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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News PARIS (Worthy News) – French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation on Thursday after the government lost a no-confidence vote, Worthy News learned. Michel Barnier, 73, became France’s shortest-serving prime minister since the 1958 founding of the Fifth Republic, its current republican system of government. He was ousted when the far-right opposition National Rally of Marine Le Pen joined leftist parties to bring down the government. The vote was sparked by Barnier’s decision to use a constitutional mechanism called Article 49.3, which enables legislation to be adopted without a vote but opens the door to no-confidence motions. He made the move after a last-minute concession was not enough to win support from the influential far-right National Rally (RN). Yet the development risked further unsettling investors, who have already pushed up France’s borrowing costs beyond those of countries like Spain and Greece. France now has a caretaker government, and President Macron must appoint a new prime minister who, analysts say, faces the same political turmoil and divided parliament as Barnier. BARNIER BACK? In theory, Macron could reappoint Barnier, who had been in power since September. Yet Barnier did appear to rule himself out on Tuesday evening. “I want to serve,” he told media. “But what does it mean if I fall tomorrow and the day after you find me back here as if nothing had happened?” Bernard Cazeneuve, 61, a former French prime minister and interior minister under Socialist President Francois Hollande, is among those being named as possible successors. Already considered a possible prime minister this summer, observers say picking him could help Macron fracture the left-wing bloc by capitalizing on Cazeneuve’s ties to his former party. Sébastien Lecornu, 38, is also mentioned. He is seen as a skilled politician who, in 2022, became the youngest defense minister since the French Revolution. “He’s a Macron loyalist who’s originally from the center-right Republicans party,” commented Bloomberg News agency. François Bayrou, 73, a veteran centrist leading the MoDem party and a key ally for Macron in parliament, is also seen as a possible prime minister. Currently the high commissioner for government planning, Bayrou supports proportional representation in parliamentary elections, which the National Rally has also requested. Jean Castex, 59, a former prime minister under Macron known for his southern French accent and management skills, is also seen as a contender for the prime minister’s job. He is the head of the RATP, the state-owned company operating the Paris metro. The post French President Macron to Address Nation After Government Falls appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Global debt soared by over $12 trillion in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching a record $323 trillion, driven by falling borrowing costs and increased risk appetite, according to the latest Global Debt Monitor report by a banking trade group. The Institute of International Finance (IIF) report suggests that sovereign debt could rise by a third to nearly $130 trillion by 2028, increasing global repayment risks. Meanwhile, debt in emerging markets is nearing a record $105 trillion, or 245% of GDP, up from $99 trillion in Q4 2023. The report noted that declining borrowing costs and narrowing sovereign and corporate spreads fueled a rapid accumulation of debt, particularly in the third quarter of 2024. This rise in global debt marked the third-largest quarterly increase on record, following significant surges in Q2 and Q4 of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The third-quarter increase, which occurred before the U.S. election in November, was only surpassed by the debt spikes in 2020 when countries and companies rushed to borrow. “Rising trade tensions and supply-chain disruptions threaten global economic growth, increasing the likelihood of mini boom-bust cycles in sovereign debt markets as inflationary pressures resurface and public finances tighten,” the report stated, adding that the increased interest cost as a result could “exacerbate fiscal strains” and make debt management increasingly difficult. The report warned that global climate commitments, highlighted by the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, could exacerbate the rise in debt. The summit will focus on strengthening nations’ climate commitments, prioritizing emissions reduction targets and boosting climate finance, particularly for emerging markets. “Moreover, given the chronic underestimation of actual government spending needs in official public debt statistics, debt levels could rise even higher, particularly when accounting for the climate-related spending required to stay on track with net-zero targets and national climate commitments,” said the IIF. The IIF stated that fully meeting global emissions reduction targets could add an extra $38 trillion to global debt by 2028. “Under such a scenario, global government debt levels could reach $170 trillion by 2028, with emerging markets expected to record a sharp build-up in external debt as global efforts to mobilize $1.3 trillion of external funding annually to emerging markets by 2035 gain momentum following COP29 in Baku.” The post Global Debt Hits Record $323 Trillion, Triggering Fears of an Incoming Debt Tsunami appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Christians in Syria are understood to be concerned for their safety as the Islamist insurgent group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham has launched an ongoing major attack on the dictatorial Iran and Russia-backed regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Crosswalk reports. Pool Prior to the current offensive which began last week, war-torn Muslim majority Syria ranked 12 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. In a statement to CBN News following the insurgents’ capture of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, on November 27, Analyst Jonathan Spyer, a Syria expert from the Middle East Forum said: “This is unprecedented for the rebellion. The rebellion never held all of Aleppo, and it was expelled from all of Aleppo because it held the eastern part of the city for a while in 2016.” “There is some cause for legitimate concern here because, in the past, when we’ve seen HTS and its predecessor organizations Al Nusra, which was at one time the franchise of al-Qaida in Syria – well, we’ve seen them take over areas in the past where Christians live,” Syper explained. “Christians have been treated badly up to and including forced conversions to Islam and other acts of that nature. So, nothing terrible has happened yet. But certainly, we should be watching carefully because this is an area of legitimate concern,” Syper added. The post Syria: Christians Worried for Their Safety Amid Insurgency appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – A new study shows that persecuted Iranian Christians seeking asylum in the former Soviet state of Georgia are unfairly vulnerable to deportation as Georgian authorities routinely deny their claims, Article 18 reports. Titled “The Plight of IRANIAN CHRISTIANS Seeking International Protection in Georgia,” the newly published study was conducted by Article18, CSW, Open Doors and Middle East Concern. Among the reasons given to deny asylum, Georgia’s authorities often claim the Christians’ faith is not genuine and they should therefore be safe in Iran. The new report also cites Georgia’s “burgeoning relationship with Iran,” “intolerance of expressions of Christianity other than Georgian Orthodox”, “and the consequence is that several hundred Iranian Christians currently seeking asylum in Georgia have little hope of being permitted to remain in the country for long,” as further reasons for denial of asylum. “The asylum-seekers therefore face an uncertain future, with little hope of being recognised as refugees but having few alternative options to access international protection,” the report says. “Several individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected in Georgia have already spent years as refugees in neighbouring countries such as Turkey, and say they no longer know what to do, nor where to go,” the report continues. “They appeal to the Georgian authorities to recognise the legitimacy of their claims, and to the international community to open up new safe, legal routes for resettlement,” the report notes. Ruled by a harsh Islamic regime which has imprisoned and tortured believers