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the decree “as a new fraudulent exercise by the PA, which intends to continue making payments to terrorists and their families through other channels.” Sources familiar with the Arabic text of the decree pointed out that it still says that “under no circumstances will the salaries of martyrs and prisoners be harmed” and “all families who benefited from the previous system will continue to enjoy the same criteria without discrimination under the new welfare programs.” DECISION POSTPONED? Israeli law requires the government to conduct a review of the PA’s prisoner payment system at the beginning of every calendar year, according to experts. Analysts say that could enable Jerusalem to wait until early next year before deciding whether Ramallah complies with Israeli legislation targeting the PA payment system. Observers say that despite the decree, many families of prisoners and slain attackers who were receiving government stipends will continue to receive financial aid due to widespread poverty in the West Bank, also known as Judaea and Samaria. Poverty has increased since October 7, 2023, when Israel ended its permit system for over 100,000 Palestinians working in Israel and settlements — a key component of the West Bank’s economy. Israel’s government suggested it decided to target extremists among Palestinians after Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others in Israel more than 16 months ago. It was described as “the worst atrocity” against Jews in Israel since the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah. The post Palestinian President Claims To End System Of Payments To Jailed Terrorist Families appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Tensions were rising in the Middle East on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump warned Jordan and Egypt he could “conceivably” withhold aid to them if they don’t take Palestinian refugees he seeks to relocate from the Gaza Strip, which was partly destroyed in the Israel-Hamas war. Trump made the comments while speaking Monday to reporters in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. His threat came as Egypt rejected “any compromise” that would “infringe” on Palestinians’ rights. Cairo made the announcement following talks between its Foreign Minister Badr Abdelattywith his US counterpart in Washington. Jordan also rejected Trump’s proposal to resettle up to 2 million Palestinians from Gaza, which the self-declared deal-maker-in-chief wants to turn into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, Trump said his plan could offer development in the enclave to “supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.” “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” Trump said at the White House after talks last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added that his administration would take responsibility for clearing destroyed buildings and dismantling “dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons.” HAMAS FURIOUS Hamas, which had been ruling Gaza and attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, called Trump’s plan for the territory a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.” “Our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass,” the group said last week in a statement. Trump’s threat to withhold aid came hours before Jordan’s King Abdullah II was to visit Washington on Tuesday. This would mark the first official trip by an Arab leader to the United States during US President Trump’s second term. Their talks were due to focus on Gaza, which Jordan said is not “an economic or security issue” but “an identity issue.” Critics who held protests against the plan have also said that Trump’s proposal would push Jordan “toward becoming a Palestinian state.” Meanwhile, Jordanians of Palestinian origin, who exist today and comprise a majority of Jordan’s population, are weary of the kingdom transforming into an alternative Palestinian homeland. Representatives say it would result in “a denial” of Palestinians’ “right of return” to the areas they fled in 1948 and 1967. The post Trump Warns Jordan, Egypt On Aid If They Reject His Gaza Plan appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Over a dozen U.S. citizens and an Indian national were detained last week in southeastern Nepal for alleged evangelistic activities, as reported by Nepalese media. Civil society sources and religious leaders said that this act by the Nepalese government was meant to intimidate the Christian community, according to International Christian Concern (ICC). American Christians in Nepal on tourist visas were reportedly involved in constructing a building in Dharan, Nepal. Authorities have accused them of proselytizing to locals, although officials have not provided detailed reasons for their concern. Nepal’s government has imposed stringent anti-conversion laws since 2017. The National Penal Code of 2017 states, “No person shall convert anyone from one religion to another or make attempt to or abet such conversion.” Similarly, the Nepalese Constitution, ratified in 2015, includes a prohibition in Article 26(3) that “No person shall … convert another person from one religion to another or any act or conduct that may jeopardize other’s [sic] religion.” These laws enable authorities to selectively target Christian practices, which often involve sharing faith—a focus less emphasized in other religions. Similarly, neighboring India, accused of promoting religious extremism in Nepal, enforces comparable laws at the state level. Despite years of legal pressure, the Christian church in Nepal continues to grow rapidly, according to multiple accounts. The post Nepal Detains 17 U.S. Citizens on Charges of Proselytization appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Iran successfully tested its Russian-made Bavar-373 and S-300 air defense systems last Wednesday, shooting down a simulated enemy drone as part of an exercise that mimicked a large-scale drone attack, the Washington Times reported. Last Wednesday, Iran demonstrated the operational capability of its long-range defense systems through a successful test, countering Israeli claims about its military readiness. This test, reported by Iranian state media, demonstrated the country’s enhanced defensive capabilities, especially in detecting low-altitude targets, following Israel’s October strike. This development is likely to fuel further speculation about Iran’s global standing, particularly as some defense experts believe Iran’s position has weakened due to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and Hezbollah’s decline in Lebanon. The tests in Iran coincided with U.S. President Trump’s first meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since taking office. While details are scarce, both leaders focused on Iran’s nuclear program, agreeing that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. President Trump emphasized his commitment to exerting significant pressure on Iran. The post Iran Conducts Tests on Russian-Made Missile Defense System appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – With the ceasefire at risk due to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have raised readiness levels in the Southern Command and postponed leave for combat soldiers and operational units, the Israeli military announced Monday night. In anticipation of a significant military operation in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have started to cancel all leave and are recalling thousands of soldiers back to their units. “The reinforcement of forces will strengthen the defense in the area and enhance the readiness for various scenarios in the region,” the IDF stated. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the forces are fully prepared and mobilized for a potent maneuver, reflecting the escalating tensions and the potential for renewed conflict in the region. President Donald Trump on Monday demanded the full release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza by noon Saturday, rejecting any partial releases. He warned that if the deadline was not met, he would cancel the ceasefire deal, stating, “All bets are off and let hell break out,” signaling a readiness for severe escalation. The post Ceasefire on Verge of Collapse; Israel Boosts Military Readiness, Cancels Soldiers’ Leave appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News LAHORE, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – Christians in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, expressed concern Tuesday over the whereabouts of a 12-year-old Christian girl who was reportedly kidnapped, forced to convert to Islam, and married against her will. The abduction occurred when the girl, only identified as Saba for security reasons, was allegedly taken by a Muslim man who then “coerced her into converting to Islam” and marrying him, said sources with close knowledge about the situation. “Despite Pakistani laws prohibiting child marriage and forced conversions, such incidents continue to occur with alarming frequency, particularly among religious minorities like Christians,” added Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, a Christian aid and advocacy group in the region. LEAD Pakistan leader Farzana Imran told Worthy News that the “case highlights the grave injustices faced by religious minority communities in Pakistan, especially young girls who are forced into marriages and conversions. We stand with Saba’s family and demand that those responsible be held accountable.” Child marriage is illegal in Pakistan, with the minimum legal age for marriage set at 16. However, “forced conversions and child marriages—especially involving religious minorities—remains a significant problem in some regions” of Pakistan, explained Gill to Worthy News. Experts and human rights activists say up to 2,000 girls, many of them Christians and Hindus, are kidnapped annually in Pakistan to be subjected “to rape, forced conversion, and forced marriages by Muslim men.” FORCED MARRIAGE In Saba’s case, “the forged marriage certificate and the coercion involved have raised serious concerns among human rights groups,” Gill added. The case “has brought attention to the ongoing challenges faced by young girls in Pakistan. Cultural and societal barriers often impede justice and the enforcement of laws safeguarding religious freedom and children’s rights,” he stressed. “Forced marriage of Christian girls to Muslim men is often linked to their impoverished backgrounds and limited opportunities,” Gill told Worthy News. “Many girls from religious minority communities, like Christians in Pakistan, are faced with financial hardships and a lack of access to education or better prospects. In some cases, this vulnerable situation can make them more susceptible to manipulation, as they may be promised a better life in exchange for conversion and marriage.” He said the abduction of Saba in Lahore has been “highlighting the need for legal reforms and better protection for vulnerable religious minorities.” Pakistan’s government has come under international pressure to improve the rights of Christians and other minorities in the mainly Muslim nation. However, “We struggle to create awareness about the importance of education and protecting women’s rights within our communities. By focusing on empowering young girls through knowledge and skills, we hope to offer them better opportunities and protect them from exploitation,” Imran explained. CHRISTIAN MINORITY Christians comprise at least 1.8 percent of Pakistan’s predominantly Muslim population of 252 million, according to Christian researchers. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) says the number of minority Christians and Hindus could be 3.5 percent. The country ranks 8th on the annual World Watch List of 50 nations, where advocacy group Open Doors claims Christians face the most persecution for their faith in Christ. “The number of Christian girls (and those from other minority religions) abducted, abused, and forcefully converted to Islam (frequently backed by lower courts) is growing. And churches that engage in outreach are particularly prone to opposition,” the group said in a recent assessment. It also expressed concern about the misuse of blasphemy laws “that carry a death sentence. While this is seldom carried out, people accused of blasphemy are vulnerable to attack or murder by mobs.” In June 2024, “an elderly man was killed by mob violence after being accused of desecrating the Koran,” deemed a holy book by Muslims, the group recalled. Additionally, a 2023 attack on Christian homes and buildings in the Jaranwala area “continues to contribute to a climate of fear. Historical churches have relative freedom for worship and other activities. However, they are heavily monitored and have been targeted for bomb attacks.” Yet Pakistani authorities claim they are taking the plight of “religious minorities” seriously. Last month, the chief minister of Pakistan’s Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, introduced a cash card program for Christians and other minorities that she claims marks a “historic” step toward addressing marginalization in Pakistan’s most populous province. MINORITY CARD The “Minority Card” will provide 10,500 Pakistani Rupees ($37.65) per family every quarter to Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, and other minorities living in Punjab. Sharif said the program initially aims to benefit 50,000 individuals but will expand to 75,000 in the coming phases. She also pledged to increase the quarterly stipend. “I am very happy that for the first time in Pakistan and Punjab’s history, we have launched the minority card,” Sharif added in published