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By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Moscow appeared to prepare for a massive ground offensive in Ukraine on Saturday, prompting Ukrainian officials to issue evacuation orders for 11 more villages in the northern Sumy region after Russian gains killed several people. The military movements came as Europe and the United States closely watched for a possible spread of the armed conflict after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that if long-range missiles had been permitted into Russia, it would amount to an “escalation.” Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier that Russia could deploy conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European allies if they allowed Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia with long-range Western weapons. Amid the East-West standoff, Russia advanced deeper into Ukrainian territory on Saturday, taking control of two more villages in Sumy and killing two people in a missile and drone barrage, officials said. More than 200 settlements in the region were already under evacuation orders. Saturday’s attacks happened while Ukrainian diplomats continued to discuss participating in a fresh round of peace talks proposed by Moscow in Istanbul, Turkey, next week. Yet there were doubts within U.S. European capitals about how sincerely Moscow was seeking peace. The Ukrainian president, Volodymr Zelenskyy, has said that about 50,000 Russian troops were gathered on the border near the Sumy region, which he claimed was a sign that Moscow is preparing a renewed offensive. TAKING CONTROL On Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Defence said that it had taken control of the villages of Novopil in the eastern Donetsk region and Vodolahy in the northern Sumy region. Russia’s military also launched 109 drones and five missiles at Ukraine overnight, and in the early hours of Saturday, many of which were intercepted, the Ukrainian air force said. The missile salvo killed a nine-year-old girl in the Zaporizhzhia region, eastern Ukraine, as well as injured a 16-year-old, the governor of Zaporizhzhia, Ivan Fedorov, said. Another man was reportedly killed by Russian shelling in the port city of Kherson in southern Ukraine. “One house was destroyed. The shock wave from the blast also damaged several other houses, cars, and outbuildings,” Fedorov wrote on the social media platform Telegram. Ukraine also launched drone attacks in western Russia on Saturday, injuring 14 people. There have also been numerous drones over and around Moscow, the capital, forcing the closure of airports. “My mother was to come next month to visit me,” a young Russian man told Worthy News in Budapest. “But with all these drones, I don’t know if that is possible. I just hope there will be peace soon.” He is one of many Russian men of fighting age staying outside the country, fearing they may be mobilized for a war that is believed to have killed and injured more than a million people. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but is still struggling to control the country. The post Russia To Launch Massive Ground Offensive In Ukraine appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News LOS ANGELES (Worthy News) – U.S. evangelist Ross Johnston said Friday that he expected thousands of Christians to help him preach the Gospel and stand for freedom on Saturday despite the city of Los Angeles banning the Christian rally. “We found out the city of Los Angeles permitted a Pride festival [of the LGBTQ+ community] weekend on the exact street [at Hollywood Boulevard] that they told us we couldn’t gather,” he explained on social media. “We knew we couldn’t back down; it’s time for the Church to arise. No more silence or intimidation. These are the moments we are born for,” Johnson added. After talks with officials and the nation’s “largest law firm,” he said he learned “they made a mistake” as it violates “our first amendment rights” of the U.S. Constitution. “They gave permission to one organization but not to the Church.” However, “The city said no, but the constitution says ‘yes’. The culture says no, but the Lord says ‘yes,’” Johnson stressed, adding, “I believe for 3,000 to 5,000 Christians to shut down Hollywood Boulevard” in Los Angeles at 3:30 p.m. local time. WITHOUT POLICE? He admitted the situation may be challenging “without the [Los Angeles Police Department] LAPD.” The standoff came just a week after violence broke out against a Christian rally he supported in the U.S. city of Seattle, where believers expressed concern about what they view as efforts to “indoctrinate” children with the LGBTQ+ agenda. Mayday USA, a conservative Christian group, brought its #DontMessWithOurKids gathering to Seattle on Saturday, the fourth of five stops on a national tour. Organizers said the #DontMessWithOurKids movement “refuses to stand idly by while the children of our nation are indoctrinated by liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities.” It highlights a broader debate about the LGBTQ+ agenda that critics say has been brought to the classrooms of schools and in sports across America. However, Worthy News observed that the rally also focused on the Gospel, with Gospel singers and crowds enthusiastically singing Christian songs. Johnson made clear Saturday that the upcoming rally is not an anti-LGBTQ+ event but of “Christians and Americans taking a stand for their First Amendment rights” to “worship,” “preach the Gospel,” and “stand up for their children.” Mass Christian events have been held across America this year, including at universities and on the streets, as part of what organizers view as a possible Christian revival, especially among young people. Similar events have also been seen in Europe recently. The post Los Angeles Bans Christian Rally, But Thousands Expected appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief JERUSALEM/SINGAPORE (Worthy News) – Israel accused French President Emmanuel Macron of launching a “crusade against the Jewish state” on Friday, May 30, after he called for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Macron also urged European countries to harden their stance on Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza did not improve. “The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground,” Macron added at a joint press conference in Singapore with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong “There is no humanitarian blockade. That is a blatant lie,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in response, defending its efforts to allow aid to enter the enclave. “But instead of applying pressure on the jihadist terrorists, Macron wants to reward them with a Palestinian state. No doubt its national day will be October 7,” it added in a statement. The ministry referred to the date of Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 Jewish people and sparked the war in Gaza. The war since then has killed around 54,000 Palestinians, the Hamas-run health authorities say, more than in any other of the countless rounds of fighting between the two sides. Israel has given lower estimates and says nearly half of the dead, some 20,000, were Hamas fighters. Additionally, 1,600 “terrorists” have been killed on the same day, or shortly after, the October 7, 2023, massacre, Israeli sources say. LIMITED RELIEF Despite ongoing clashes, under growing international pressure, Israel partially ended an 11-week-long aid blockade on Gaza 10 days ago. It allowed limited relief to be delivered through the United Nations or the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israel said it imposed the blockade to prevent Hamas from receiving humanitarian aid and to pressure the group to release the remaining hostages taken from Israel. Hamas-run authorities claim that Gaza suffers “severe shortages” of food and medicine, though Israel maintains Hamas has stolen much aid. Yet advocacy groups accuse Israel of violating international law by using “starvation” as a weapon of war – a war crime, charges denied by Israel. While visiting Singapore, French President Macron shared concerns over Gaza. EUROPEAN NATIONS He said Friday that European nations should pressure Israel, including keeping open the possibility of sanctions, if it did not help improve the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory. “If we abandon Gaza, if we consider there is a free pass for Israel, even if we do condemn the terrorist attacks, we will kill our credibility,” Macron stressed. He also called for recognizing a Palestinian state, with some conditions, “not only a moral duty but a political necessity.” France is co-hosting with Saudi Arabia an international conference at the United Nations in New York meant to resurrect the idea of “a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.” However, that outcome is opposed by the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who views such a state as “rewarding Hamas.” In its statement Friday, the Israeli foreign ministry said: “Hamas, for its part, has already praised Macron’s statements. Hamas knows why.” The post Israel: ‘France On Crusade’ After Calling For Palestinian State appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Deportation of nearly 500,000 people illegally in the country was cleared by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday morning, handing a victory to the Trump administration. The decision puts a hold on a lower court’s decision to allow people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to remain in the U.S. for two years through a Biden era decision. The case will continue to play out in lower courts. Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts blocked an executive order from President Donald Trump instructing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “terminate all categorical parole programs,” which included the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela parole program). In the ruling from the Supreme Court, the court said that “parole is discretionary by statute.” “DHS awards the parole status through a competitive and detailed application process that involves a rigorous, individualized assessment of the applicant’s circumstances,” the justices said. In the complaint filed in the Boston court detailed in the Supreme Court’s ruling, Talwani said Noem “acted arbitrarily and capriciously, contrary to law, and in excess of her legal authority by prematurely terminating their parole.” The court did not sign the order; however, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the ruling. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Deporations Of Nearly 500,000 Allowed To Proceed appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump accused China on Friday of breaking a short-term trade deal with the U.S. Earlier this month, the two countries reached a 90-day deal to reduce high tariffs on trade between the world’s two largest economies. The global superpowers agreed to slash tariffs that had been so high that nearly all trade between the two nations stopped. The U.S. reduced its tariffs on China from 145% to 30% while the two nations continued to talk. China cut its levies on U.S. imports from 125% to 10%. “China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. U.S. markets retreated on the news in what has been a challenging month for investors. Trump also lashed out at the three judges on the U.S. Court of International Trade who unanimously ruled on Wednesday that Congress did not give tariff authority to the president under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. That court voided most of Trump’s tariffs, but the administration appealed the decision to a higher court, which paused the Court of International Trade ruling for now. “Where do these initial three Judges come from? How is it possible for them to have potentially done such damage to the United States of America?” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Is it purely a hatred of ‘TRUMP?’ What other reason could it be?” The Court of International Trade said the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 didn’t give Trump “unbounded” authority to set tariffs. The ruling was a setback for Trump’s foreign and domestic policy agenda, which is underpinned by tariffs. “Worldwide and Retaliatory Tariffs do not comply with the limitations Congress imposed upon the President’s power to respond to balance-of-payments deficits,” the Court of International Trade judges wrote. “The President’s assertion of tariff-making authority in the instant case, unbounded as it is by any limitation in duration or scope, exceeds any tariff authority delegated to the President under IEEPA.” On Thursday, the Trump administration filed an emergency motion asking for a stay. “The injunction threatens to unwind months of foreign policy decision-making and sensitive diplomatic negotiations, at the expense of the Nation’s economic well-being and national security,” DOJ attorneys wrote. The appeals court granted the stay Thursday afternoon. “The ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade is so wrong, and so political!” Trump wrote. “Hopefully, the Supreme Court will reverse this horrible, Country threatening decision, QUICKLY and DECISIVELY. Backroom ‘hustlers’ must not be allowed to destroy our Nation!” Trump made it clear he didn’t want to work with Congress on tariffs. “The horrific decision stated that I would have to get the approval of Congress for these Tariffs. In other words, hundreds of politicians would sit around D.C. for weeks, and even months, trying to come to a conclusion as to what to charge other Countries that are treating us unfairly,” Trump wrote. “If allowed to stand, this would completely destroy Presidential Power – The Presidency would never be the same!” The post Trump Says No More ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ After Short-term Trade Deal With China appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief HAVANA (Worthy News) – Communist-ruled Cuba has extended its “repression” of religious and faith groups, including devout Christians, in almost every area, according to a new report released Thursday. Advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) told Worthy News that its report ‘No Respite: The Systematic Suppression of Freedom of Religion or Belief in Cuba’ documented 624 cases involving religious rights violations in 2024. The report found that “religious groups of all types, including Afro-Cuban groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Protestants, Roman Catholics, and registered and unregistered associations, continue to be affected by violations including arbitrary detention.” Additionally, there was also “intrusive surveillance, repeat interrogations, threats, harassment, and, in the case of some children, physical and verbal abuse at school because of their religious beliefs.” The report noted an uptick in “the application of fines on religious leaders in 2024, generally for leading unauthorized religious activities, holding religious activities in locations not approved for religious use, or both.” That referred to home churches and other worship services closely watched by authorities. “Religious leaders and congregations who attempted to respond to humanitarian needs, which became even more acute in many parts of the island in 2024, were also harassed and fined,” CSW added in its report. ‘VIOLATING PRISON RULES’ Cuba’s government also continued to violate “systematically the Nelson Mandela Rules (the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners) by consistently denying political prisoners the right to receive religious materials and religious visits,” the report alleged. Additionally, Christians and other religious leaders “were also threatened and pressured to expel the family members of political prisoners from their congregations as part of a policy of social isolation,” CSW established. The report stressed that “It is now even more vital that governments around the world, and especially Cuba’s friends and neighbors in Latin America, emphatically voice concerns about Cuba’s consistent violations of human rights, including [Freedom of Religion or Belief] FoRB, and seek ways to support independent civil society in Cuba, including religious groups.” Ultimately, the future of Cuba “lies with its people; those around the world who believe in the principles of democracy and fundamental human rights must stand with them in their peaceful pursuit of political and social change,” the report concluded. However, CSW’s Director of Advocacy Anna Lee Stangl told Worthy News that her advocacy group “remains immensely inspired by those in Cuba who continue to stand up and speak out for freedom of religion or belief and other fundamental human rights, often at great risk to their own freedom and wellbeing.” She added, “We stand in solidarity with these individuals, and all those who have been forced into exile on account of their religion or belief, or their peaceful defense of human rights, and call on the international community to do more to hold the Cuban government to account for its severe and ongoing repression of the Cuban people.” PASTORS AWAIT TRIAL Pressure sometimes helps, Christians suggested, adding that Assemblies of God Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas, who faces charges of “disrespect and disobeying the authorities” alongside his wife Roxana Rojas, also a pastor, was released on bail on May 24. Pastors Borjas and Rojas were detained on May 19 after referencing their Christian faith in a military tribunal at which their son was being tried on a charge of attempting to evade obligatory military service, Worthy News reported at the time. Pastor Borjas’ trial was scheduled for June 9, while Pastor Rojas has been “permitted” to have her legal process and trial take place from home after she was taken to the hospital unconscious on the night of her detention due to heart issues, Christians said. The pastors’ son, Kevin Laureido Rojas, who has a medical exemption for a psychiatric condition that makes him unable to perform the military service that is required of all Cuban males at the age of 18, remains in a military prison. Anna Lee Stangl told Worthy News that “CSW continues to call for the complete dismissal of the unjust charges that have been leveled against Pastors Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas, and for the immediate and unconditional release of Kevin Laureido Rojas.” The post Cuba Extends Religious Repression, Report Says appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief BARNEVELD, NETHERLANDS (Worthy News) – The mayor of the Dutch central city of Barneveld says he has received threats after pro-Palestinian protesters attacked a “Christians for Israel” event. Jacco van der Tak wrote the municipal council that he would file a police report at a time of mounting antisemitism in the Netherlands and attacks against Christians supporting Israel. In remarks seen by Worthy News on Thursday, a spokesperson said they could not comment further except that it involved the “mayor’s personal life.” In the memo to the council, Van der Tak wrote that the threat was made “in response to how the demonstration unfolded.” Barneveld, located in the Dutch Bible Belt, is still reeling from the aftermath of attacks targeting a gathering organized by the “Christenen voor Israel” or “Christians for Israel” foundation in Barneveld. “Visitors literally had to walk through a gauntlet of protesters while being shouted at and called ‘child murderers.’ These slogans were amplified by a sound system blasting at deafening volumes,” Christians for Israel said in a statement. Organizers said the event was held “in honor of Jerusalem Day,” which draws global attention to Jerusalem’s significance in the Jewish and Christian faiths. Christians and Jews had come together to celebrate their connection to Israel and Jerusalem. They were to begin by singing Psalm 122: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love you be secure.” However, witnesses said many never made it inside without first being confronted by “organized intimidation.” MASKED PROTESTERS Worshipers were met by protesters, many of them masked, affiliated with an Islamic group calling itself “Ummah voor Gaza” (Ummah for Gaza). The activists blocked the entrance, laid down a blood-smeared Israeli flag, and placed fake bloodied baby dolls along the walkway near a small coffin, Worthy News observed. They shouted “child murderer” and “Christians for genocide” at the arriving guests. “Visitors — including visibly Jewish participants — were forced to pass through this gauntlet of hate, some being spat on, others cursed and filmed,” noted Amanda Kluveld, an associate professor of Holocaust history at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Several Jewish participants later described the experience as a “grotesque echo of historical humiliation” — this time sanctioned by the Dutch state’s “refusal” to intervene. Uniformed police officers stood by and, at one point, were seen eating baklava with members of the protest group, Worthy News observed. Mayor Van der Tak claimed that police intervened immediately when attendees had to walk through what was “an intimidating protest and over the bloodied Israeli flag to reach the venue.” However, critics disputed this, and footage seen by Worthy News appeared to show the police’s reluctance to halt the perceived harassment. The mayor referred to “brief violence” by “bystanders” who had shown up at the demonstration. “Again, police acted immediately,” the mayor said. COUNTER PROTESTS He spoke about a group of counter-protesters, reportedly local farmers opposing the pro-Palestinian demonstrators. According to witnesses, this led to confrontations between the two groups, with several scuffles breaking out and objects being thrown. Reporters said a significant police presence was eventually restored, and one protester was injured during the disturbances. So far, no arrests have been reportedly made, prompting the Christian parties Christian Union and SGP to submit parliamentary questions. Yet this was no isolated incident. Last month, Dutch pastor Oscar Lohuis was attacked in the Dutch city of Lelystad, where Christians attending a pro-Israel prayer service were temporarily held hostage in their place of worship “for their own safety,” authorities confirmed. Earlier this month, in the town of Katwijk, there was a clash between pro-Palestine protesters and residents outside a church where Christians for Israel prayed for the Jewish nation. Last week in the town of Nijkerk, at a Christian for Israel meeting in a building where a wedding was also taking place, police told worshipers that demonstrators “have guaranteed that they do not want to use physical violence.” However, the elderly audience was warned by a police officer to “certainly do not make eye contact” when going outside, Worthy News witnessed. Back in Barneveld, this week’s protest was directed at anyone — Jewish or Christian — “who dares to feel connected to Israel, spiritually, historically, or morally,” noted Kluveld. EXPLICIT MESSAGE This was made explicit by Ummah for Gaza’s social media message after the event: “If you support the genocide in Gaza, you must undergo the walk of shame imposed by Ummah for Gaza.” Support for Israel, even through prayer, is now treated as moral criminality, said Kluveld. “This logic is not limited to fringe groups. It now echoes in the actions of institutions,” she stressed. “Because increasingly, it is not only Israel that is being demonized — it is the people who stand with Israel, who sing for it, who pray for it, who mourn with it. That is what makes this moment so dangerous,” the professor added. She received death threats for speaking openly at universities about the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, in which at least six million Jews perished, and other Israel and Jewish themes. Kluveld noted that the breeding ground for growing antisemitism and hatred toward Christians supporting Israel began at universities. “At Dutch universities, those who report antisemitism and anti-zionism are labeled as disruptive, dangerous, or disloyal,” she recently wrote. “Not the aggressors — but the whistleblowers. Hatred is tolerated. Silence is rewarded. Naming it becomes treason.” ‘LEAVE CITY’ Additionally, in July 2024, during a quintessentially Dutch civic tradition known as the “Vierdaagse” — a four-day walking event involving tens of thousands — a small group reportedly monitored the crowd for “Zionist symbols or markers.” Kluveld cited multiple witnesses as saying that “anyone visibly connected to Zionism would be asked to leave the city.” And with violence spreading and now targeting pro-Israel Christians, the once-liberal Netherlands is under pressure to act. Geert Wilders, the leader of the anti-Islam Partij Voor de Vrijheid (Party for Freedom) or PVV, has linked the violence in part to the growing influx of extremist Muslims into the country. Critics have accused him of singling out about 1 million Muslims in the country of 18 million, charges he denies. The post Dutch Christians For Israel