Sons of Issachar Newsletter: August 20, 2025
Dear fellow watchers,
As the sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32), so we too are called to discern the signs of our age. In these days of escalating birth pains—wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, and technological deceptions—we must remain vigilant, rooted in Scripture, and committed to proclaiming the Gospel. This week's edition highlights current events that echo biblical prophecies, reminding us of the approaching end times. Let us watch and pray.
Israel in Talks to Resettle Gazans in South Sudan
Israel is reportedly engaging in discussions with South Sudan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, potentially offering a new home for Gazans away from Israel's borders and paving a way to end the ongoing conflict. According to sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports "voluntary migration" as part of broader efforts to reduce Gaza's population, with plans possibly involving Israeli-funded camps. This aligns with suggestions from US President Donald Trump, though similar proposals have been floated with other African nations. However, South Sudan's foreign ministry has firmly denied any such talks, calling the reports "baseless" and urging verification through official channels. This development could signal steps toward peace in the region, but it raises questions about displacement and international law. As Scripture warns in Zechariah 12:3, Jerusalem remains a burdensome stone for all peoples—could this be part of the unfolding drama leading to the prophesied covenant (Daniel 9:27)? Pray for wisdom and true peace rooted in Christ.
For more: CNN Article, Ground News
AI Data Centers Going Close to Home
Google is investing $9 billion over the next two years to build and expand data centers in Oklahoma, focusing on AI and cloud infrastructure. This includes a new campus in Stillwater and upgrades in Pryor, aimed at meeting surging demand for AI services, with additional commitments to education and workforce training. As these tech hubs proliferate closer to everyday communities, it underscores the rapid integration of AI into society—a potential tool for the beast system's global control (Revelation 13:16-17). Let us be wary of technologies that promise convenience but also enable unprecedented surveillance as we’ve discussed in prior weeks.
For more: Newsmax Article
$6 Billion Spent Paying NGOs to Import Illegals
Taxpayer funds amounting to $6 billion have been allocated to over 200 NGOs, allegedly facilitating the mass entry of illegal immigrants into the U.S., with claims of human trafficking pipelines and executive salary hikes amid the border crisis. This raises serious concerns about government-enabled felonies and lawlessness, echoing the end-times increase in wickedness (Matthew 24:12). As borders erode, pray for justice and the protection of nations under God's sovereignty.
For more: X Post by @libsoftiktok
Luna Says Lawmakers Have Evidence of ‘Interdimensional Beings’
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna shared on the Joe Rogan podcast her personal UFO encounter during her Air Force service and claimed lawmakers possess evidence of "interdimensional beings." She advocates for government transparency on UAPs, amid over 2,100 sightings reported in 2025. Could this be a contender for "the lie" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11, where God sends a strong delusion to those who reject truth? As deceptions multiply, anchor yourself in the Word.
For more: Ground News
Texas Sues Pharmaceutical Company Over Bribes
Texas has filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly, alleging the company bribed healthcare providers to prescribe its medications, highlighting corruption in the pharma industry. This step forward in accountability reminds us of the love of money as the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), but progress is often met with setbacks.
For more: Ground News
Flooding in Alaska and Elsewhere
An ice dam failure caused record flooding from Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska, threatening Juneau homes, while other floods in Chattanooga and Pakistan stem from heavy rains and monsoons, claiming over 270 lives in Pakistan. These events, varying in cause, align with the birth pains of earthquakes and floods (Matthew 24:7-8), signaling creation's groan (Romans 8:22).
For more: Alaska Flood, Pakistan Flood
Courts Reverse Decision on Religious Exemption for Birth Control
A U.S. judge has blocked Trump's religious exemption to birth control coverage, reversing protections for faith-based objections. One step forward, one step back in defending religious liberty (James 1:27), as societal pressures mount against biblical values.