remarks. She stressed that minorities are like the “crown on her head” and said their true identity is not as non-Muslims but as “true Pakistanis.” However, Christian advocacy activists suggest it will take time before girls like Saba will be truly protected in Pakistan’s troubled society. The post Pakistan Christian Girl ‘Abducted And Forcibly Converted’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump warned Hamas on Monday, demanding the release of all hostages in Gaza by noon Saturday. “If all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 o’clock — I think it’s an appropriate time — I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out,” Trump stated, threatening to cancel the ceasefire deal. In a firm declaration, President Donald Trump emphasized the need for the complete and immediate return of all hostages held by Hamas, rejecting partial releases. He set a strict deadline of Saturday at noon, warning that failure to meet this deadline would lead to severe consequences. Trump starkly stated that after the deadline, “all hell is going to break out,” indicating readiness for significant escalation if the demands are not fully met. https://www.worthynews.com/wordpressimages/2025/02/Trump-Warns-Hamas.mp4 “And if they’re not returned — all of them, not in drips and drabs, not two, and one, and three, and four and two. Saturday at 12 o’clock. And after that, I would say all hell is going to break out,” Trump said. However, Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization, announced on Monday their decision to postpone the scheduled release of Israeli hostages indefinitely. This delay, they claim, is in response to alleged violations by Israel of the terms set in the ongoing hostage-ceasefire agreement. “The release of the prisoners, originally set for next Saturday, February 15, 2025, will be postponed indefinitely pending the occupation’s compliance with and retroactive fulfillment of the past weeks’ obligations,” stated Hudhaifa Kahlout, spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, referring to the hostages taken from southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Of the 251 hostages originally taken, 73 remain in Gaza. Following Hamas’s announcement to delay the hostage release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an urgent security cabinet meeting. Concurrently, the defense minister placed the military on high alert. This response comes amid uncertainty over the deal’s future, as Israel has not yet dispatched negotiators to Qatar to discuss the agreement’s second phase, missing the set deadline. The post Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas: Free Hostages or Get Ready for ‘Hell to Break Out’ (Video) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Kenneth Schrupp | The Center Square (Worthy News) – One week into anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are preparing for a “large scale” immigration enforcement action in the city, according to documents leaked to the Los Angeles Times. City officials have said one in 10 residents are in the country illegally, meaning mass deportations could have a significant effect on the local economy. The ongoing protests, where many protestors carry Mexican flags, started on Feb. 2, shutting down freeways and resulting in police injuries. On Friday, when students across the city walked out of classrooms to join the protests, a Hispanic teenager allegedly stabbed an unidentified 17-year old protester who is currently in critical condition. “Violence of any kind will not be tolerated. LAPD has responded and is working to keep Angelenos in the area safe,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a statement on the stabbing. “The City of Los Angeles supports free speech and the right to peacefully protest — but those who commit crimes will be held accountable.” The City of Los Angeles has declared itself a sanctuary city, meaning city resources cannot be used for immigration enforcement, and city staff cannot cooperate with federal authorities engaged in immigration enforcement. The sanctuary city ordinance also bans the direct and indirect sharing of data with federal immigration authorities. In support of the sanctuary city ordinance, Los Angeles City Council member Hugo Soto-Martinez said one in 10 residents are illegal immigrants. Should the city lose one in 10 residents, costs for labor could rise significantly, as illegal immigrants are paid an average of $13 per hour in cash, which is below the state minimum wage of $16.50 per hour and excludes both taxes and worker protections. Higher wages could have a major impact on local small businesses that rely on migrant labor to remain competitive with large corporate competitors that can afford to invest in automation. Losses in demand for services, from both higher wage prices passed on to consumers and a loss in population, could somewhat offset major labor cost increases, while rents for most housing could go down due to less demand for the city’s more affordable homes. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post ICE Plans LA Enforcement Amid Protests; City Says 10% of Residents Undocumented appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News PRISTINA/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Kosovo’s ruling party, Vetevendosje, or Self-Determination Movement, has won the parliamentary election, official results showed Monday. Still, exit polls and preliminary results showed that it must negotiate a coalition with others to form a government. With most votes counted, Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s leftist Self-Determination Movement Party had won about 41 percent of the ballots cast. The election result would drop the party from the more than 50 percent it won in 2021. But it puts Kurti in a position to lead the next government in a country whose politics are overshadowed by tensions between the ethnic Albanian majority and minority Serbs and Kosovo’s troubled relationship with neighboring Serbia. After four years of ruling alone, the Self-Determination Movement party faces the prospect of having to strike a deal with one of its bitter rivals. Those opponents include the Democratic Party of Kosovo, PDK, which came second with 22.5 percent; the third-placed Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK, which won 17.7 percent; and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, AAK, which came fourth with 7.5 percent. During the run-up to Sunday’s vote, Kurti suggested that he would prefer to sit as the opposition if his party could not form a majority government. Yet, as the votes were counted, Kurti said his party would try to form a government. “Congratulations on our victory,” he told supporters. The post Kosovo’s Ruling Party Loses Majority But Could Still Lead Government (Worthy News Focus) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article