in Christ on account of their faith, Iran ranks 9 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. The post Persecuted Iranian Christians Struggle for Asylum in Georgia, Report appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News)—The US Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic published a 520-page report on the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday (December 2). The report concluded that the virus was most likely “leaked” from a laboratory in Wuhan, China, and reported bipartisan findings on the advancement and management of the crisis in the US. Titled “After Action Review of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward,” the report is available online. Introducing the report, Committee Chairman Brad Wenstrup (Republican) said it “will serve as a road map for Congress, the Executive Branch, and the private sector to prepare for and respond to future pandemics.” Concerning the origins of the COVID-19 virus, the committee reported bipartisan consensus on the following five points: The virus possesses a biological characteristic that is not found in nature. Data shows that all COVID-19 cases stem from a single introduction into humans. This runs contrary to previous pandemics where there were multiple spillover events. Wuhan is home to China’s foremost SARS research lab, which has a history of conducting gain-of-function research at inadequate biosafety levels. Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) researchers were sick with a COVID-like virus in the fall of 2019, months before COVID-19 was discovered at the wet market. By nearly all measures of science, if there was evidence of a natural origin it would have already surfaced. The committee further identified seven bipartisan findings on the progress of the pandemic and its management in the US as follows: The U.S. National Institutes of Health-funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The Chinese government, agencies within the U.S. Government, and some members of the international scientific community sought to cover up facts concerning the origins of the pandemic. Operation Warp Speed was a tremendous success and a model to build upon in the future. The vaccines, which are now probably better characterized as therapeutics, undoubtedly saved millions of lives by diminishing the likelihood of severe disease and death. Rampant fraud, waste, and abuse plagued the COVID-19 pandemic response. Pandemic-era school closures will have an enduring impact on generations of America’s children and these closures were enabled by groups meant to serve those children. The Constitution cannot be suspended in times of crisis and restrictions on freedoms sow distrust in public health. The prescription cannot be worse than the disease, such as strict and overly broad lockdowns that led to predictable anguish and avoidable consequences. The post US Select Committee Publishes Final Report on COVID-19 Pandemic, “Virus Likely Leaked from China Lab” appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News NEW YORK, USA (Worthy News) – The head of America’s biggest health insurer, UnitedHealthcare, has been killed in an apparently “targeted attack” following an early morning shooting outside an investor meeting in New York, police say. UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton Hotel early Wednesday, where the company’s investor conference was being held. Police said Thompson had been rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The shooting reportedly began during Thompson’a arrival, as the alleged attacker was waiting for him and shot the executive from about 20 feet (7 meters) away before fleeing on foot. Thompson had a gunshot wound to the chest and was taken to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead, police and other sources said. The New York Police Department (NYPD) said no immediate arrests were made and that the investigation was ongoing. The NYPD described the suspect as “a White man wearing a cream-colored coat, black and white sneakers, a gray backpack, and a black face mask.” No possible motives for the apparent assassination were immediately announced. FINANCIAL WORLD SHOCKED His murder shocked the financial world as the 20-year veteran of UnitedHealth, Thompson, was one of the company’s most senior executives. The company’s investor presentations were underway as news began to spread of the shooting, according to sources familiar with the situation. Ryan Langston, an analyst in the audience, said people have started getting phone notifications. Then Andrew Witty, the chief executive of UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, addressed the audience. “We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation,” Witty said, according to people who were in the audience. Langston said the room “quickly turned very somber, very quiet.” He added, “People, including myself, were calling their families. I let them know I was OK.” Thompson went by the nickname “BT” and regularly presented the firm at investor events and on earnings calls, according to people knowing him well. MASSIVE UNIT The insurance unit he oversaw ass due to bring in $280 billion in revenue this year and is the country’s largest health insurer, according to estimates. In 2021, he became the chief executive officer of the UnitedHealthcare insurance division after working in finance positions across the business. A certified public accountant, Thompson graduated from the University of Iowa with a business degree in 1997. He worked at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) before joining UnitedHealth. Thompson’s sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, said she was still processing the news of his death. “He was a good person, and I am so sad,” Reveiz said. He is survived by his wife Paulette ‘Pauley’ Thompson, 51, and their two children. His wife is a practicing physical therapist for Park Nicollet Health Services with over 20 years of experience. The post Chief Of America’s Biggest Health Insurer Killed In ‘Targeted Attack’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News MOSCOW/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Pope Francis expressed concern Wednesday that “war is a human defeat” after new evidence emerged that the Russia-Ukraine war impacted those whose lives have just begun. Investigators say Ukrainian children were stripped of their Ukrainian identity and placed with Russian families. https://www.worthynews.com/wordpressimages/2024/12/WorthyNewsRadioDec4.mp3 As fighting intensifies ahead of possible peace negotiations, a U.S. State Department-backed investigation has identified 314 Ukrainian children taken to Russia in the early months of the war in Ukraine. Researchers say it was part of a systematic, Kremlin-funded program to “Russify” them. Yale’s School of Public Health, which conducted the research, said Russian presidential aircraft and funds were used in a program that took children from occupied Ukrainian territories. They were allegedly stripped of their Ukrainian identity and placed with Russian families. In March 2023, the international criminal court issued arrest warrants for the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and his child rights’ commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, for the alleged war crime of deportation of Ukrainian children. However, in a previous interview, Lvova-Balova denied wrongdoing. “They thanked our soldiers for saving, helping, and not abandoning them. For getting them out of the airstrikes,” she claimed. “Since when do words of gratitude constitute propaganda? Those are ordinary, sincere human emotions. No one has been forced to take [Russian citizenship, as Ukraine often claims,” Lvova-Balova wondered in an interview with the Vice news outlet. Yet her words have done little to convince those searching for their children of Ukraine, which insisted on Tuesday that membership of the NATO military alliance NATO was the only “real guarantee” for its security. NATO UMBRELLA Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has even suggested putting territories he controls under the NATO umbrella while a diplomatic solution could be found for Russian-occupied regions. However, foreign ministers from the alliance sidestepped Kyiv’s push for an invitation at their meeting ahead of Donald J. Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency. Yet, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said they would continue providing Kyiv with military aid as, in his words, peace talks have to be done from a position of strength. “i would say more military aid and less discussions on what a peace process could look like,” he argued. “You and I will – are smart enough to think of many ways how to deal with that, but we have to bring Ukraine to that position that it can start, and it can only start when they are in a position of strength,” Rutte stressed. There is concern among critics that this approach will mean more bloodshed in a war that has already killed and injured hundreds of thousands of people. “Pray for peace,” Pope Francis said. Yet, as the near three-year-long war continues, many Ukrainian children will soon face another Christmas without their biological parents. The post Russia-Ukraine War Impacting Children (Worthy News Radio) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BUDAPEST/JERUSALEM/NEW YORK (Worthy News) – The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday rushed to achieve a “two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” amid ongoing clashes in Gaza between what is left of Hamas and Israel’s military. Delegates adopted a resolution calling for the organization of a high-level conference aimed at implementing relevant resolutions and effectively achieving a Palestinian state next to Israel. Senegal introduced the resolution, which was co-sponsored by numerous countries. It passed with 157 votes in favor, eight against, and seven abstentions. In addition to Israel, the other countries that voted against the resolution were Hungary, one of the European Union’s most pro-Israel nations, along with Argentina, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and the United States. Cameroon, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Paraguay, Ukraine and Uruguay abstained. The resolution stressed the need for a “two-state solution” and “a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.” It said it was crucial to have a “High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.” The resolution stipulates that the Conference will be held from June 2 to 4, 2025, in New York and will be preceded by a preparatory meeting to be held in May 2025. It also called for the adoption of a declaration outlining a roadmap for the “peaceful resolution” of the Israeli-Palestinian Arab conflict and the establishment of a two-state solution. Israel has condemned these resolutions as awarding Hamas for its massacre of 1,200 people in Israel on October 7, 2023, which also saw the abduction of some 250 people. The resolution demands that Israel “bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible, to cease immediately all new settlement activities and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to put an end to its unlawful acts.” Related articles: ‘UN should recommend force if Israel is not stopped.’ ‘When someone tells you who they are, believe them.’ ‘Biden’s coddling of Abbas allows him to spew more hate.’ ‘We won’t stop striking Hezbollah, make no mistake.’ Rejecting any demographic or territorial changes in “the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip,” the resolution underscores “that the acquisition of land by force is illegal and undermines the two-state solution.” It further demands the immediate cessation of all forms of violence, including military attacks, destruction, and acts of terror. The post UN Assembly Rushes On Two-State Solution In Palestine-Israel Conflict appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, who are you now? 1 Samuel 17:26-29 Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" And the people answered him in this manner, saying, "So shall it be done for the man who kills him." Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was aroused against David, and he said, "Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle." And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?" David's faith and courage in volunteering to fight Goliath were an embarrassment to his big brother Eliab, an officer in King Saul's army. I imagine his thinking went something like this; “If my little brother wins everybody will ask, 'How come you didn't go out and fight him?'” The Bible records that Eliab “burned with anger at David and asked, 'Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is...'” These are devastating words from an older brother. Before David could defeat Goliath he first had to overcome the attitudes, accusations, and words, of those close around him. The defeat of Goliath had massive implications for Israel and for the Lord. Satan had staked a great deal on Goliath's terrifying power. So wherever the enemy had an opportunity in the sinful attitudes of David's friends and family he maximized them, realizing that David truly had the anointing of God to turn the tide of battle. And God allowed David to be tested by his own closest kin. If there is a true Goliath in your life and you are appointed to slay him be assured you will face similar tests from those close by. When you make decisions to step out and follow God it will put pressure on others to do the same. Their shame and lack of faith will move them to attack, belittle and criticize you. It will come from among those closest to you, especially if your calling sets you apart! Friend, be careful around those who say, “I knew you when...” in an attempt to label, libel, or limit you – much like David's brother Eliab tried to hinder him. David was empowered by the Lord to slay Goliath – if you have that same Spirit and calling then humbly step aside and say, "What have I done now? Isn't there a real job to be done?" Then go ahead, and do it. Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Melbourne, Florida) Editor's Note: Latest video: Syria Collapses; Is Isaiah 17 on the horizon? 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! Editor's Note: Dear friends — we are going to be heading WEST!!! Now booking in the following states: Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas …. If you know Pastors, Rabbis or Ministry Leaders who might be interested in some powerful Israeli style Hebrew/English worship and a refreshing word from Worthy News about what’s going on in the Land, please let us know how to connect with them and we will do our best to get you on our schedule! You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information. Around the World Syria: Iran-Backed Militia Arrive to Help Assad Fight Insurgency As Syria’s army struggles to fend off the surprise insurgency launched last week by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Iran-backed militias entered the country on Sunday to lend support to the Syrian forces, Reuters reports. The insurgents first attacked Syria’s second-largest city of Aleppo and then moved into Idlib and Hama province. South Korea’s Military Says Martial Law In Place Despite Parliament’s Rejection South Korea’s military warned Tuesday that martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol would remain in place “until he lifts it” despite the parliament’s majority vote against it. US Announces Additional $725 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine The United States announced on December 2 a new $725 million military aid package for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion launched in February 2022, Radio Free Europe (RFE) reports. Houthis Fire Seven Missiles/Drones at US Vessels in Arabian Sea Describing their actions as a demand for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted, Houthi Islamic insurgents in Yemen fired seven missiles and drones at American warships and merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, December 1, Straight Arrow News (SAN) reports. Romania In Turmoil After Parliamentary Elections (Worthy News Radio) Romania’s pro-EU and pro-NATO parties appeared to be holding off the far right in a parliamentary election on Sunday, but the strength of the radical vote suggested that an ultranationalist, pro-Russian candidate could still win the presidency this month. French Government Heading To Collapse Despite Warnings About Economy The French government was facing collapse Monday after far-right and left-wing parties said they would back a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, despite his warnings it could further threaten the nation’s already challenging economy. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Netanyahu Vows to Enforce Ceasefire with an “Iron Fist” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a rare government meeting in the northern city of Nahariya on Tuesday, stating, "to deliver a clear message to the North: We're committed to the North." He added, "We are enforcing the ceasefire and, with an iron fist, acting against any violation – minor or serious." Israel Thanks Trump For Threatening Hamas Over Hostages Israel’s prime minister praised U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump on Tuesday for indirectly threatening Hamas with force unless they release all hostages ahead of his January 20 inauguration. Inside the United States Canada Pledges to Improve Border Security After Meeting With Trump Official A leading member of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet says that Canada will bolster its border security after meeting with President-elect Donald Trump's Commerce Secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick. Grand Canyon U Wins Nonprofit Status Lawsuit Against Department of Education The U.S. Department of Education (ED) may soon recognize Grand Canyon University’s nonprofit status after the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit remanded the school’s case back to the department. View the full article

