It’s Friday, March 13th, A.D. 2020. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com)
By Jonathan Clark
Sick Vietnamese Christian released after 16 years in prison
Vietnamese officials released a Christian last week who was imprisoned for 16 years. Y Ngun Knul was arrested in 2004 after he called for the reopening of a Protestant church that was shut down. Knul received an 18-year sentence, but it was reduced to 16 years.
While in prison, Knul’s family lost their home and land. Sadly, he returns to his family in poor health.
Please pray for Ngun and our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in Vietnam.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:29, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.”
New Russian rules allow Putin to stay in power until 2036
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed constitutional amendments that would proclaim the country’s faith in God and define marriage as between one man and one woman.
However, Putin’s proposals also include plans for Putin to remain in power after two decades in the Kremlin. The current constitution requires Putin to step down in 2024 after his fourth presidential term. The new proposals would reset Putin’s presidential terms to zero, giving him two more six-year terms, staying in office until 2036. Russia’s parliament approved the proposals on Wednesday.
New study on popular support for freedoms in 34 countries
Pew Research released a new report on popular support for democratic rights across 34 countries.
Among nine indices, 68 percent supported freedom of religion, 64 percent supported freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and 55 percent supported human rights groups operating freely. The nations with the highest support for democratic rights were the U.S. and Hungary.
The highest popular support for religious freedom came from sub-Saharan African nations. Plus, despite the fact that their governments are hostile to freedoms of religion and speech, the people in Turkey, Indonesia, and India would like to be granted more freedom. Sadly, the people least interested in religious freedom live in Europe.
Secretary of General of OAS affirms religious liberty, unborn babies
Secretary General of the Organization of American States Luis Almagro told a forum on Tuesday that human life and religious liberty should be protected.
Founded in 1948, the 35 member nations include many South American and Central American countries, Mexico, the U.S., Canada as well as Barbados, Bahamas, Haiti, Cuba, and Grenada for example.
Almagro, who is running for a second term in his position, told the forum that “definitely, the principles of religious freedom that I have mentioned and the principles of the right to life are fundamental principles and rights.”
Almagro added that he supported Article 4 of the American Convention on Human Rights, which states, “Every person has the right to have his life respected,” and “this right shall be protected by law and, in general, from the moment of conception.”
Pro-life groups gave thanks for the clarification as Almagro had previously made unclear comments about support for abortion. After writing to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the pro-life coalition was able to clarify Almagro’s position.
Coronavirus has infected 121,000, killed 4,000 people
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 or coronavirus a global pandemic on Wednesday as the virus has spread to over 121,000 people with over 4,000 deaths across the world.
While reported cases in China are declining, the coronavirus is spreading in other countries like Italy, Iran, and the U.S.
Trump from Oval Office: “We will heal the sick, care for those in need”
On Wednesday, President Trump addressed the nation on the U.S. response to the coronavirus.
The U.S. is suspending travel by foreign nationals from Europe to the U.S. for the next 30 days with the exception of the U.K.
Trump also ordered the Treasury Department to defer tax payments with no penalties for individuals and businesses affected by the outbreak and asked Congress to provide payroll tax relief as well.
TRUMP: “As history has proven time and time again, Americans always rise to the challenge and overcome the adversity. Our future remains brighter than anyone can imagine. Acting with compassion and love, we will heal the sick, care for those in need, help our fellow citizens, and emerge from this challenge stronger and more unified than ever before. God bless you, and God bless America.”
We have special links to his entire 9-minute speech from the Oval Office, the worldwide sick map and the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Defense Department in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com.
Stock market drop worst since 1987’s Black Monday
And finally, Trump’s comments did not reassure the stock market as it tumbled again on Thursday in the face of the outbreak.
The Dow fell 1,950 points or 8.4 percent, the worst since the Black Monday crash of 1987.
The coronavirus outbreak has caused supply chain disruptions for nearly three-quarters of American businesses, according to a report by the Institute for Supply Management.
1 Timothy 6:17 says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”
Close
And that’s The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Friday, March 13th in the year of our Lord 2020. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I’m Adam McManus (adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.