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Friend, spare yourself, slay Agag now! 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. The first king of Israel, King Saul, was told by God to slay Amalek and his descendants utterly. In blatant disobedience, Saul allowed Agag, the king of the Amalekites and the best of the cattle, to remain alive. The following day, Saul tried to remedy his disobedience by attempting to sacrifice the best of the cattle to the Lord. However, the prophet Samuel informed Saul that because of his disobedience, his family would no longer reign over Israel, and he told Saul, "to obey is better than sacrifice." If offering the "best of the cattle" for sacrifice was a poor excuse for disobedience, its negative consequences must have paled in comparison with sparing the Amalekite King - whose infamous descendant Haman, an agagite (Esther 3:1), later rose to power seeking to destroy the entire Jewish population of Persia. If Saul had dealt with Agag as God instructed him, he would have spared his people, centuries later, from the agonizing contest with a vicious enemy who would destroy them. So it is with sin. Allow it to live, and be sure it will return to slay you with more power. Don't compromise. "Small" sins lead to bigger ones, and soon enough, the early footholds that are ignored will turn into strongholds which cannot be! Friend, "Take no prisoners" when dealing with sin- seek to be rid of the little sins so that later you will avoid the strongholds that may threaten to compromise or destroy your walk, your calling, your life, and the precious relationship that the Lord has purchased for you! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce. Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out! Around the World Hundreds of Thousands Rally Against Serbia’s Hardline Leader Serbia’s hardline President Aleksandar Vucic and his government faced pressure to resign Sunday after hundreds of thousands of people descended on Belgrade for one of the largest mass rallies against his rule. Dozens Killed As US Strikes Houthis The death toll of U.S. strikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen has risen to at least 31, authorities confirmed Sunday. Scores Killed In Blaze At North Macedonia Nightclub At least 59 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a fire engulfed a nightclub in North Macedonia, authorities confirmed, adding that arrest warrants were issued for four people Tens Of Thousands Rally Against Hungary’s Orbán Braving rain, tens of thousands rallied in Budapest against Hungary’s longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces growing public outrage over corruption allegations and his perceived authoritarian and pro-Russia policies. Romania’s Right George Simon Becomes Presidential Candidate Romania’s electoral bureau has cleared right party leader George Simion to run in the country’s tense presidential re-run election in May. Peruvian Fisherman Found After 94 Days at Sea: ‘I Didn’t Want to Die’ It’s viewed as a miracle at sea. Máximo Napa, a 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, was found alive after 94 long days adrift on open water. Authorities confirmed Napa’srescue following his discharge from the hospital over the weekend. U.S. Strikes Houthis In Message To Iran The U.S. military struck Houthi targets in Yemen late Saturday “in a message to Iran” at a time when the U.S. administration is proposing to open negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program, U.S. and Israeli sources say. Britain Supports U.S.-Backed Ceasefire for Ukraine Britain has made clear it supports U.S. plans for a ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine, however Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that the question of territory in his nation’s war with Russia is “complicated” and must be discussed at a later stage. Philippines Ex-President Faces ICC Court As Mothers Mourn Loved Ones (Worthy News In-Depth) Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has appeared by video link before judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for alleged “crimes against humanity” during his “war on drugs.” Putin Urges Ukrainian Troops in Russia to Surrender, Citing Trump’s Appeal (Worthy News Focus) Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Ukrainian troops suffering setbacks in Russia’s border region of Kursk to surrender and said he was open to U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s request to “spare their lives.” Putin also announced he could agree on a ceasefire with Ukraine “with nuances” after a Kremlin official suggested he was “cautiously optimistic” about a deal, though Kyiv remaimed sceptical. Poland Seeks Stationing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Poland's president says he has discussed with Washington transferring U.S. nuclear weapons to its territory as a deterrent against Russian aggression. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’ to be operational by late 2025 Israel's Iron Beam laser defense system, set to be operational in roughly nine months, intercepts rockets, drones, and mortars within seconds at a range of up to 7 km using a high-energy fiber laser, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday. Inside the United States Court Attempts to Halt Trump Deportations, El Salvador President Says ‘Too Late’ A class action lawsuit was filed on Saturday against the Trump administration after President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking the Enemy Aliens Act to target, arrest, and remove violent Venezuelan prison gang members, Tren de Aragua (TdA), from the U.S. Dozens Killed As Violent Tornadoes Hit US Some 100 million Americans have been impacted by violent tornadoes ripping through parts of the United States, wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states, part of a monster storm that has killed at least 35 people, authorities said. Trump ‘Closing Down’ Voice of America U.S. President Donald J. Trump effectively closed down the Voice of America (VOA) broadcaster Saturday, impacting hundreds of millions of people, many of whom listen in countries without a free press. Government Shutdown Averted Mere Hours Before Deadline Lawmakers have prevented a government shutdown by passing a six-month funding stopgap bill, with the U.S. Senate voting 54-46 hours before the midnight deadline. Schumer Says He’ll Now Vote to Approve GOP Spending Bill, Avoid Shutdown With just a day before the potential for a government shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., switched course Thursday night and said he would vote to approve House Republicans' Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. Christian News Christian Group Reports Rising Persecution in India In 2024, Christians in India experienced significant levels of violence and discrimination, with 640 reported cases, a surge in cases since 2014, according to the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Religious Liberty Commission (EFIRLC). Worthy Insights Christian groups condemn Satanic ‘black mass’ at the Kansas Statehouse A Kansas-based Satanic organization is hosting a "black mass" March 28 at the Kansas Statehouse, drawing condemnation from Christian organizations. Washington admits Hamas talks backfired—now a secret deadline looms Hamas has refused to budge on its latest offer to release only one live hostage, Israeli American citizen Edan Alexander, along with the remains of four other captives with dual citizenship, while the U.S. has issued an unspecified deadline, warning of consequences if the group does not agree to a broader deal. 3 new F-35s join Israeli Air Force, bolstering its air superiority The Israeli Air Force received a significant addition to its air superiority with three new F-35 stealth fighter jets called by the Hebrew name Adir, which arrived at the Nevatim air base last week to join the 116th squadron. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BELGRADE/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Serbia’s hardline President Aleksandar Vucic and his government faced pressure to resign Sunday after hundreds of thousands of people descended on Belgrade for one of the largest mass rallies against his rule. Angered about reported massive corruption that cost lives, a crackdown on press freedom, and a decline in civil liberties, crowds clogged the streets of the nation’s capital. After scuffles between protesters and police, university students – who have been leading peaceful protests for the past four months – abruptly called for an end to the rallies, saying they could no longer guarantee public safety. Most protesters dispersed, but thousands remained on the streets as tensions surged. Police said the crowd reached 107,000 at the peak of the protest across Belgrade, but an independent monitor said 325,000—if not more—had gathered, making it Serbia’s largest protest ever. Serbian independent media described the rally as “the biggest ever in the country,” saying the numbers were much higher. ANTI-CORRUPTION MOVEMENT Foreign reporters seem to agree, noticing that all public transport in Belgrade was canceled as protesters streamed into the city from various directions. The rally was part of a nationwide anti-corruption movement that erupted following a concrete canopy collapse at a train station in Serbia’s north in November, killing 15 people. Almost daily demonstrations that started in response to the tragedy have shaken Vucic’s firm grip on power in Serbia like never before in his past 13 years in charge, observers said. Many in Serbia view the deadly incident at the main railway station in the city of Novi Sad as a sign of government corruption, negligence and disrespect of construction safety regulations. Protesters have demanded government accountability for the victims of what they view as an authoritarian regime. President Vucic has addressed the nation praising the police and adding that he was proud that “we managed to preserve the peace”. ‘CHANGING OURSELVES’ He stressed that he “understood” the protesters’ message, and pledged that “we will have to change ourselves”. Despite multiple resignations – and Vucic’s insistence that he is going nowhere – the protests have only continued to grow. “We just want a country that works,” said law student Jana Vasic. “We want institutions that do their jobs properly. We don’t care what party is in power. But we need a country that works, not one where you don’t get justice for more than four months,” the student stressed. However an increasing number of people say it’s time for a new leader. The tensions in Serbia were also closely followed in neighboring Hungary where rightwing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Vucic, also faced massive rallies for his resignation on Saturday. The post Hundreds of Thousands Rally Against Serbia’s Hardline Leader appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Some 100 million Americans have been impacted by violent tornadoes ripping through parts of the United States, wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states, part of a monster storm that has killed at least 35 people, authorities said. By Sunday, there was vast destruction from a massive storm system sweeping across the United States, spreading farther east overnight, with reports of violent tornadoes and severe weather that hammered Alabama. Parts