By Casey Harper | The Center Square (Worthy News) – A leading member of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet says that Canada will bolster its border security after meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s Commerce Secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc made the comments to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation after Trump threatened broad 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico if they do not help stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S. “As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump said in a statement last week threatening the 25% tariff.. “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem,” Trump continued. “We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trudeau flew to Palm Beach to meet with Trump over the weekend to try to dissuade Trump on the tariff issue. Under the Biden administration, a record 14 million illegal border crossers were reported, including two million gotaways exclusively reported by The Center Square. The majority were apprehended at the southwest border but a record number of roughly 200,000 were apprehended at the northern border, the most in US history under the Biden and Trudeau administrations, The Center Square first reported. The majority of those on the terrorist watchlist have been apprehended at the northern border, over 1,200, the greatest number in US history, under the Biden and Trudeau administrations, The Center Square reported. Trump’s pick for border czar, Tom Homan, has warned of the threat at the US-Canadian border for years, telling The Center Square, “There’s always been a national security vulnerability there; it remains a national security vulnerability. There are hundreds of miles of open border that is not being patrolled and that’s just a stone-cold fact.” Homan told 7News in Watertown, New York, that the Trump administration plans to place more agents at the northern border and end the catch-and-release policies of the Biden administration. “If you’re gonna cross the St. Lawrence River or the lake or on foot, they need to know, you can come, but you’re going to be arrested. You’re not going to be released and we’re going to remove you. There’s not going to be like the Biden Administration where we process ya and release ya and you don’t show up in court. “You’re not walking away. We’re gonna lock you up. So more agents, we’ll end catch and release and President Trump will need to work with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and say look, you need to enforce the immigration laws you have because this is a gateway to the U.S.” Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Canada Pledges to Improve Border Security After Meeting With Trump Official appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Tate Miller | The Center Square contributor (Worthy News) – The U.S. Department of Education (ED) may soon recognize Grand Canyon University’s nonprofit status after the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit remanded the school’s case back to the department. The university announced that “in a significant win for Grand Canyon University, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in a 3-0 decision, held that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) acted unlawfully by applying the incorrect legal standard in determining GCU’s nonprofit status and remanded the case back to ED.” Grand Canyon University’s nonprofit status was denied by ED back in 2019, even after the state of Arizona, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Arizona Board for Private Postsecondary Education (AZPPSE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) gave their approval, according to GCU’s news release. Neither the IRS nor ED responded to The Center Square’s two requests for comment. “The Ninth Circuit held that ED exceeded the authority granted to it under the Higher Education Act in its unprecedented decision against GCU and remanded it back to apply the correct standard under the Higher Education Act,” GCU stated. “In light of the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, the IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and independent valuations, we are hopeful that the Department will act in good faith and render a quick decision recognizing the university’s nonprofit status,” GCU said. GCU’s Communications and Public Relations Executive Director Bob Romantic told The Center Square that “the Ninth Circuit decision is the latest example of common sense prevailing when it ruled that the Department of Education greatly overstepped its authority in refusing to acknowledge our nonprofit status. “We look forward to the day when, either through the court system or a change in the administration, we can put the federal government’s targeted actions against GCU behind us,” Romantic said. In 2021, the university was “forced to file [its] nonprofit lawsuit against” ED, Romantic said. Romantic told The Center Square that GCU has “never understood” ED’s “rationale” in denying the university its nonprofit status. ED “historically has always deferred to the IRS on nonprofit status and has approved nearly identical transactions involving other universities,” Romantic said. “We went through a very detailed and thorough process with the IRS to earn our lawful nonprofit status and every other relevant regulatory agency approved or acknowledged that status,” Romantic said. “Whether for ideological reasons or otherwise, the Department clearly made an exception in our case that the courts rightfully determined was outside their scope of authority,” Romantic told The Center Square. Romantic explained that “GCU was a nonprofit institution from its inception in 1949 until 2004 when it took on an investor to prevent closing and gain access to capital to grow the university. “The primary purpose of returning to our historical nonprofit status was to ensure that our students had the same access to research opportunities and grant writing as other nonprofits, to create a development office for philanthropic purposes, to earn full NCAA privileges and to ensure the longterm [sic] legacy of the institution,” Romantic said. GCU has “realized all of those benefits in the past six years as a lawfully recognized nonprofit institution,” and will gain various funding with ED’s recognition. Romantic referred to an American Principles Project report, pointing out that ED imposed fines on the private, Christian GCU and Liberty University that totalled “more than the fines for all other universities over the last seven years combined,” along with other apparent enforcement action disparities against faith-based and career schools since 2021. Romantic said that based on President-elect Donald Trump’s public comments, GCU is looking forward “to an administration that, rather than using federal agencies to harass universities to which they are ideologically opposed, will reduce bureaucracy while applying regulations fairly and equitably.” Romantic additionally said that GCU supports “stripping back the DOE’s scope to its primary purpose of administering Title IV financial aid and doing it really well.” Executive director of AZPPSE Kevin LaMountain told The Center Square that it had three reasons for recognizing GCU as a nonprofit institution. “GCU is owned by Gazelle University, Inc., a non-profit entity,” LaMountain said, and GCU’s accreditor the HLC “approved the change of ownership and recognizes GCU’s non-profit status.”