Suffering Attacks; Mayor Threatened (Worthy News Investigation) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government is growing increasingly anxious about the European Union’s planned “Article 7 procedure,” which could lead to Hungary’s voting rights being suspended over rule-of-law violations, an investigative newsletter reported Friday. VSquare, a respected investigative regional news outlet, also cited well-informed sources saying that Orbán may not seek reelection in 2026 as polls show his Fidesz party trailing the startup Tisza party led by Péter Magyar. “Orbán is now treating the process as a real threat—not just political theater in Brussels. At the heart of Orbán’s fear is a domestic concern: that Hungary’s surging opposition could frame the April 2026 election into a de facto referendum on EU membership,” VSguare reported. “If Article 7 progresses to the point where Hungary’s voting rights are suspended, it could fuel the public perception that the country is being pushed out of the EU—sparking fears of a potential ‘Huxit.’” To prevent Article 7 from advancing, Orbán needs a coalition—or at least one firm ally—to veto it in the Council of the EU, where unanimity is required for final sanctions. VSquare cited a former high-ranking official from an EU member state that strongly supports Article 7 as recently recalling “a telling conversation” from late 2023: a representative from Orbán’s informal blocking coalition—which at the time included Austria, Cyprus, Italy, and Slovakia—confessed they were “only pretending” to back Hungary. In private, they admitted they’d be open to supporting Article 7 if it came to a vote. “That makes Orbán’s strategy even riskier. While Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico remains his most reliable ally, Fico’s political future is unstable following recent internal turmoil. Without Fico, Orbán’s veto shield could quickly collapse,” the outlet said. DESPERATE SEARCH A Hungarian government-linked source suggested that Orbán’s desperate search for an EU ally made him endorse Romanian presidential candidate George Simion, viewed by critics as a far-right, pro-Kremlin populist who has repeatedly attacked Romania’s Hungarian minority. Despite the backlash at home and in the Hungarian diaspora, Orbán apparently saw Simion as a potential future ally willing to return the favor by vetoing Article 7 proceedings. His support didn’t help: Simion eventually lost the Romanian presidential election. Several Hungarian sources say that as pressure mounts, Orbán, a close ally of U.S. President Donald J. Trump, may not seek re-election in 2026. Sources said Fidesz would nominate another candidate, János Lázár, Hungary’s Minister of Construction and Transport, as prime ministerial candidate instead. “A longtime Fidesz heavyweight, Lázár has recently reemerged as the second most visible figure in the government. In recent months, he has toured the country extensively, held campaign-style events, and in early 2025, consolidated a central communications team comprising PR staff from state-owned companies under his ministry’s control—effectively building a campaign infrastructure of his own,” VSquare commented. Lázár has repeatedly denied having leadership ambitions, saying he is neither preparing to challenge Orbán nor succeed him. However, investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi said sources confirm that his candidacy is being considered a distant but very real option. CONTROVERSIAL CHOICE Lázár isn’t without controversy after he reportedly used Hungary’s foreign intelligence service to spy on European Union’s anti-fraud investigators looking into Orbán’s son-in-law. Orbán’s family, friends, and allies have won billions of euros in tenders since the prime minister came to power in 2010, according to multiple EU and other investigations. The prime minister, a rightwing populist, has denied wrongdoing and asked about corruption allegations once said he “doesn’t deal with business.” The government has also struck back at Hungary’s opposition, labeling some leaders as Ukrainian spies. The new legislation also enables authorities to crack down on non-governmental organizations and independent media seen as “threatening Hungary’s sovereignty.” Critics have compared the measures with a Russia-style “foreign agent” law, saying “signs of desperation” are beginning to show beneath the surface. The post Hungary Fears Losing EU Voting Rights; PM Orbán May Not Run Again appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief BEIJING (Worthy News) – At least tens of thousands of China’s ethnic Uyghurs have been forcibly moved to factories far from their homes in the western region of Xinjiang, a new investigation revealed. The displacement of minority workers up to 2,600 miles (4,200 kilometers) away is an effort by the Chinese government to get around a U.S. ban on imports from Xinjiang, a global symbol of forced labor and rights abuses. Since the U.S. Congress imposed the import ban on Xinjiang products in 2021, Uyghurs have been placed in 75 factories across 11 regions as a hidden force fueling China’s economic expansion, according to an investigation led by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ). Reporters for the TBIJ, The New York Times, and Der Spiegel magazine found that Uyghur, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz workers manufacture a wide range of products, including keyboards, cars, and components, which are then shipped globally, reaching destinations such as the United States, Britain, and other countries. Investigators discovered forced labor in at least five major industries, including electronics, footwear, car parts, home appliances, and facilities processing poultry. Videos on Chinese social media showed Uyghurs being placed with suppliers for some of the world’s biggest brands. These include Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Apple, Samsung, LG Electronics, McDonald’s, KFC, Skechers, and Midea, the white goods brand that sponsors the Manchester City soccer club. In total, over 100 global brands are linked to a scheme that ships Xinjiang ethnic minorities to work in factories thousands of miles away,” TBIJ found. “The link to forced labor pervades entire swathes of the Chinese economy. More than a hundred consumer brands – from [tech giant] Apple to [car maker] Volkswagen– can be tied to the tainted trade,” TBIJ confirmed. BIG BRANDS And, “for the first time, evidence shows factories directly owned by big brands themselves, like those run by Midea and LG Electronics, have participated in the Chinese government program.” Video footage shared by TBIJ and viewed by Worthy News confirmed that products include everything from Skechers shoes to KFC chicken. In response, Apple and fellow tech giant Samsung stated that their suppliers are regularly independently audited, and recent audits have found no instances of forced labor. However, Apple added that it is investigating the alleged link to forced labor. Volkswagen also said it was investigating but couldn’t comment until this was completed, which was “against the background of the contractually agreed confidentiality obligations.” Skechers and KFC didn’t respond to TBIJ’s questions. However, the mass transfer of predominantly Muslim minority workers constitutes state-imposed forced labor, according to researchers, human rights watchdogs, North American and European governments, and the United Nations. RECRUITING POPULATIONS Christians are also believed to have been targeted. This type of forced labor involves authorities recruiting targeted populations who, living in a police state-like environment, are coerced to work in key industries, TBIJ said. “When a government official knocks on the door of a Uyghur person and says they should take a job far from home, the person knows this is not merely a request,” added Laura Murphy, a former senior policy adviser to the Biden administration on Xinjiang forced labor. “They know there are directives that say refusal is punishable by detention. And they know how horrible detention is. Every Uyghur in Xinjiang has either been in detention themselves or has someone close to them who has been. This is not a choice. This is not consent.” TBIJ’s investigation suggested that previous reporting on Communist-run China’s exploitation of vulnerable ethnic minorities failed to capture how extensive the practice has become. It also showed that measures taken by major brands and governments are failing to prevent imports of products tainted by forced labor. Using trade data and other sources, such as information from company websites, TBIJ tracked products to 86 markets worldwide, ranging from the U.S. and Britain to Colombia and Egypt. “It seems increasingly difficult to buy Chinese goods without running the risk of tapping into a regime of exploitation,” TBIJ established. MANY VIDEOS TBIJ said it had been trawling tens of thousands of videos posted on Douyin, the Chinese sister application of social media platform TikTok. In another video, posted in May last year, a man at an electronics factory was seen wearing a red jacket emblazoned with the name of a local government division. The same department sent him and many other men and women from Xinjiang, thousands of kilometers (miles) away, to work at this factory supplying parts for Samsung laptops. “In life, there are no worthless people, only those unlucky before fate,” a voiceover said. There was also government propaganda footage claiming uniformed workers ‘enthusiastically’ leaving their hometown in a bus to their new jobs. And to an uncertain future. The post China’s Forced Labour Linked To 100 Global Brands, Investigation Finds appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief WARSAW/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Voters in Poland prepare to choose a new president Sunday in a runoff that is closely watched by the European Union and the United States. Opinion polls predict a close race between a liberal pro-European candidate and a right-wing Euroskeptic. Liberal Warsaw Mayor Trzaskowski, with support from Prime Minster Donald Tusk’s Civic Platform party, is facing Karol Nawrocki, a right-winger backed by the populist Law and Justice (PiS) party. The most recent survey published by polling agency IBRIS put Trzaskowski at 45.7% and his national-conservative, Euroskeptic rival, Nawrocki, at 44.9%, with 7.8% still undecided. A different institute put both candidates at 47% on May 23. Both men have clashed over their country’s relationship with war-torn Ukraine, which was invaded by Russian troops in February 2022. Nawrocki claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “treats Poland badly” and defended his criticism of Ukraine joining the NATO military alliance and suggested that many voters agree. “I speak the language of Poles.” Nawrocki has signed an eight-point declaration that included a pledge to block Ukraine’s accession to NATO to win support from politician Slawomir Mentzen, viewed as far-right, who came in third in the first election round with almost 15% of voters. “You’re using (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s language,” Trzaskowski reacted in the televised debate, slamming Nawrocki’s stance on NATO and Ukraine. The conservative candidate rejected accusations of echoing Putin, saying, “Millions of Poles today would like to say this, but they can’t because the slogan ‘you speak Putin’s propaganda’ immediately appears.’” REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS Yet ahead of Sunday’s vote, U.S. Republican lawmakers questioned the European Union’s executive European Commission’s alleged bias in favor of Trzaskowski. Brian Mast, chair of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, wrote a letter, signed by other House members, to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing “profound alarm over reported developments in Poland that may undermine the integrity of its democratic processes.” Mast accused the Commission of having a “double standard” in election rules that could tilt the balance in favor of Trzaskowski. The first complaint is a May 15 Polish media report about a political advertising campaign favoring Trzaskowski by a non-governmental organization that the report and Mast linked to “operatives from the U.S. Democratic Party.” NASK, Poland’s state body tasked with countering online disinformation, reported that paid campaigns on social media platform Facebook, allegedly funded from abroad, promoted Trzaskowski while discrediting Nawrocki and perceived “far-right candidate” Sławomir Mentzen. Commentators said Mast’s