of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia were under tornado watches until Sunday afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center warned of the threat of tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and hail. By early Sunday, the number of fatalities increased after the Kansas Highway Patrol reported eight people died in a highway pileup caused by a dust storm in Sherman County on Friday. At least 50 vehicles were reportedly involved. In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves announced that six people died in three counties and three more people were missing. There were 29 injuries across the state, he added in a nighttime post on the social platform X. MORE FATALITIES Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as scattered twisters overnight killed at least 12, authorities said. The deaths included a man whose home was ripped apart by a tornado. “It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field,” said Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County, describing the scene that confronted rescuers. “The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls.” Dakota Henderson said he and others rescuing people trapped in their homes Friday night found five bodies scattered in the debris outside what remained of his aunt’s house in hard-hit Wayne County, Missouri. “It was a very rough deal last night,” Henderson told reporters, not far from the splintered home from which he said they rescued his aunt through a window of the only room left standing. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said that first responders, volunteers, and faith-based partners “worked tirelessly” through the night “in response to a series of devastating tornadoes and severe storms, and before that, dangerous and damaging fires.” The deaths came as the massive storm system unleashed winds that triggered deadly dust storms and fanned more than 100 wildfires. Extreme weather conditions were forecast to affect an area home to more than 100 million people. Winds gusting up to 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour) were predicted from the Canadian border to Texas, threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and wildfire risk in warmer, drier places to the south. “It’s really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night,” survivor Henderson said. The post Dozens Killed As Violent Tornadoes Hit US appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent SANAA (Worthy News) – The death toll of U.S. strikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen has risen to at least 31, authorities confirmed Sunday. U.S. President Donald J. Trump said earlier in comments reported by Worthy News that he launched large-scale military strikes against Houthis on Saturday over the group’s attacks against shipping in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Trump also warned Iran that it needed to halt support for the group immediately. He said if Iran threatened the United States, “America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!” The top Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reacted on Sunday by saying the Houthis are independent and make their own strategic and operational decisions. “We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action,” Hossein Salami told state media. Trump made clear on social media that Tehran was in part to blame for the attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. “Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft and targeted our Troops and Allies,” Trump said on social media, adding that their “piracy, violence, and terrorism” had cost “billions” and put lives at risk. The Houthi-run health ministry later confirmed at least 31 people were killed and 101 others were injured in the strikes. Despite the U.S. attacks, the Houthis warned they would continue to target Red Sea shipping until Israel lifted “its blockade” of Gaza and that its forces would respond to the strikes. Houthis have been active after Israel launched its war against Hamas after the group killed some 1,200 people and abducted hundreds in Israel on October 7, 2023. The post Dozens Killed As US Strikes Houthis appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News SKOPJE/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – At least 59 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a fire engulfed a nightclub in North Macedonia, authorities confirmed, adding that arrest warrants were issued for four people Officials said Sunday that some 155 injured people had been taken to hospitals across the country, 18 of them in critical condition. Some of the serious cases were to be taken to other European countries for treatment. The blaze started in the Club Pulse in the eastern town of Kocani around 3:00 am local time as the place was packed with up to 1,500 mostly young fans attending a concert by a popular hip-hop duo called DNK. “Initially, we didn’t believe there was a fire. Then there was huge panic in the crowd and a stampede to get out,” said one young woman who was at the concert. She spoke outside a hospital in Skopje where several injured people were treated. PYROTECHNIC DEVICES Interior Minister Pance Toskovski said the worst fire in the country’s recent history was caused by “pyrotechnic devices” used during the concert. Footage showed a band performing on stage, flanked by two torches shooting white sparks into the air. Witnesses said the sparks ignited the ceiling above the band, which appeared to step away as the video cut off. Firefighters extinguished the blaze at the charred and smoking entrance. The interior ministry announced that arrest warrants had been issued for