. The third reason is that “as a non-profit organization, GCU is considered tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,” according to LaMountain. When reached for comment, the HLC’s Public Information Officer Laura Janota told The Center Square that “when an institution plans a change that impacts its corporate control or structure, it must be able to demonstrate to HLC its continuing ability to meet HLC requirements,” linking the requirements. “HLC conducts a thorough review of the intended change, known as a change of control,” Janota said. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Grand Canyon U Wins Nonprofit Status Lawsuit Against Department of Education appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a rare government meeting in the northern city of Nahariya on Tuesday, stating, “to deliver a clear message to the North: We’re committed to the North.” He added, “We are enforcing the ceasefire and, with an iron fist, acting against any violation – minor or serious.” Netanyahu said Israel “will not return to the situation of October 6 – neither drip by drip, nor in zigzags,” referring to the day before Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, when 1,200 people were killed and roughly 250 were taken captive as hostages. Earlier today, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that if the recently implemented ceasefire with Hezbollah collapses, Lebanon will no longer be exempt from blame for attacks. As ceasefire mediators France and the US urged both Jerusalem and Beirut to control the fighting and prevent the deal from collapsing, an Israeli airstrike near Damascus International Airport in Syria killed a senior Hezbollah officer. “We will work with all our might to enforce all the understandings of the ceasefire agreement, and we show maximum response and zero tolerance,” Katz said during a visit to the northern border areas, where 60,000 residents were evacuated last October when Hezbollah began cross-border fire in support of Hamas amid the Palestinian terror group’s war with Israel. Katz said that Lebanon must “authorize the Lebanese army to enforce their part, to keep Hezbollah away beyond the Litani [River] and to dismantle all the infrastructure.” “If they don’t do it and this whole agreement collapses, then the reality will be very clear. First of all, if we return to war, we will act strongly, we will go deeper, and the most important thing they need to know is that there will no longer be immunity for the state of Lebanon,” Katz emphasized. The 60-day Israeli-Lebanon ceasefire, brokered by France and the US and signed on November 27, 2024, seeks to reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah, after intense cross-border clashes. Shortly after the ceasefire agreement, insurgent groups in Syria launched a major offensive, seizing Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The post Netanyahu Vows to Enforce Ceasefire with an “Iron Fist” appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Israel’s prime minister praised U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump on Tuesday for indirectly threatening Hamas with force unless they release all hostages ahead of his January 20 inauguration. Trump said there will be “all hell to pay” if hostages held in Gaza are not released by the time he returns to the White House. Dozens of people taken during the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack remain unaccounted for. On Monday, the Israeli military said an Israeli-American soldier who is believed to be a captive had, in fact, been killed last October. Without mentioning Hamas by name, Trump posted online the same day: “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump on Tuesday for issuing the toughly worded statement saying “Hamas is required to release the hostages.” He added, “President Trump put the emphasis in the right place, on Hamas, and not on the Israeli government, as is customary [elsewhere].” ‘HELL TO PAY’ Netanyahu spoke at the start of a cabinet meeting where others also hailed the pledge that there would be “hell to pay” in the Middle East unless all hostages held in the Gaza Strip were released. “How refreshing it is to hear clear and morally sound statements that do not create a false equivalence or call for addressing ‘both sides,’ but rather clarify who are good and who are bad,” said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. “This is the way to bring back the hostages: by increasing the pressure and the costs for Hamas and its supporters, and defeating them, rather than giving in to their absurd demands.” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said simply on social platform X, “Thank you, President Trump.” Likewise, the families of the missing hostages expressed their gratitude. “It is now evident to all: the time has come. We must bring them home NOW,” the families forum said. Those sentiments were not shared in Gaza. “We were hoping that the new administration would bring with it a breakthrough,” said Mohammed Dahlan, who is among hundreds of thousands of Gazans fleeing their homes due to the fighting. AGREEING WITH ISRAEL “It seems [Trump] is in complete agreement with the Israeli administration and that there are apparently more punitive measures ahead,” he told Reuters news agency. Hamas-run authorities say more than 44,000 people have been killed since Israel launched attacks against Hamas in October last year. Israel has given somewhat lower numbers and says about half of them are Hamas fighters hiding among civilians. The war was triggered when Hamas entered southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and kidnapping about 250 others. Over 60 living hostages and the bodies of about 35 others taken captive on October 7, 2023, but believed to be dead, are still in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. The post Israel Thanks Trump For Threatening Hamas Over Hostages appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – As Syria’s army struggles to fend off the surprise insurgency launched last week by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Iran-backed militias entered the country on Sunday to lend support to the Syrian forces, Reuters reports. The insurgents first attacked Syria’s second-largest city of Aleppo and then moved into Idlib and Hama province. Iran has long been an ally of Syrian dictator President Bashar Assad and sent thousands of Shiite fighters to help him regain lost territory at the height of the Syrian civil war which began in 2011. The current insurgency is part of the broader longterm conflict with various factions vying for control of the war-torn country. In a statement to Reuters, a Syrian army officer said dozens of Iran-aligned Iraqi Hashd al Shaabi fighters from Iraq had crossed into Syria through a military route near Al Bukamal crossing on Sunday night. “These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north,” the officer said. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Assad in Damascus on Sunday to confirm Tehran’s ongoing support for his regime.“I clearly announced full-fledged support to President Assad, government, army, and people of Syria by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi said. The post Syria: Iran-Backed Militia Arrive to Help Assad Fight Insurgency appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News SEOUL (Worthy News) – South Korea’s military warned Tuesday that martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol would remain in place “until he lifts it” despite the parliament’s majority vote against it. In an unannounced late-night television address, Yoon announced martial law for the first time in more than four decades since the end of the military dictatorship in the late 1980s. Yoon told the nation late Tuesday that the move was necessary as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces” working with the opposition were trying to overthrow the free democracy.” Protesters soon arrived at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, where reporters heard people screaming and chanting. At the same time, security forces and police buses filled the area with their sirens. According to South Korean media, lawmakers arrived there to vote on the martial law declaration, some breaking through police barriers and entering through windows. The South Korean National Assembly then voted to block President Yoon‘s martial law declaration, with 190 lawmakers in the 300-seat assembly in favor. The result drew applause from the gathered lawmakers, witnesses said. Yoon, who was elected president in 2022, has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls Parliament. PLUNGING APPROVAL RATINGS Amid the turmoil, his government faced plunging public approval ratings, which critics say may have contributed to declaring martial