letter reflects a broader Republican interest in supporting right-wing populists in Europe. Vice President JD Vance recently met with the Alternative for Germany opposition party, which critics see as far-right. He also condemned Romania’s courts for annulling the country’s presidential election after Russia was accused of interfering with the campaign. FACEBOOK CAMPAIGN Back in Poland, “NASK said its analyses could not conclusively determine the funding source for the Facebook campaign or who commissioned it, the Polosh Digital Affairs Ministry said. “Analysts did not rule out the possibility of provocation and stated that resolving the case requires action by the country’s security services,” the ministry added. Ministry officials told the news outlet Politico that the case was reported to the Internal Security Agency and the National Electoral Office, and Facebook owner Meta was asked to remove the ads. Meta claimed the advertisement’s “runtime had expired by the time the issue was made public” and that they were no longer accessible. When Nawrocki accused Trzaskowski of getting money from Germany and liberal U.S. financier George Soros, Trzaskowski denied any improper financing and threatened Nawrocki with a lawsuit during a debate. Nawrocki recently visited U.S. President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office and reported that the president told him, “You will win.” PiS’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) ties were also evident as the party hosted CPAC, the U.S. conservative get-together, on Tuesday. At the conference, Trump’s homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, urged Poles to elect Nawrocki. Trump, she stressed, “is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity to have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him leader of this country.” The post Poles Elect President In Tense Runoff Watched by EU, US appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, enter into His rest that cannot be shaken! Hebrews 12:26-29 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire. In a world trembling with uncertainty--political unrest, economic turmoil, natural disasters--God is speaking again. Not in whispers, but with the shaking that reorders lives, redefines kingdoms, and removes everything that cannot stand in the presence of His glory. He is preparing us for a kingdom that cannot be moved. But in the midst of the shaking, there is rest -- a deep, unshakable rest reserved for the people of God. Not rest as the world gives -- temporary relief or distraction -- but the kind that anchors the soul in the storm, the kind that is rooted in Yeshua (Jesus), our rest. Just as Israel left the wilderness and entered Canaan, so we are invited to leave the wilderness of striving and fear and step into our inheritance. Canaan was not heaven -- it had battles, failures, and victories. But it was still the land of promise and rest. For us, that rest begins even now as we walk by faith and obedience. Hebrews tells us, "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:6-9). That rest is both present and future -- entered by faith today and fulfilled in glory at His return. It is the rest of knowing that He is enough. That the battle is His. That the inheritance is secure. And that nothing eternal can be shaken. Rest is not passive -- it is the result of surrender. We rest by trusting in the finished work of Yeshua. We rest by obeying His voice even when the ground beneath us quakes. Faith and obedience are not burdens--they are the wings that carry us into divine peace. Every shaking strips away the false securities of this world and drives us deeper into the one foundation that cannot be moved. The enemy cannot shake what God has sealed. Not our calling, not our future, not our peace. When everything else is removed, what remains is the eternal. Friend, the greatest rest is still to come. When Yeshua, our greater Joshua, returns, He will calm every storm, crush every enemy, and establish His reign of perfect peace. What Canaan only foreshadowed, His Kingdom will fulfill -- freedom from toil and tears, fullness of joy, and unbroken fellowship with our King. No more struggle -- only triumph. No more shadows -- only light. And best of all, we will dwell forever in His presence, having entered His perfect Rest. So begin today -- begin this Shabbat -- to step into that rest. Lay down your striving, lift up your eyes, and let His peace rule in your heart as a foretaste of the glory to come. Shabbat Shalom, have a great weekened, and we look forward to seeing you on Monday! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George, Baht Rivka & Obi - Baltimore, Maryland | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: We’re heading back to Israel leading an incredible 10-day, 10-night journey from October 19–30. As always, we’re keeping the group to just one bus to ensure a more personal and intimate experience — so space is limited! Read More... 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 Putin’s Intentions on Ukraine War Will Be Clear ‘Within Two Weeks’ President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the world will soon learn whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war in Ukraine, suggesting that a breakthrough or major shift could occur in the next two weeks. French Ex-Surgeon Jailed For Raping Hundreds, Mainly Children A French former surgeon who admitted to sexually abusing at least 299 patients, mostly minors, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the biggest child abuse trial in France’s history. Shares Rise After Court Halts Trump Tariffs Asian shares and Wall Street futures jumped in Asia on Thursday after a U.S. federal court blocked President Donald J. Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs from going into effect, sending the dollar up on safe-haven currencies. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Witkoff Proposes New Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal; Hamas Pushes Back, Netanyahu Considers U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a revised proposal aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, sources told The Jerusalem Post. The proposal includes the release of 28 hostages—10 alive and 18 deceased—over two rounds, alongside a 60-day ceasefire and the withdrawal of IDF troops from recently captured areas in the Strip. Israel Approves 22 New Settlements in Historic Expansion of Judea and Samaria In a landmark decision Wednesday, Israel's Security Cabinet approved the construction of 22 new Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, including the revival of Homesh and Sa-Nur, two settlements dismantled during the 2005 Gaza Disengagement. Ancient Beauty Unearthed: 1,600-Year-Old Byzantine Mosaic Now on Display Near Gaza Border A stunning Byzantine-era mosaic, hidden beneath the sands of southern Israel for more than three decades, has been unveiled to the public in a newly created archaeological exhibit near the Gaza border. Inside the United States Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Ending Migrant Parole Programs A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from halting Biden-era humanitarian parole programs that have allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Latin America to enter and remain in the United States. Federal Court Strikes Down Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs, Citing Constitutional Overreach In a major blow to former President Donald Trump's trade agenda, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled Wednesday that Trump exceeded his constitutional authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, Canada, and dozens of other nations under what he dubbed "Liberation Day" tariffs. Missouri Supreme Court Ruling Upholds Life, Halts Abortions Again—A Victory for the Unborn In a major victory for pro-life advocates and the rule of law, the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday vacated two lower court rulings that had briefly allowed abortions to resume in the state. The decision reactivates long-standing health and safety regulations for abortion facilities and halts Planned Parenthood's abortion services—effectively saving lives and reaffirming Missouri’s role as a national leader in defending the unborn. Christian News Eric Nelson Now President Of Athletes In Action To Help Spread Gospel Prominent former U.S. basketball coach and athletic director Eric Nelson has been appointed president of the Christian group Athletes in Action. US Christian Hunter Phil Robertson ‘With Lord At 79’; Americans Celebrate His Life Family members and politicians celebrated the life of the late Phil Robertson, a devoted Christian whose family-run hunting products business, Duck Commander, was the focus of the TV series Duck Dynasty. Worthy Insights ‘600 Days That We Fight for Our Lives’: Israel Marks a Milestone of Pain and Prayer Six hundred days after his son Itay was abducted by Hamas, Ruby Chen delivered an emotional message at the Knesset during the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, speaking not as a political figure but as a grieving father. Explosive new intelligence report reveals Iran’s nuclear weapons program still active A new intelligence report claims Iran is continuing with its active nuclear weapons program, which it says can be used to launch missiles over long distances. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a revised proposal aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, sources told The Jerusalem Post. The proposal includes the release of 28 hostages—10 alive and 18 deceased—over two rounds, alongside a 60-day ceasefire and the withdrawal of IDF troops from recently captured areas in the Strip. In a significant change, humanitarian aid distribution would revert to the United Nations, marking the end of operations by the U.S.-facilitated Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This shift reflects growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recent disorder at aid centers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly convened a cabinet meeting to discuss the proposal, inviting key figures such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to accept the deal, stating, “Israel must publicly and immediately accept the framework… even if Ben-Gvir and Smotrich try to sabotage it.” The plan does not dictate a permanent ceasefire and allows Israel to resume fighting after the 60-day truce if further negotiations stall. This clause drew harsh criticism from Hamas, which claimed the proposal heavily favors Israel and lacks clear U.S. guarantees that the truce would lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities. A Hamas source told Walla that the group believes the U.S. administration shortchanged it and said the plan fails to address key demands, including complete Israeli withdrawal and ceasefire extension terms. Hamas is currently reviewing the proposal and has issued a statement declaring that it will do so “responsibly to serve the interests of our people.” The revised deal is based on recent high-level talks between Witkoff, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and Hamas representatives in Qatar. Still, key issues remain unresolved—chief among them, what happens at the end of the proposed ceasefire if no further agreement is reached. Despite internal skepticism and public opposition from Hamas, Netanyahu has signaled his willingness to move forward. Netanyahu told the families of hostages that he is prepared to move forward with the deal, whether this latest U.S.-backed framework leads to meaningful progress or breaks down, as past efforts have, remains to be seen. The post Witkoff Proposes New Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal; Hamas Pushes Back, Netanyahu Considers appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from halting Biden-era humanitarian parole programs that have allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Latin America to enter and remain in the United States. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ordered the Department of Homeland Security to resume processing applications for migrants seeking work permits or legal status renewals under the programs. Her ruling came in response to a class action lawsuit challenging the administration’s suspension of the parole system. Talwani, an Obama appointee, said the administration overstepped its authority, noting that federal law requires a case-by-case review process for immigration relief. She certified a nationwide class of migrants currently covered by the programs and criticized the administration’s attempt to strip legal protections en masse. “It is not in the public interest to create a situation in which hundreds of thousands of individuals become unlawfully present in the country and unable to work,” Talwani wrote. The parole programs, created under President Joe Biden, allowed migrants with U.S. sponsors to enter legally for two years. Many participants include military family members and former translators for U.S. forces. The Trump administration, seeking to end all categorical parole, had paused applications following a January 20 executive order. It has asked the Supreme Court to intervene. The post Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Ending Migrant Parole Programs appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – In a landmark decision Wednesday, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the construction of 22 new Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, including the revival of Homesh and Sa-Nur, two settlements dismantled during the 2005 Gaza Disengagement. The move, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, marks the most significant expansion in the region since the Six-Day War, with several of the planned settlements located along the Jordanian border. The initiative is seen as a direct counter to Palestinian efforts to establish territorial continuity for a future state. “This historic decision to establish 22 new communities in Judea and Samaria strengthens our hold on the land, anchors our historical right to the Land of Israel, and delivers a crushing answer to Palestinian terrorism,” said Katz. “It’s not just about settlements–it’s a strategic move to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel.” Smotrich echoed the sentiment, calling it “a great day for the settlements and for the State of Israel.” He added, “With God’s help, we are returning the State of Israel to a path of building, Zionism, and vision. Settlement in our ancestral homeland is Israel’s shield wall.” The new communities will span key areas including the Binyamin region and the Jordan Valley, with an emphasis on bolstering Israeli presence along critical transportation corridors such as Highway 443. The decision also legalizes several previously unauthorized outposts. In tandem, the cabinet reaffirmed a prior decision to resume official Israeli land registration in Area C–territory under full Israeli control per the Oslo Accords–aimed at curbing unauthorized Palestinian Authority land registration efforts. Officials said such activities were conducted “without legal authority” and would be formally blocked moving forward. The Regavim Movement, which monitors illegal construction and land grabs in Judea and Samaria, welcomed the ruling, calling it a “pivotal advancement” after years of advocacy. “We thank our national leaders for safeguarding our territorial integrity and securing our collective future,” the organization said in a statement. Yisrael Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, hailed the expansion as “the most important decision since 1967.” He declared, “This is a bold declaration to our enemies and to the world–we are here to stay, build, and strengthen Israel.” The Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday that the plan includes both new constructions and the formalization of existing outposts, asserting that the project is “a step that will change the face of the area and shape the future of settlement for years to come.” According to ministry officials, the long-term goal is to “strengthen the Israeli hold on the territory, avoid the establishment of a Palestinian state, and create a foundation for continued settlement in the coming decades.” The post Israel Approves 22 New Settlements in Historic Expansion of Judea and Samaria appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – In a major blow to former President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled Wednesday that Trump exceeded his constitutional authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, Canada, and dozens of other nations under what he dubbed “Liberation Day” tariffs. A unanimous three-judge panel ruled that the tariffs–invoked under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)–violate both the Constitution’s separation of powers and statutory limits placed by Congress on presidential authority. “The Worldwide and Retaliatory Tariff Orders exceed any authority granted to the President by IEEPA,” the court wrote. “Any interpretation of IEEPA that delegates unlimited tariff authority is unconstitutional.” The ruling, which consolidates two challenges–V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump and State of Oregon v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security–permanently blocks the tariffs and vacates their legal standing. Court Rejects Broad Use of Emergency Powers Trump had argued that the tariffs were justified under emergency powers due to nonreciprocal trade practices and concerns about drug trafficking. However, the judges — Gary Katzmann (an Obama appointee), Timothy Reif (a Trump appointee), and Jane A. Restani (a Reagan appointee) — found that the rationale failed to meet the statutory standards and lacked a sufficient nexus to the described threats. Citing both the nondelegation and central questions doctrines, the court concluded that such sweeping tariff authority must remain with Congress. “This ruling reaffirms that the President must act within the bounds of the law,” said Jeffrey Schwab of the Liberty Justice Center, which filed one of the suits. “It protects American businesses and consumers from the destabilizing effects of volatile, unilaterally imposed tariffs.” Tariff Policy in Turmoil Trump’s use of tariffs was a signature part of his “America First” economic strategy. Rates on Chinese goods were briefly raised as high as 125% before being scaled back to 10%. Meanwhile, “trafficking tariffs” on Mexican and Canadian imports remained at 25% and 20%, respectively. Despite the ruling, many of these tariffs technically remain in effect pending appeal. The Justice Department filed a notice of appeal immediately after the decision was handed down. A White House spokesman defended the tariffs as a necessary response to decades of “nonreciprocal treatment” and persistent trade deficits. “These deficits have created a national emergency that has decimated American communities,” said spokesman Kush Desai. “It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency.” States and Businesses Applaud Decision Democratic-led states, including Arizona, joined in the legal challenge. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes praised the decision as a victory for constitutional governance. “The president does not have the authority to implement tariffs unilaterally,” she said. Economists and business leaders have long warned that sudden, across-the-board tariffs could disrupt supply chains and raise prices on consumer goods. The court’s ruling underscores the ongoing tension between executive authority and congressional power, particularly when national emergencies are cited as a legal foundation for sweeping economic policy. Whether the ruling will ultimately hold on appeal may shape the next administration’s trade and foreign policy for years to come. The post Federal Court Strikes Down Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs, Citing Constitutional Overreach appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the world will soon learn whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war in Ukraine, suggesting that a breakthrough or major shift could occur in the next two weeks. “We’re gonna find out whether or not he’s tapping us along or not,” Trump told reporters following the Oval Office swearing-in of interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. “But it’ll take about a week and a half, two weeks.” Trump praised the work of special envoy Steve Witkoff, who he said has been negotiating directly with the Kremlin. “He’s doing a phenomenal job, is dealing with [Putin] very strongly right now,” Trump said, adding that while the Russians “seem to want to do something,” any assumptions are premature. “Until the document is signed, I can’t tell you. Nobody can.” Trump expressed frustration over recent Russian drone strikes that killed civilians in Ukraine amid ongoing backchannel talks. “I’m very disappointed at what happened a couple of nights now,” he said. “People were killed in the middle of what you would call a negotiation. I’m very disappointed by that.” Asked why he hasn’t imposed additional sanctions on Moscow, Trump replied that he didn’t want to jeopardize potential progress. “Only the fact that if I think I’m close to getting a deal, I don’t want to screw it up by doing that,” he said. On Tuesday, Trump issued a stark warning to Putin via Truth Social, saying the Russian leader was “playing with fire.” He implied that his leadership had prevented a far worse outcome for Russia. “If it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD,” Trump wrote. The remarks prompted a fiery exchange between top U.S. and Russian officials. Trump envoy Gen. Keith Kellogg (ret.) chastised former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for dismissing Trump’s concerns and making comments interpreted as escalating tensions. “Stoking fears of WWIII is an unfortunate, reckless comment… and unfitting of a world power,” Kellogg wrote on X. Despite the tense rhetoric, Trump maintained that diplomatic channels remain open. “We’ll know soon,” he said, referring to the Kremlin’s true intentions. “And we’ll respond accordingly.” The post Putin’s Intentions on Ukraine War Will Be Clear ‘Within Two Weeks’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Worthy News Staff | Negev Desert, Israel (Worthy News) – A stunning Byzantine-era mosaic, hidden beneath the sands of southern Israel for more than three decades, has been unveiled to the public in a newly created archaeological exhibit near the Gaza border. Discovered in 1990 near Kibbutz Urim, just miles from the Gaza Strip, the 1,600-year-old Be’er Shema mosaic was recently restored and relocated to the Merhavim Regional Council compound, where it is now on permanent display as part of an open-air educational site. “This is a unique mosaic from the Byzantine period,” said archaeologist Shaike Lender, one of the original excavators. “It presents 55 richly detailed medallions with mythological figures, exotic animals, fruit baskets, and scenes from everyday life and hunting. It was clearly made by the hand of a true artist.” Originally part of a Byzantine monastery complex, the mosaic and surrounding ruins suggest the site was a center for wine production and a rest stop along the Nabataean-Roman spice route linking Halutza and Gaza. Excavations uncovered a large winepress and storage jars, reinforcing its importance as a refuge for ancient travelers. After its discovery, the mosaic was buried to protect it from weather and agricultural damage. In recent years, growing concerns over preservation led to its recovery and conservation. The revitalized exhibit now includes signage, paved paths, and shaded seating for visitors. “This beautiful mosaic, a living testimony to life in the Negev some 1,500 years ago, will become a focal point for tourism, education, and community pride,” said Merhavim Regional Council head Shay Hajaj. The unveiling comes at a time of emotional significance for the region. Nearly 20 months ago, Hamas-led terrorists invaded nearby communities in a devastating October 7th attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the kidnapping of 250 others—making the display of ancient resilience and beauty especially poignant. “Especially in these days, it is of great importance to reveal historical gems in the Gaza Envelope region,” said Israel Antiquities Authority director Eli Escusido. “We invite the public to form their own impressions of one of the most beautiful mosaics ever seen in Israel’s south—here in the northwestern Negev.” Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu echoed the sentiment, calling the exhibit a bridge between Israel’s ancient roots and its modern-day challenges. The Be’er Shema mosaic is now open to visitors as part of the Merhavim Council’s archaeological garden, offering a rare and vibrant window into the spiritual, economic, and artistic life of the Negev 1,600 years ago. The post Ancient Beauty Unearthed: 1,600-Year-Old Byzantine Mosaic Now on Display Near Gaza Border appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – In a major victory for pro-life advocates and the rule of law, the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday vacated two lower court rulings that had briefly allowed abortions to resume in the state. The decision reactivates long-standing health and safety regulations for abortion facilities and halts Planned Parenthood’s abortion services—effectively saving lives and reaffirming Missouri’s role as a national leader in defending the unborn. The case centered around Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang, who in December and February issued sweeping injunctions to block Missouri’s “TRAP” laws—targeted regulations of abortion providers—at the request of Planned Parenthood. But Missouri’s highest court ruled that Judge Zhang used the wrong legal standard in granting those injunctions, failing to properly weigh the risks of eliminating health protections. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who appealed the lower court rulings, praised the justices for restoring order and accountability. “Without these regulations,” Bailey warned, “abortion facilities are functionally unregulated in Missouri, and women would have no guarantee of health or safety.” Planned Parenthood responded by immediately canceling abortion appointments at its Columbia and Kansas City locations—the only abortion clinics in the state. Pro-life Missourians hailed this as a long-overdue reprieve for both unborn children and vulnerable women who deserve better than rushed, unregulated abortions. Though Planned Parenthood may attempt another legal maneuver, the court’s ruling reestablishes critical safety measures, including Missouri’s 72-hour waiting period, informed consent requirements, and bans on discriminatory abortions based on Down Syndrome diagnoses. These common-sense laws reflect Missouri’s commitment to protecting both mother and child. Missouri’s fight for life has not been without resistance. In 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Missouri implemented its near-total abortion ban. However, a narrow 2024 voter-approved constitutional amendment—Missouri Amendment 3—complicated enforcement. The amendment legalized abortion until fetal viability but left intact many of the state’s preexisting laws, kicking off a legal tug-of-war. Planned Parenthood has since tried to exploit the amendment to dismantle virtually every abortion safeguard in Missouri. But Tuesday’s ruling shows that the judiciary is not yet ready to abandon its duty to uphold both state law and basic medical ethics. Pro-life organizations like Campaign Life Missouri are celebrating the decision. Director Sam Lee emphasized that Missouri’s pro-life laws were enacted not only to reduce abortions but also “to protect the health of women who do get abortions.” With those laws reinstated, Missouri once again stands among the most protective states in America for the unborn. For now, the lives of countless children have been spared, and women across the state are shielded from the predatory tactics of a billion-dollar abortion industry. This ruling is not the end of the fight—but it’s a crucial win for those who believe every life, no matter how small, deserves a chance. The post Missouri Supreme Court Ruling Upholds Life, Halts Abortions Again—A Victory for the Unborn appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News PARIS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – A French former surgeon who admitted to sexually abusing at least 299 patients, mostly minors, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the biggest child abuse trial in France’s history. The verdict meant that Joël Le Scouarnec, 74, became one of the most prolific convicted sexual predators in France. The 20-year prison sentence is the maximum Le Scouarnec could have received for aggravated rape. In France, sentences are not added together, unlike in the US, where Le Scouarnec would have been jailed for 2,000 years, explained state prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger to U.S. media. However, Wednesday’s ruling increased pressure on the government to address failings in the health and justice systems. Le Scouarnec committed his crimes while working as a digestive surgeon in public and private hospitals across Brittany and the west of France, often operating on children with appendicitis, prosecutors said. During the harrowing three-month trial in Vannes, Brittany, he stood accused of 111 rapes and 189 sexual assaults between 1989 and 2014 at a dozen hospitals. UNDER ANESTHETIC Many of the children he assaulted were under anesthetic or waking up after operations. Some were attacked in their hospital beds. The average age of the victims was 11, according to investigators. French Health Minister Yannick Neuder pledged to work with the justice minister to ensure that “never again will we find ourselves in a situation where patients and vulnerable children” were exposed to predators. Le Scouarnec eventually admitted all the assaults in court, saying in his final statement: “I am not asking the court for leniency.” During the trial, he said: “I was a surgeon who benefited from my status to attack children; I don’t deny that.” Psychological assessments found that he remained extremely dangerous. Le Scouarnec’s lawyer, Maxime Tessier, said the French medical world and politicians must learn lessons from “the major dysfunction of our health system,” which had not stopped Le Scouarnec’s decades of abuse. Le Scouarnec was reportedly flagged to the French authorities by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2004 for viewing child abuse imagery on “the dark web” online. In 2005, he was convicted in a French court of owning child abuse imagery and given a four-year suspended prison sentence, but the court did not rule that the surgeon should never work with children. PRESTIGIOUS JOBS Angering victims and advocacy groups, he continued to gain prestigious jobs in hospitals across France until his retirement in 2017, systematically abusing children who had undergone surgery. Victims’ groups and child protection campaigners said the trial had raised the issue of serious failings by the state and officials. They said there should be a complete government assessment of how the surgeon had been able to continue working and abusing for so long. Judge Aude Buresi told the courthouse in Vannes, a coastal town in Brittany where the majority of the abuse took place, that “It was predation on victims, the most vulnerable when they were sick in the hospital.” Besides sentencing to prison, she also barred the former surgeon from ever practicing medicine or having contact with minors. The judge said he must serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole. The post French Ex-Surgeon Jailed For Raping Hundreds, Mainly Children appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News XENIA, USA (Worthy News) – Prominent former U.S. basketball coach and athletic director Eric Nelson has been appointed president of the Christian group Athletes in Action. “With more than 38 years of experience working with athletes and coaches,” Nelson “is stepping into the presidency,” the U.S.-based group announced Tuesday. “A former athletic director and basketball coach, Nelson shares the ministry’s passion to develop athletes physically, mentally and spiritually.” He arrives while Atlethes in Action says it uses its “global presence in more than 85 countries” through “the universal language of sports to share a life-changing message of hope.” Nelson will oversee “a ministry” that says, “We dream of a day when there are Christ-followers on every team, in every sport, in every nation.” He succeeds Mark Householder, who led Athletes in Action as president for 16 years. Householder plans to stay as a full-time employee of Cru, described as an “interdenominational Christian evangelism and discipleship” group. Athletes in Action is Cru’s sports arm. It says it is “committed to giving people everywhere the opportunity to know and experience God’s love and plan for their lives.” Nelson was chosen to take over the leadership role as he has a “reputation for strong leadership and integrity, both on and off the court,” Athletes in Action said. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE “Nelson joined Athletes in Action in 2003 to work with the men’s basketball tour and direct international opportunities. Additionally, he led basketball projects in 15 countries and was instrumental in creating the Athletes in Action’s International Coaches Academy, which provides “elite training and leadership development to coaches from around the world.” In a statement shared with Worthy News, Nelson said, “We want to help develop Total Athletes—players who are growing physically, mentally, and spiritually.” Nelson, who most recently served as Athletes in Action’s vice president of catalytic ministries, added: “I’m honored to lead a team helping athletes and coaches maximize their influence by leveraging character, leadership, and athletic excellence.” The groups explained that Nelson was selected following “a rigorous interview process led by a diverse team of Cru leadership, the Athletes in Action Board of Trustees, and Athletes in Action staff members.” “While many strong candidates align with the heart and mission of Athletes in Action, God gave us unified clarity that Eric is meant to be our next leader. I’m grateful for his willingness to step into this position and look forward to seeing what God will do through his leadership,” said Cru U.S. National Director Mark Gauthier. The Athletes in Action Sports Complex and Retreat Center in the U.S. state of Ohio, including the state-of-the-art John Wooden Family Fieldhouse, hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year through practices, games, retreats, team building, and special events, organizers say. These activities are part of a broader mission, Athletes in Action suggested. Athletes are “dedicated to pursuing greatness, training day in and day out to be a walking highlight reel and a household name. From a spectator’s view, they have all the keys to success, but many are left searching for a purpose no trophy, ring, or high-profile status can satisfy.” Since 1966, Athletes in Action has “been helping competitors find a relationship with the One who truly satisfies, join a community where they are valued beyond their success, and use their platform to make a difference in the world.” The post Eric Nelson Now President Of Athletes In Action To Help Spread Gospel appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Family members and politicians celebrated the life of the late Phil Robertson, a devoted Christian whose family-run hunting products business, Duck Commander, was the focus of the TV series Duck Dynasty. Robertson passed away Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of faith in Christ that he said helped him overcome adversity and personal trauma. He was 79. The Robertson family became household names in 2012 when they became the subject of the A&E television network’s “Duck Dynasty” reality series. The last episode aired in 2017. Robertson, a Louisiana native, founded the televised hunting company more than 50 years ago in 1972. He had played college football at Louisiana Tech University and was a starting quarterback before Terry Bradshaw took over for him. “I said, ‘Bradshaw, here’s the deal. You’re a big strong kid, you’ve got a strong arm, and you want to play in the [Natiinal Football League] NFL, and you want to play football,” Robertson recalled in an interview in 2021. “He said, ‘That’s right.’ I said, ‘I’m going after the ducks full time. I’d rather hunt ducks than have large, violent men stomp me in the dirt . . . You go for it, and I’ll see you later.’” In 2020, Robertson was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as “an outdoorsman.” That was seven years after he, in 2013, sparked controversy when making remarks in GQ magazine that some considered anti-gay. Robertson said God disapproves of the homosexual lifestyle and other activities described as sins in the Bible. SPREADING GOSPEL However, he clarified that he wanted to spread the love of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, who offers salvation and eternal life. “We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?” Following his remarks, A&E put him on “indefinite hiatus,” but after massive protests, he soon returned to the series about his hunting business. Along with “Duck Dynasty,” Robertson also made the series “Duck Commander” for the Outdoor Channel, and his life was the subject of a 2023 movie, “The Blind: The True Story of the Robertson Family.” Over the years, Robertson has been open about discovering faith in Christ Jesus in the mid-1970s, after turbulent years. “Until I was 28, I didn’t have any faith,” Robertson told broadcaster Fox News in 2019. “Here I am Biblically speaking — God said I was under the control of the evil one. I didn’t know that. I was just getting high and drunk with the worst of them. … I had built a track record that was not a good one. I then realized, ‘What was I thinking? All that mischief and carrying on.’ … I came to know Jesus. I looked up one day, and I said, ‘Man, I’m driven to do this. I have to do it.’” In his 2019 book “The Theft of America’s Soul,” he called for bringing religion back into American culture. Still, he admitted he had to hit rock bottom before he accepted Christ as his personal savior. “At first, I’m trying to be good,” he explained. “I’m learning how to be good. My friends would come by, my old buddies, and they would say, ‘Let’s go for a ride. Drive up the road.’ I said, ‘Nah.’ My faith was being tested. … I just broke away from them. … I will say I got an unlisted phone number, and I hid out the first year while I was getting on my spiritual feet. That was 44 years ago. Well, the further I have gone on my walk of faith, the more faithful I have become.” DNA TEST There were some hiccups along the way: He revealed five years ago that he found out he had a 45-year-old daughter, Phyllis, of an affair following a DNA test. Yet Robertson recalled that after his son told him the DNA was a match, he immediately said, “Bring her on down.” “It’s a pretty cool explanation of redemption, reconciliation, love,” Robertson said on his “Unashamed” podcast at the time. “As it turns out, 45 years, you have a daughter that you don’t know about, and she has a father she doesn’t know about. Forty-five years that doesn’t sound like very long, but you say that’s a while. So finally, after all those years, we come together.” Despite his self-declared personal shortcomings, his relationship remained rock solid with Miss Kay, his high school sweetheart, who he married in 1966. During their nearly 60 years of marriage, they had four sons, Alan, 60, Jase, 55, Willie, 53, and Jules, 46, as well as 16 grandchildren. Until the end of his life, backed by his wife, he shared the Gospel and helped those who are often overlooked by the rich and famous. “[My wife and I] go to them. The rehabs. The prisons. The downtrodden. The ones that no one would give a hoot about. The homeless,” he said. “When we meet together, we have food. We meet together on Sunday mornings. … People who sleep under bridges can come in. [And we] get them a good meal. … [It’s] all God’s children coming together.” SERIOUS ILLNESS Last December, his son Jase revealed on their “Unashamed” podcast that Phil was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. He said at the time that he also had some kind of blood disease that had yet to be diagnosed but was “causing all kinds of problems.” U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the U.S. state of Louisiana, wrote that he was grateful for the “extraordinary legacy of one of Louisiana’s favorite sons,” saying that countless people had been impacted by his life and Christian ministry. “I’m sorry to hear that Phil Robertson passed away,” Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on social platform X. “Many prayers for his family. He shared his faith journey in a movie called The Blind, which is one of the best.” Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wrote that he was a “living example of what God can do in all of our lives if we follow Him. He was a bright light for the world to see. Bryan and I are praying for the whole Robertson crew tonight.” His son Willie shared a tribute on the social media platform Instagram, writing in part: “He taught me many things in life and most without ever saying a word. I watched him and knew he had figured out so many things,” he wrote. “Most importantly, he taught me the value of sharing my faith with others. He was the Real Deal, the same on Sundays as Fridays. Most of our conversations were not about hunting or business but about sharing the Gospel.” He said the last words his father told him before he died was: “You’re my brother.” CELEBRATING LIFE “It made total sense to me. He always told me we were coworkers in the Kingdom of God,” Willie wrote. “Maybe that’s why I always just called him Phil … Sleep well Dad, can’t wait to see you.” In a statement, the Robertson family said, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. He reminded us often of the words of [Apostle] Paul: ‘You do not grieve like those who have no hope,’” they wrote. “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” They added “Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, by his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.” The family referred to Bible verse 1 Corinthians 2: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” The post US Christian Hunter Phil Robertson ‘With Lord At 79’; Americans Celebrate His Life appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News SYDNEY/JAKARTA (Worthy News) – Asian shares and Wall Street futures jumped in Asia on Thursday after a U.S. federal court blocked President Donald J. Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs from going into effect, sending the dollar up on safe-haven currencies. The little-known Manhattan-based Court of International Trade ruled that Trump overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on imports from nations that sell more to the United States than they buy. The White House quickly appealed the decision and could take it to the Supreme Court if needed, but traders and analysts said it offered “hope” that Trump might back away from the highest tariffs. The S&P 500 Futures jumped 1.6%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures rallied as much as 2% on aftermarket gains in tech stocks. That trading suggested significant shares could further rise when the U.S. stock market opens later in the day. Analysts also suggested that the court ruling could increase uncertainty over Trump’s tariffs and encourage investors to return to stocks. “It’s long been suggested that the emergency powers Trump has used to implement tariffs were unconstitutional and that the power to enact tariffs sits with Congress,” said Kyle Rodda, a senior financial analyst at online trading platform Capital.com. TRADE DEALS UNDERMINED? “Should the markets get their way, the courts could delay and then deny these tariffs, removing one massive risk and undoubtedly stoking risk appetite,” Rodda stressed in published remarks. Capital Economics analysts added that “The ruling will obviously throw into disarray the administration’s push to quickly seal trade “deals” during the 90-day pause from tariffs that have now been declared to be illegal.” The U.S. dollar rallied following the court’s order, surging against currencies such as the euro, yen, and the Swiss franc in particular. There was less cheering within the Trump administration as the ruling, if it stands, blows a giant hole through the president’s strategy to use steep tariffs to wring concessions from trading partners. “It creates deep uncertainty around multiple simultaneous negotiations with the European Union, China and many other countries,” commented Reuters news agency. Trump has promised Americans that the tariffs would bring manufacturing jobs back to U.S. shores and shrink a $1.2 trillion U.S. goods trade deficit, among his central campaign promises. NO LEVERAGE? Analysts said that without the instant leverage provided by tariffs of 10% to 54% or higher, the Trump administration would have to find new forms of leverage or take a slower approach to negotiations with trading partners. However, “The court does not pass upon the wisdom or likely effectiveness of the President’s use of tariffs as leverage,” the three-judge panel said in the decision to issue a permanent injunction on the blanket tariff orders issued by Trump since January. “That use is impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because [federal law] does not allow it,” they explained. The court was not asked to address some industry-specific tariffs Trump has issued on automobiles, steel, and aluminum using a different statute. The decisions of the Manhattan-based Court of International Trade, which hears disputes involving international trade and customs laws, can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court. The post Shares Rise After Court Halts Trump Tariffs appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, stand in victory! Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. The Book of Joshua gives us more than a military history -- it unveils the spiritual dynamics behind every victory and defeat in the life of a believer. Israel's stunning defeat at Ai reminds us how one hidden sin can cause spiritual collapse. God refused to bless their next battle because Achan’s disobedience defiled the camp. Ephesians 6 calls us to stand, clothed in the full armor of God, but no armor will hold if we walk in impurity. Victory requires integrity. Faith cannot thrive in the shadows of secret sin. The moment we tolerate what God has forbidden, we forfeit divine protection and invite defeat—even when our strategies seem sound. But God's mercy always opens the door to restoration. Once Israel repented and removed the accursed thing, God told Joshua to rise and go forward. That same grace is ours today. When we confess and forsake sin, the blood of Yeshua (Jesus) cleanses us, and the Spirit reequips us. God doesn’t just forgive -- He renews. Our past failures don’t disqualify us; they can deepen our dependence and sharpen our obedience. The voice that once said “Do not go up” now says, “See, I have given it into your hand.” Yet not all battles come with swords drawn. The enemy often comes in disguise. The Gibeonites fooled Israel with moldy bread and clever words—because Joshua and the elders “asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.” Likewise, many compromises in our lives begin with something that seems harmless. The devil is a master of suggestion, of false reasoning that blurs conviction with compassion. That’s why spiritual discernment is armor as much as the sword. Our best defense against deception is to stay in step with the Spirit and seek God’s voice before making any decision. Later, when Joshua brought out the five kings from the cave and commanded his men to place their feet on their necks, it became a prophetic picture of our victory in Him. Paul tells us to stand -- not strive, because the Lord has already conquered. The enemy we face is a defeated one, and we overcome not by might, but by positioning ourselves in the triumph of Yeshua. If we are in Him, we are more than conquerors. We don’t need to beg for victory -- we need to believe, stand, and walk in it. Even the unrelenting waves of resistance that Israel faced were orchestrated by God. Joshua 11:20 reveals that it was the Lord who hardened their enemies’ hearts -- so they would rise up and be defeated. In this, we see God's mysterious plans: every battle we face is tailor-made to train us. What feels like opposition is often a divine opportunity. The giants that stand before us today are the platforms of tomorrow’s testimony. God wastes no enemy and permits no trial without a purpose. Friend, so stand, not in your own strength, but in the strength of the One who goes before you. The battles you face are not signs of abandonment -- they are invitations to deeper trust, fuller surrender, and greater victory. Let every defeat drive you to Him. Let every compromise be burned away by truth. Let the light of God's counsel expose every disguised enemy. And when the enemy rises again -- as he will -- remember: the ground beneath your feet is not one of fear or striving, but of conquest already won. The Captain of the Lord’s Host still stands with sword drawn, not to assist your agenda, but to lead you into His. Put on the full armor of God. Take your place. And having done all to stand. Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George, Baht Rivka & Obi - Baltimore, Maryland | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: We’re heading back to Israel leading an incredible 10-day, 10-night journey from October 19–30. As always, we’re keeping the group to just one bus to ensure a more personal and intimate experience — so space is limited! Read More... 