four people in relation to the tragedy, and a criminal investigation opened. They did not immediately give further details about those targeted by the warrants. MANY KILLED “According to the information that we have, there are 59 persons deceased, of which 35 are identified,” Toskovski told reporters. “Of the identified, 31 persons are from Kocani and four from Stip,” the minister added. “The number of wounded, according to the latest information up to noon, is 155 persons who are in hospitals across the country,” Toskovski explained. “Preparations are being made to transport people seriously injured in the fire in Kocani to top hospitals in several European countries,” the head of North Macedonia’s Crisis Centre, Stojanche Angelov, said. Worthy News learned that the incident comes at a time of concern over corruption in the Balkans, which sometimes leads to the disregard or lack of safety regulations. The post Scores Killed In Blaze At North Macedonia Nightclub appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News reporting from Budapest, Hungary BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Braving rain, tens of thousands rallied in Budapest against Hungary’s longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces growing public outrage over corruption allegations and his perceived authoritarian and pro-Russia policies. They gathered hours after the prime minister vowed a crackdown on political opponents and critical media and expressed his opposition to Ukraine joining the European Union Speaking at a Saturday’s Budapest commemoration of Hungary’s 1848-49 revolution and freedom fight, Orbán vowed to “eliminate the financial machine that has bought politicians, judges, journalists, pseudo-civil organizations and political activists with corrupt dollars.” U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has emboldened his ally Orbán. Last month, Orbán, 61, said Hungary would draft legislation “to protect national sovereignty” and uncover foreign funding for Hungarian media and what he called quasi-NGOS. This week, his Fidesz party submitted constitutional changes permitting the “expulsion” of dual citizens deemed to pose “a threat to Hungary’s sovereignty.” It was not immediately clear what impact the move could have on a Worthy News reporter of Dutch origin. Although he did not receive support from the USAID or billionaire George Soros, he remains on a government blacklist of eight journalists due to critical reports on the plight of media, democracy, and antisemitism USAID AND SOROS Orbán told his audience Saturday from the stairs of the National Museum about a planned crackdown on media and others “receiving funding” from USAID and Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros. “After today’s celebrations comes the big Easter cleaning up as the bugs have survived the winter,” Orbán said. “We will eliminate the whole shadow army.” Orbán warned there was a “special place in hell” for such people. “We know who you are, even if you’ve disguised yourself in the new European party garb,” he stressed. “Your masters are the same; your plans are the same…We will defeat you again and again because the sword is brighter than the chain,” the prime minister added. Despite his harsh words, Orbán said he believes in Christian values that he suggested are threatened by the EU’s migration and LHTBQ+ policies. “The empire wants to mix the indigenous inhabitants of Europe with invading masses from a foreign civilisation and then replace them,” Orban claimed, presumably referring to millions of Muslims entering Europe. He noticed that “the empire” also sought to drive “our children and grandchildren away from a healthy” way of life towards “the chaos of unnatural lifestyles” and “kick away the order and culture of the Christian life.” That was a reference to his party’s attempt to ban the annual Pride march after already removing LGBTQ+ education from schools. He also said the “masters of Europe” have decided that Ukraine must continue the war no matter the costs, “and in exchange, it will receive quick EU membership at our expense.” Orbán, one of the European Union’s most vocal pro-Russia politicians, warned: “We only have one answer to that: the Union but without Ukraine.” STILL SUPPORTING SANCTIONS Yet Hungary reluctantly did not veto a half-year extension of EU sanctions against Russia on Friday, but only after several oligarchs were removed from the list, including Russian businessman Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor, the country’s sports minister, Mikhail Degtyaryov and Gulbahor Ismailova, the sister of oligarch Alisher Usmanov. Yet at Budapest’s spectacular Andrássy Avenue boulevard, Hungary’s prominent opposition leader and European legislator Péter Magyar pledged to reunite the nation and to work more closely with the EU. His Tisza party, named after Hungary’s second-biggest river, leads Orban’s Fidesz in most polls a year before the 2026 elections amid economic concerns. However, Magyar, a 44-year-old former government insider, has expressed concerns about a possible crackdown by authorities on opposition groups after he published a list of dozens of properties owned by the Orbán family and friends. At the same time, demonstrators who were trying to reach Budapest from the countryside reported that their train had been deliberately delayed. Despite these setbacks, Magyar claimed 150,000-200,000 people attended the rally, while up to three million followed the gathering online. Reporters estimated the actual figure to be up to 50,000 demonstrators. Magyar, a former government insider, launched his movement a year ago, saying Hungary’s place was a strong Europe where the country was respected, valued, and