law. The measure enables Yoon, 63, to replace the civilian government by military rule and suspend civilian legal processes for military powers. The martial law he announced contained six mandates, with alleged violations resulting in arrest and search or seizure without a warrant. “All political activities – including those of the legislature, the National Assembly – are prohibited. Any act that “attempts to overthrow the liberal democratic system is prohibited,” the order said. Additionally, “Fake news, manipulation of public opinion, and false propaganda” are also prohibited. And the news media is “under martial law control,” ending press freedom. Strikes, work stoppages, and protests that “incite social unrest” are prohibited. According to the law, medical workers “have 48 hours to return to work or face punishment.” However, even Han Dong-hoon, the chairman of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s People Power Party, called the president’s declaration of martial law “wrong” in a statement on Tuesday. “We will stop it along with the people,” he said. Yet, as security forces gathered in the streets of Seoul, it was not immediately clear when the nation would return to a sense of normalcy. The post South Korea’s Military Says Martial Law In Place Despite Parliament’s Rejection appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The United States announced on December 2 a new $725 million military aid package for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion launched in February 2022, Radio Free Europe (RFE) reports. The announcing of a new tranche of US aid for Ukraine follows last month’s announcement by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that a first shipment of landmines was being delivered to the Ukrainian army because Russia had begun using dismounted infantry units instead of vehicles to advance, RFE reports. In a press release confirming the latest aid package to Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “As part of the surge in security assistance that President Biden announced on September 26, the United States is providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks. The package includes Stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions; ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS); Non-persistent antipersonnel landmines; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; small arms and ammunition; demolitions equipment and munitions; equipment to protect critical national infrastructure; and spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation, Blinken said. “The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression,” Blinken added. The post US Announces Additional $725 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Describing their actions as a demand for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted, Houthi Islamic insurgents in Yemen fired seven missiles and drones at American warships and merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, December 1, Straight Arrow News (SAN) reports. The US Navy successfully shot down all the missiles, and there were no reports of injuries or fatalities. The Houthi insurgent group in Yemen is allied with Iran and sympathizes with Hamas and the Palestinian quest for statehood. Claiming solidarity with Hamas, the group began firing missiles at US and Israel-affiliated vessels in the Middle East soon after last year’s October 7 Hamas attack on Israel triggered the current war in Gaza. In a statement Sunday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the strikes against the US vessels and called for the Gaza blockade to be lifted as a means to meet Palestinians’ humanitarian needs, SAN reports. Imposing severe land, sea, and air restrictions on the population of Gaza, the blockade was instituted by Israel and Egypt in 2007, shortly after the Hamas terrorist organization took control of the coastal enclave. While the blockade has been criticized internationally as a collective punishment for the entire population of Gaza, Israel asserts it is necessary to prevent the flow of weapons and materials that Hamas could use to carry out terror attacks against Israelis. US Central Command said in a statement that the destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane shot down and destroyed three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three drones, and one anti-ship cruise missile on Sunday. CENTCOM did not identify the merchant ships, although Saree identified them as Stena Impeccable, Maersk Saratog, and Liberty Grace, SAN reports. The post Houthis Fire Seven Missiles/Drones at US Vessels in Arabian Sea appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BUCHAREST/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Romania’s pro-EU and pro-NATO parties appeared to be holding off the far right in a parliamentary election on Sunday, but the strength of the radical vote suggested that an ultranationalist, pro-Russian candidate could still win the presidency this month. https://www.worthynews.com/wordpressimages/2024/12/WorthyNewsRadioDec2.mp3 Romania’s Constitutional Court decided on Monday to certify the country’s first round of presidential elections, allowing the December 8 runoff to proceed as scheduled. However, Călin Georgescu’s success did not lead to a victorious outcome for parties supporting him in Sunday’s separately held parliamentary vote. With most ballots counted, initial results showed Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) winning with roughly 22.3 percent of the vote, followed by the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) with about 18.3 percent. Analysts said Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu’s PSD must form a coalition to govern that could include the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL), its current governing partner, and others. However, the victory of pro-EU and pro-NATO was welcome news for voters such as Durian Burcea, a marketing specialist. “As a person who lived a little bit under communism and still remembers it, and at the same time could enjoy all this openness of the European Union, to travel, to have the borders open, to be able to go to other countries, I can’t imagine how we could have another option other than being part of the European Union and NATO military alliance,” she said. LONGING FOR CHANGE Andreea Damian, a nurse, still hopes others will govern Romania, a nation of 19 million people. “Yes, I would like a change to see what other politicians can do for us. I want this, and I hope things can be better,” she explained. However, the election outcome was due to be welcomed in Brussels. That’s because Romania, an EU and NATO member state, has a 650-kilometer (400-mile) border with Ukraine and is crucial in Western support for Kyiv. In addition to providing military aid to its war-torn neighbor, Romania allowed the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain through its Black Sea port of Constanta. There has been Western concern that the pro-Russia candidate, Călin Georgescu, an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin Observers said his victory in the first presidential election round was partly due to his wildly successful campaign on social platform TikTok, which officials claimed was backed by Russia, charges Moscow denies. The Constitutional Court ordered a ballot recount for the first round of the presidential election after one of the 13 candidates alleged fraud. The post Romania In Turmoil After Parliamentary Elections (Worthy News Radio) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News PARIS (Worthy News) – The French government was facing collapse Monday after far-right and left-wing parties said they would back a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, despite his warnings it could further threaten the nation’s already challenging economy. Monday’s standoff was sparked by Barnier’s decision to use a constitutional mechanism called Article 49.3, which allows for legislation to be adopted without a vote but opens the door to no-confidence motions. He made the move after a last-minute concession was not enough to win support from the influential far-right National Rally (RN). Barnier warned lawmakers that France has reached its “moment of truth,” as far-right leader Marine Le Pen was set to join a left-wing coalition to topple his government as soon as this week. RN leader Marine Le Pen confirmed her party would table its no-confidence motion but would also vote for any similar bill from other parties. “The French have had enough,” she said. “Maybe they thought things would get better with