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 Germany To Help Ukraine Produce Longer Range Missiles Ukraine and Germany have agreed to jointly produce long-range missiles that could reach distant targets in Russia. Iran Threatens to End Nuclear Talks with Europe Over British Call for ‘Zero Enrichment’ Iran's foreign minister issued a sharp warning Wednesday that Tehran may suspend all nuclear negotiations with European nations following comments by Britain's ambassador to the United States calling for the complete dismantlement of Iran's uranium enrichment program. Pakistan’s Top Islamic Body Rejects Child Marriage Ban as ‘Un-Islamic,’ Sparks Outcry Over Rights of Minor Girls Pakistan's top Islamic advisory body has rejected a bill banning child marriage in Islamabad, calling it "un-Islamic" and contrary to sharia law. EU Lifts Most Economic Sanctions on Syria in Major Policy Shift The European Union on Wednesday passed legislation to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those tied to security and human rights concerns, marking a significant policy shift aimed at supporting the war-torn nation's reconstruction. Iran Executes Accused Israeli Spy Amid International Outcry Over Execution Surge Iran has executed Pedram Madani, an Iranian national accused of spying for Israel, in a case that human rights organizations have condemned as deeply flawed and based on forced confessions. Protest Against ‘Russia-Style Crackdown’ In Hungary Several thousand Hungarians marched against government measures that they fear will lead to a Russia-style crackdown on LGBTQI marches and other protests, as well as critical media and other groups. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Gazans Celebrate Aid Deliveries Amid Unrest, Trump Pushes for Accelerated Relief Residents of the Gaza Strip were seen celebrating the arrival of humanitarian aid on Wednesday, as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distributed more than 14,500 food parcels across two aid centers. In videos released by GHF and circulated on social media, some Gazans even expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump for the assistance. IDF Gaza Commander: Hamas Facing Internal Collapse Under Israeli Pressure Brigadier General Barak Hiram, Commander of the IDF’s Gaza Division, said Monday that Hamas is nearing collapse under the weight of sustained Israeli military, economic, and psychological pressure. Speaking to residents of Kibbutz Nirim—one of the communities ravaged in the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion—Hiram described a terrorist organization unraveling from within. Trump Urged Netanyahu to Hold Back on Iran Strike as Nuclear Talks Advance President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a military strike on Iran, amid heightened diplomatic efforts to revive a nuclear agreement with Tehran. Netanyahu Threatens Strike on Iran Despite Trump Push for Nuclear Deal, U.S. Fears Surprise Attack Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly threatening to launch a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities—even if the United States reaches a diplomatic agreement with Tehran—underscoring Israel’s determination to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and raising alarm within the Trump administration over the risk of derailing nuclear negotiations. Israel Successfully Deploys Laser Defense to Intercept Hezbollah Drones in Historic First Israel has confirmed the first-ever operational use of high-powered laser defense systems to intercept Hezbollah drones during recent clashes along the Lebanese border, marking a groundbreaking shift in modern warfare. Israel Strikes Houthi-Used Airport in Yemen, Warns of Continued Escalation The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed conducting a fresh round of airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, targeting infrastructure allegedly used for terrorist operations against Israel. Knesset Erupts in Heated Debate as Netanyahu Confirms Elimination of Hamas Commander Mohammed Sinwar A stormy debate unfolded in the Knesset on Wednesday under the opposition's banner, “Complete failure in achieving war goals: returning the hostages and dismantling Hamas.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fresh from court testimony, took the podium to defend his government’s performance during the 18 months of war since the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre—and for the first time confirmed that Israel eliminated Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’s top military commander in the Gaza Strip. Inside the United States Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Override Deportation Limits to South Sudan The Trump administration on Tuesday filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to overturn a lower court ruling that blocked the deportation of seven migrants to South Sudan without additional procedural safeguards. Christian News Christianity Surging Across Asia Despite Persecution, Reports Show Amid rising persecution across much of Asia, the Christian faith is growing at an unprecedented pace, with millions turning to Christ in countries historically resistant to the gospel. According to new data from Christian researchers and missions organizations, Asia is witnessing a quiet revival—even in the face of violence, legal restrictions, and systemic opposition. Christian Graves Vandalized In Indonesia Over a dozen Christian graves at three cemeteries in Indonesia’s Special Region of Yogyakarta were reportedly vandalized from May 16 to 19 as part of a broader anti-Christian campaign in areas of the world’s largest Muslim nation. Worthy Insights Gen Z Is Rebelling—by Getting Religion After decades of steady decline, the share of Americans identifying as Christian has stabilized. One reason is the unexpected religiosity of Generation Z—young adults born after 2000—who are not abandoning religion at the rate their parents did. For some, faith has become a form of rebellion against a culture that rejects traditional values. European Congress on Evangelism Opens in Berlin with a Call for Bold Gospel Proclamation With over 1,000 pastors and Christian leaders from 55 countries and territories—from the UK to Ukraine, Spain to Sweden—this congress marks a significant moment for the Church in Europe, taking place nearly 60 years after Billy Graham's inaugural World Congress on Evangelism in 1966. FBI Investigating Seattle After Mayor Blamed Christians for Violent Rioters Who Attacked Them The FBI is investigating the city of Seattle after the mayor pointed the finger of blame at a group of Christians who were assaulted by rioters while participating in a worship and prayer rally. News of the violent counter-protest has gone viral, even sparking response at the White House. View the full article

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – Residents of the Gaza Strip were seen celebrating the arrival of humanitarian aid on Wednesday, as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distributed more than 14,500 food parcels across two aid centers. In videos released by GHF and circulated on social media, some Gazans even expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump for the assistance. One clip posted to TikTok showed a Gazan saying, “Well done to whoever brought us this—whether he’s a Muslim, infidel, Arab, foreigner or American.” According to GHF, the aid boxes—each designed to sustain 5.5 people for 3.5 days—accounted for approximately 840,000 meals. The foundation said it plans to open additional distribution sites in the coming weeks. Wednesday’s effort came after a chaotic night, when one center’s equipment and leftover supplies were looted. Despite the delayed start, both locations resumed operations without further incident. However, shortly after distribution began, a false report—allegedly spread by Hamas impersonators—claimed that GHF had suspended operations due to unrest. GHF denied the claim, calling it “fake news” propagated by a counterfeit social media account. That same evening, a violent incident erupted at a Hamas-run warehouse near the al-Maghazi refugee camp. Hundreds of Palestinians stormed the facility, reportedly seizing large quantities of flour. Hamas gunmen opened fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in five fatalities. Video footage from the aftermath showed empty shelves and chaos inside the looted facility. Observers say the incident underscores Hamas’s declining grip over the population amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed that vaccines were transferred into Gaza this week via the Kerem Shalom crossing. The shipment included 15,050 vials of pneumococcal vaccine—enough for 75,250 people—and 10,550 vials of diphtheria vaccine, sufficient for 105,500 people. At the White House, President Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff announced new U.S. efforts to expedite food deliveries to Gaza. “We’re getting food to the people of Gaza. It’s been a very nasty situation,” Trump told reporters. Witkoff added, “We are on the precipice of sending out a new term sheet… I have some very good feelings about getting to a temporary ceasefire and a long-term resolution—a peaceful resolution—of that conflict.” As aid trickles in and tensions flare, the scenes from Gaza reflect both the fragility of the situation and a rare moment of public gratitude that transcends political boundaries. The post Gazans Celebrate Aid Deliveries Amid Unrest, Trump Pushes for Accelerated Relief appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – Brigadier General Barak Hiram, Commander of the IDF’s Gaza Division, said Monday that Hamas is nearing collapse under the weight of sustained Israeli military, economic, and psychological pressure. Speaking to residents of Kibbutz Nirim—one of the communities ravaged in the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion—Hiram described a terrorist organization unraveling from within. “Hamas is having an extremely difficult time paying salaries,” Hiram said, according to Ynet. “Once their apparatus stops functioning and people stop showing up for work, Hamas ceases to exist.” He emphasized that the IDF’s long-term campaign is not just about battlefield victories, but about unrelenting pressure designed to exhaust Hamas’s capacity to govern and maintain control. “It’s the cumulative pressure that will lead to a negotiated release of the hostages and, ultimately, to Hamas’s downfall.” Hiram said the terrorist group’s greatest vulnerability lies not in Israeli strikes, but in internal unrest. “Dictatorships fear their own people. I believe the last Hamas leader—if we don’t kill him—will be taken out by the people themselves, like Gadhafi in Libya.” The commander also confirmed the complete destruction of smuggling tunnels along the Philadelphi Corridor, the Egypt-Gaza border route that has long been used for weapons and personnel infiltration. “We inspected every segment. Everything we found was destroyed,” he said. “And more importantly, there’s no one left in the area to dig new ones.” He acknowledged that drone and land-based smuggling from within Israel remains a concern, but stated that such threats are more manageable. Additional security has also been deployed to monitor the coastline and scrutinize humanitarian aid deliveries. Addressing lessons from the October 7 massacre, Hiram admitted to IDF failures and called for a significant shift in Israel’s border defense doctrine. “One of the tragic lessons is the need for communities to act as the final line of defense until the army arrives,” he said. “Even 10, 20, or 30 years from now, this should be part of our doctrine.” Local response teams have since been expanded and equipped with better weapons and training. “I don’t expect civilians to act as soldiers,” Hiram noted, “but in a place where seconds count, every barrier matters.” Hiram also publicly took responsibility for decisions made during the chaos of October 7, including his controversial call to fire tank shells near a house where hostages were held. A post-action review deemed his decisions “reasonable,” though not free of tactical flaws. “It wasn’t just a mistake,” he said. “It was a systemic failure. Some things can’t be restored. But we must learn, adapt, and rebuild.” In closing, Hiram expressed cautious hope for the future. “We must bring the hostages home, defeat Hamas, and rebuild our beloved country. That is our generational duty. Without it, neither the western Negev nor the entire nation can truly recover.” The post IDF Gaza Commander: Hamas Facing Internal Collapse Under Israeli Pressure appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article