regarded as an ally by its neighbors. ‘RUSSIA CLEAR AGGRESSOR’ Bence Tamás Tóth, 24, shares his views: “Because our government is not governing well, and they stole a lot of money. They drew trenches between Hungarians.” The biology student also disagreed with Orbán about Ukraine not joining the EU. “He [Orbán] does not say that the aggressor [in the war in Ukraine] is not Ukraine but Russia,” he explained. He added that he was upset that Orbán did not want Ukraine’s EU membership, although a sizeable Hungarian minority lived there. “And it’s going to take 12 years or so” before Ukraine would join the EU, added Angelika Futó. The 30-year-old salesperson hasn’t given up hope for Hungary. “I hope the next year we are going to change the regime here because it’s not good. I’m 30 years old, and I feel like I’m still living in communism.” The post Tens Of Thousands Rally Against Hungary’s Orbán appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent BUCHAREST/BUDAPEST (Worthy News)— Romania’s electoral bureau has cleared right party leader George Simion to run in the country’s tense presidential re-run election in May. Simion, leader of the nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), the second-largest party in last year’s general election, had withdrawn from the presidential race in support of ultranationalist Călin Georgescu. He announced his candidacy after Romania’s Constitutional Court barred Georgescu from running on the May ballot despite U.S. criticism. Earlier, the country’s Central Electoral Bureau said Georgescu “had violated Romania’s election rules” while coming out of nowhere to win the first round of the presidential vote last November, partly due to a wildly successful social media platform TikTok campaign. Georgescu won the first round of the initial presidential elections in December before they were annulled. Authorities said the vote had been overshadowed by vote manipulation, campaign irregularities, and non-transparent funding along with suspected Russian meddling, a charge denied by Moscow. Georgescu himself is under criminal investigation on six counts, including “membership of a fascist organization” and “communicating false information” about campaign financing. OFFICIALS QUESTIONED Officials also questioned how he could win the first round of the canceled election after a highly coordinated TikTok campaign despite saying he had spent zero funds. He denies any wrongdoing. Simion, 38, is also under criminal investigation for “inciting violence” after last year’s first-round winner, Georgescu, was barred from entering the rerun. He has also denied any wrongdoing and claims the investigation is politically motivated. Simon has been a key figure in recent protests by what critics view as far-right groups. They denounced a top court’s decision to cancel the previous election, which Simion has described as a coup to undermine democracy. The administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump has also expressed concern. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk have launched forceful attacks on Romania’s decision to cancel its presidential election in December. Vance said the cancellation meant Romania does not share American values, while Musk labeled the country’s top court chief judge a “tyrant.” The rerun elections will be held on May 4 and May 18 this year. The post Romania’s Right George Simon Becomes Presidential Candidate appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News LIMA (Worthy News) – It’s viewed as a miracle at sea. Máximo Napa, a 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, was found alive after 94 long days adrift on open water. Authorities confirmed Napa’s rescue following his discharge from the hospital over the weekend. He was discovered on Tuesday in his small fishing boat by an Ecuadorian ship off the coast of Chimbote in northern Peru, Worthy News learned. Speaking to local media, he revealed how he survived by eating cockroaches, birds, and even a turtle. “I didn’t want to die for my mother,” Napa said in an emotionally charged interview. “I have a two-month-old granddaughter. That’s what kept me going. Every day, I thought of my mother.” Napa set sail on December 7 from the port of San Juan de Marcona, but he recalled bad weather and strong currents pushed him off course. With no radio onboard, he could not call for help and drifted into open waters. On Saturday, he was told he could leave the hospital in the coastal city of Paita. “Mr Napa arrived in good physical condition. He could walk and wash himself. Shocked, but in good physical condition,” added a Peruvian navy port captain, Jorge González, in published remarks. His daughter, Inés Napa, was emotional about his rescue: “It’s a miracle that my father was found. As a family, we never lost hope,” she said. The post Peruvian Fisherman Found After 94 Days at Sea: ‘I Didn’t Want to Die’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump effectively closed down the Voice of America (VOA) broadcaster Saturday, impacting hundreds of millions of people, many of whom listen in countries without a free press. VOA says it provides “trusted and objective news and information in 49 languages to a measured weekly audience of more than 361 million people around the world.” Well-informed sources said VOA journalists were just informed that they had been put on paid administrative leave. “From what we can tell, VOA is effectively shut down from this moment.” Several frequencies played music while awaiting news from Washington, D.C. The payroll of Voice of America includes nearly 1,000 employees in the U.S. and abroad. Ahead of Saturday’s developments, the government agency that runs VOA moved to