Michel Barnier, but they were even worse.” RN ROLE In a June snap election, the National Rally became the largest party in the lower house of parliament. Analysts say this transformed Le Pen into Paris’s most influential power broker. Although Barnier submitted to nearly all of Le Pen’s demands to tweak France’s 2025 budget, she said her party still wouldn’t back the bill, paving the way for a government collapse. Mathilde Panot, from the hard-left France Unbowed party, agrees, saying: “Faced with this umpteenth denial of democracy, we will censure the government…” The timing is particularly hazardous for France’s finances as the government must adopt a budget by year-end or use untested emergency legislation to avoid a shutdown. France’s troubles have rattled investors amid concerns about the impact on the European Union’s economy, where the other economic powerhouse, Germany, faces a crisis in its automobile sector. PENSIONS CONTROVERSY Barnier didn’t accept the government’s plan to make significant savings by delaying the indexation of pensions to inflation. The prime minister “did not wish to respond to the request of the 11 million National Rally voters,” Le Pen told reporters after the announcement. He said that everyone should shoulder their responsibilities, so we will shoulder ours.” Analysts caution that the uncertainty around the country’s political direction and its budget has pushed bond investors to punish France’s sovereign debt relative to its peers. These troubles raised France’s borrowing costs to as high as Greece’s at one point last week, leading Barnier to speak of a “storm” in financial markets if he is dismissed from power. If he loses the confidence vote, President Emmanuel Macron must appoint a new prime minister, though this could potentially be Barnier. The post French Government Heading To Collapse Despite Warnings About Economy appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BEIRUT/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon blamed each other for the deadliest clashes since their ceasefire came into effect last week, adding to global fears that the region will remain embroiled in armed conflicts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel accused Hezbollah of provoking the Israeli military, which announced it “struck Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of launchers, and terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon.” Lebanon’s health ministry said at least nine people had been killed in Israeli strikes on the two southern towns of Haris and Talousa. Arab sources said at least two people were killed by Israel, including a State Security officer, in separate attacks in the Nabatieh district of south Lebanon. Israel confirmed it carried out the series of airstrikes in response to Hezbollah rocket fire near watchtowers in the Israeli-controlled Shebaa farms. Hezbollah missiles reportedly landed in an open area and caused no injuries. However, Hezbollah stressed in a statement that the attack on the watchtowers was an “initial warning defensive response” against “repeated violations” by Israel of the ceasefire agreement. The resumption of tit-for-tat strikes in south Lebanon and north Israel has caused concern that fully-fledged fighting between Hezbollah and Israel could resume just five days after their ceasefire deal was announced. France, which was to supervise the implementation of the truce, reportedly accused Israel “of violating the ceasefire agreement 52 times.” Israel denied wrongdoing, saying it responded to provocations. Yet, fighting has taken a heavy toll in Lebanon, with almost 4,000 people killed and more than 1 million people displaced in Israeli strikes provoked by Hezbollah, local authorities say. The latest clashes came as people in south Lebanon began returning to their homes this week to start repairs in a region that suffered an estimated $8.5 billion in damages. Witnesses said that following Hezbollah’s attacks, residents began fleeing Dahiyeh, the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah enjoys strong support as Netanyahu vowed to retaliate. “We are tired; we can’t handle any more of this. People barely just got back to their homes,” said Ali, a resident of Beirut from Tyre, south Lebanon. Similar sentiments were expressed in northern Israel, where at least 60,000 people were forced from their homes after relentless Hezbollah strikes. And with explosions reported around Beirut and beyond, residents on both sides faced another turbulent night. The post Israel, Hezbollah In Deadliest Clashes Since Announcing Truce appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – President-elect Donald Trump warned that Hamas would face severe consequences if the hostages taken on October 7 are not released before he takes office in January. Trump issued the warning to Hamas through TruthSocial, stating, “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East – But it’s all talk, and no action!” He continued, “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.” “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” he warned. Trump’s statement came after the IDF confirmed that Captain Omer Neutra, an Israeli American soldier believed to have been held hostage since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, was killed, with his body still being held by Hamas. Neutra, a Long Island native and tank commander in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion, was killed during Hamas’ infiltration of Israeli communities near the Gaza border. His death was confirmed by the IDF chief rabbi after a thorough review of evidence and reliable military information. The post Trump Issues Stark Warning to Hamas: Release Hostages or ‘There Will Be All Hell To Pay’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, you are helping build it! 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. The noted English architect Sir Christopher Wren was supervising the construction of a magnificent cathedral in London. A journalist thought it would be interesting to interview some of the workers, so he chose three and asked them this question, “What are you doing?” The first replied, “I’m cutting stone for a shabby 10 shillings a day.” The next answered, “I’m putting in 13 hard hours a day on this job.” But the last said, “I’m helping Sir Christopher Wren construct one of London’s greatest cathedrals.” Whether you realize it or not, we too are building something. We who believe are building up God’s Kingdom, the richest and greatest Kingdom this world will ever see! Friend, let’s examine ourselves and see if we need to make some changes in our perspective. We have the privilege of partaking in something amazing -- and better yet, doing it for the King of Kings! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Melbourne, Florida) Editor's Note: Latest video: Syria Collapses; Is Isaiah 17 on the horizon? 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! Editor's Note: Dear friends — we are going to be heading WEST!!! Now booking in the following states: Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas …. If you know Pastors, Rabbis or Ministry Leaders who might be interested in some powerful Israeli style Hebrew/English worship and a refreshing word from Worthy News about what’s going on in the Land, please let us know how to connect with them and we will do our best to get you on our schedule! You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information. Around the World Russia Approves Massive New Military Budget Nearly three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has just approved a military budget that surpasses the country’s allocated spending on health care, education, and social policy combined, Euro News reports. US Approves $387 Million Arms Sale to Taiwan The Pentagon announced Friday that the United States has approved a new arms sale to Taiwan worth US$387 million, the Taipei Times (TT) reports. The sale represents the 18th arms deal with Taiwan to be approved by the Biden administration. Guinea: ‘Scores Killed In Soccer Stadium Stampede’ Scores of people were killed and several injured in a stampede at a soccer stadium in southern Guinea following clashes between fans sparked by anger over the referee’s decision, the government confirmed Monday. Romania’s Pro-EU, NATO Parties Ahead In Elections Despite Far-Right Challenge Romanian parties backing the European Union and NATO military alliance narrowly averted a far-right challenge that could have moved Romania into Russia’s orbit in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Israel, Hezbollah In Deadliest Clashes Since Announcing Truce Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon blamed each other for the deadliest clashes since their ceasefire came into effect last week, adding to global fears that the region will remain embroiled in armed conflicts. Trump Issues Stark Warning to Hamas: Release Hostages or ‘There Will Be All Hell To Pay’ President-elect Donald Trump warned that Hamas would face severe consequences if the hostages taken on October 7 are not released before he takes office in January. Inside the United States Biden Under Fire for Pardoning Hunter President-elect Donald Trump responded to President Joe Biden’s expansive pardon of his son, Hunter, calling it a “miscarriage of justice.” Trump Nominates Kash Patel as FBI Chief US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Kash Patel, a former federal prosecutor and the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense during the first Trump presidency, to the position of Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Trump Names His Daughter’s Father-In-Law As Mideast Adviser U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump on Sunday named Massad Boulos, a Christian Lebanese-born billionaire, and father-in-law to his daughter Tiffany, his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs at a time of mounting tensions in Israel and the region. Biden Pardons Son Hunter Wiping Away Criminal Convictions Saying “Enough is enough,” outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday, removing criminal convictions on tax and gun charges despite pledging this year he wouldn't grant such a reprieve. Christian News Iran: 12 Christians Face Long Prison Terms for Their Faith, Three Tortured Twelve Christian converts in Iran are facing the possibility of torture and lengthy prison terms after being charged with “propagating a religion contrary to Islam” and “collaborating with foreign governments,” Article 18 reports. America Sees Record Bible Sales U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pledge to bring the Christian faith back into the White House appeared to have helped boost Bible sales to levels not seen in years. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Nearly three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has just approved a military budget that surpasses the country’s allocated spending on health care, education, and social policy combined, Euro News reports. Putin signed off on the 2025-2027 budget after lawmakers in both houses of the Russian parliament, the State Duma and Federation Council approved it toward the end of November, Euro News reports. Over 137 billion euros, around 32.5% of Russia’s overall budget, has been approved for military spending. “The state budget for next year includes a 25% hike in military spending but will be the most secretive in post-Soviet history, with almost a third of all spending closed to public scrutiny,” Reuters noted in a report on Russia’s new budget. “The government has presented the draft budget as ‘balanced’, with the deficit falling to 0.5% against this year’s projected deficit of 1.7% and state debt remaining below the 20% mark for the next three years.” Russia’s record military spending arises as Putin continues his quest for control of Ukraine and as Ukrainian forces fight back with the billions of dollars in weaponry and military assistance provided by the US and European allies. The post Russia Approves Massive New Military Budget appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Casey Harper | The Center Square (Worthy News) – President-elect Donald Trump responded to President Joe Biden’s expansive pardon of his son, Hunter, calling it a “miscarriage of justice.” Trump’s comments were echoed by a wave of criticism following the Sunday night pardon. The president and his White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, both previously said Biden would not pardon his son. “President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement. “But last night he suddenly granted a ‘Full and Unconditional Pardon’ for any and all offenses that Hunter committed for more than a decade! “Trust in our justice system has been almost irreparably damaged by the Bidens and their use and abuse of it,” he added. “Real reform cannot begin soon enough!” Republicans have argued for years that Democrats weaponized the Justice Department against Trump. Republicans have pushed back, pointing to whistleblower reports and other evidence suggesting that Hunter received special treatment from the DOJ and helped lead an international Biden family business raking in money from entities in Ukraine, China and elsewhere. “Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years?” Trump said in a statement. “Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” Biden also repeatedly bashed Trump, saying no one is above the law and leading Democrats in their campaign attacks against Trump with the refrain of “no one is above the law.” “I honestly don’t care,” Charlamagne said on the Breakfast Club show. “I just want Democrats to stop acting like they are on this moral high ground politically when they have shown us they’re not. You know, whether it’s skipping the primary process when Biden stepped down and things like Biden pardoning his son. Stop acting like y’all are the pure party and Republicans aren’t.” Biden released a statement Sunday announcing and preemptively defending his decision to broadly pardon Hunter and that the charges were “instigated” by the president’s political opponents in Congress. As The Center Square previously reported, Hunter Biden’s plea agreement with the Department of Justice fell through earlier this year amid pressure from Republican lawmakers, who said the deal was too favorable to the president’s son. “Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form,” Biden said in a statement. “Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.” Many mainstream media pundits and outlets took fire for repeatedly insisting that Biden would not pardon Hunter, referencing Biden’s commitment to not do so. “Never mind about the corruption, never mind about the gun offenses, never mind about the drug offenses, never mind about the tax offenses,” U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said on his podcast “The Verdict” Sunday. “No man is above the law unless your name is Joe Biden and the entire Biden family.” Hunter faced tax and gun-related charges, but the president’s pardon covers any potential crimes dating back to 2014, which happens to cover the years where Hunter did his overseas dealings and brought in millions of dollars to his business using the Biden name, according to House investigations. “Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry,” U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said on X. “If that’s the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about?” Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Biden under fire for pardoning Hunter appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

(Worthy News) – US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Kash Patel, a former federal prosecutor and the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense during the first Trump presidency, to the position of Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel’s nomination will have to be confirmed by the Senate, a process which is expected to see strong opposition from the Democratic party. A staunch and long-standing ally to Trump, Patel was an aide to former Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) when the latter was chair of the House Intelligence Committee from 2015 to 2019. As an aide to Nunes, Patel was instrumental in drafting the 2018 Nunes Memo which attacked the Democratic-led investigation into Trump’s ties with Russia and allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Patel particularly criticized the FBI’s handling of the Russia investigation, its use of surveillance tools, and the legitimacy of the investigation itself: his nomination is seen as a reflection of Trump’s lack of trust in the agency. “Trump has viewed the FBI with deep distrust dating back to the bureau’s 2016 probe into his campaign’s alleged ties to Russia, which later turned into the Mueller investigation,” Axios observed in its report. “We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media,” Patel said during a recent appearance on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast. “We’re going to come after you whether it’s criminally or civilly,” Patel said. The post Trump Nominates Kash Patel as FBI Chief appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article