terminate contracts with news agencies The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse and told its journalists Friday to stop using material from the wire services. Kari Lake, the former broadcaster turned Republican politician whom President Trump selected to run VOA, estimated the move would save $53 million. On Thursday, she announced via social media that she was ending the “expensive and unnecessary contracts” with the wire services. ELIMINATING ACTIVITIES “We should not be paying outside news organizations to tell us what the news is,” said Lake, who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor. “With a nearly billion-dollar budget, we should be producing news ourselves. And if that’s not possible, the American taxpayer should demand to know why.” More than 1,000 full-time staffers at the Voice of America and the smaller Office for Cuba Broadcasting, which runs Radio and Television Martí, were affected. “If you are an employee of the agency, please check your email immediately for more information,” Lake said on the social media platform X. The move followed President Trump’s late Friday night edict that its parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), must eliminate all activities not required by law. An internal email seen by Worthy News told VOA and other employees that they would have to leave immediately. “Access to Premises and Systems: During the period that you are on administrative leave, you are not to enter USAGM premises, access USAGM systems, or attempt to use your position or authority with USAGM in any way without my prior permission or the prior permission of a supervisor in your chain of command,” the email said. “Government Property: Since you will not have any official business during this time, upon request, you will be expected to immediately surrender your official USAGM identification badge and press pass, as well as any keys or other official government property, including documents, records, electronic and telephone devices, and other equipment,” added the email signed by “Crystal G. Thomas Director Office of Human Resources. Additionally, under the leadership of Trump appointees, the agency severed all contracts for the privately incorporated international broadcasters it funds, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Network, Worthy News learned. “The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s grant agreement would be a massive gift to America’s enemies,” said the broadcaster’s President & CEO, Stephen Capus. “The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years. Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker,” he added. TERMINATION PROCESS The termination notices for the funded networks carried the signature of Trump’s senior adviser, Lake, whom he placed at USAGM, not the agency’s acting chief executive. Lake does not appear to have the statutory authority to carry out that termination in her current job. Grant Turner, the former chief financial officer at the USAGM, called it “Bloody Saturday” for the agency and its networks. “From what I hear, this is shaping to be a really sad day. USAGM networks share important news, information, and American values around the world,” Turner said. “It took decades to build this goodwill and an audience of hundreds of millions every week. Seeing arsonists just set fire to it all is awful,” he warned. Since 1942, VOA has been the most prominent and oldest U.S. international broadcaster, followed by RFE/RL and other networks. The post Trump ‘Closing Down’ Voice of America appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Lawmakers have prevented a government shutdown by passing a six-month funding stopgap bill, with the U.S. Senate voting 54-46 hours before the midnight deadline. The passage of the Continuing Resolution follows a nail-biter cloture vote Friday afternoon, where nine Democrats and one independent ultimately voted for Republicans’ Continuing Resolution, which needed 60 votes to advance to the final majority vote. Lawmakers then rejected four proposed amendments to the CR before proceeding to the final vote around 6 p.m. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the only Republican to vote against the bill, while Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Angus King, I-Maine, were the only non-Republicans to support it. President Donald Trump supported the measure. The CR will keep most government spending on autopilot through Sept. 30, the end of the existing fiscal year. The bill makes some funding adjustments from fiscal year 2024, including slashing $13 billion in non-defense spending, boosting defense spending by $6 billion, increasing WIC and CSFP nutritional programs spending by $500 million and $36 million, respectively. It also authorizes billions of dollars for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation efforts, veterans’ health care, and air traffic control safety priorities. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid spending would remain unchanged. “I’m glad we’re avoiding a disastrous government shutdown, but enough is enough,” Shaheen, who is not running for reelection, stated. “Congress must return to our bipartisan process of working together to deliver spending packages that provide the long-term certainty our states and communities need.” This CR marks the third time Congress has punted the deadline to pass the annual 12 comprehensive appropriations bills that provide money for federal agencies’ operations. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Government Shutdown Averted Mere Hours Before Deadline appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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