For more: Ground News
AI in Britain Scanning Social Media for Tax Fraud
Britain's HMRC is using AI to monitor taxpayers' social media for fraud detection, marking another advance in surveillance. This step toward total control echoes the beast system's economic oversight (Revelation 13:17), where no one can buy or sell without compliance.
For more: Ground News
Drought in Iran: A Confluence of Spiritual Growth and Environmental Crisis
Iran is grappling with a profound drought that has persisted for years, exacerbating water shortages, agricultural failures, and economic strain across the nation. This environmental challenge has drawn international attention, including a recent offer from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to provide water aid—a gesture that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly dismissed with mockery, highlighting the deep-seated geopolitical tensions between the two countries. Pezeshkian's response underscores the fraught relations amid broader regional conflicts, where offers of assistance are often viewed through the lens of suspicion and rivalry.
Amid this backdrop of hardship and hostility, a remarkable spiritual shift is unfolding in Iran. Despite intense government persecution, including arrests, imprisonment, and restrictions on religious freedom, the number of Christian converts continues to surge. Estimates vary, reflecting the clandestine nature of these conversions in a predominantly Muslim society. Iran Alive Ministries, an organization focused on evangelism in the region, reports at least 2 million believers, pointing to a rapid underground movement fueled by disillusionment with the regime and personal encounters with faith. More conservative figures from sources like the U.S. State Department and Open Doors USA place the number between 500,000 and 800,000, emphasizing the risks faced by these communities.
From a biblical perspective, drought has long been depicted as a form of divine judgment and a call to repentance, as seen in passages like Amos 4:7-8, where God withholds rain to prompt reflection and turn back to Him. In Iran's case, this natural calamity could be an invitation for national introspection, especially as spiritual awakenings coincide with physical trials. Whether viewed through the prism of faith, politics, or climate science, the interplay of drought and rising Christianity in Iran paints a complex picture of resilience, resistance, and potential transformation.
For more: Ground News, Baptist Press Article
AI Jesus: Substituting True Fellowship
An AI version of Jesus allows users to "talk to God" virtually, bypassing prayer and Scripture. Instead of washing in His Word (Ephesians 5:26), this counterfeit fosters deception—beware false christs (Matthew 24:24). If God seems silent, people may turn to alternatives like this. If you know someone using tools like this please encourage them to spend time daily reading the Bible and in prayer. We’re promised comfort, peace, and that He will teach us all things. That doesn't mean we all get a nice recliner, no conflict, and an AI agent to answer our questions. It means when we trust Him, we have the assurance that regardless of what is going on in life we can seek comfort from Him, know that He is just, and has our ultimate good in mind. Answers to questions regularly come when and where you aren’t expecting them, both in scripture and in everyday life. Seek fellowship with fellow Christians not false christs and apps.
For more: Ground News
Christian Persecution Continues
ISIS militants beheaded Christians in Mozambique, burning churches and homes in a "silent genocide." Persecution persists (2 Timothy 3:12); pray for our brothers and sisters in danger, that they endure to the end or are relieved of this trial.
For more: Ground News
Government Jobs Gain Religious Protections
The Office of Personnel Management has issued guidance protecting religious expression for federal employees. While a positive step, this may not extend to corporate America, where holidays like Diwali and Eid are celebrated, but Christmas often omits Jesus if it’s even named at all. (Romans 1:16).
For more: Ground News
Jewish Hostility Towards Domestic Christian Groups
Israeli settlers burned the last Christian town in the West Bank, highlighting ongoing tensions. As Romans 11:18 reminds, we must not boast against the branches, but pray for reconciliation and protection.
For more: Ground News
Chinese Womb Bot: Denying God's Right to Life
China has developed a robot surrogate for pregnancy, combining this with the three-parent children and designer babies we’ve previously discussed we’re getting into territory that was the stuff of science fiction 30 years ago but is now being embraced seemingly without even concidering the moral consequences. This denies God's sovereignty over life (Psalm 139:13-14) and could enable an "image given breath" (Revelation 13:15).
For more: Daily Mail
Larry Fink Now Heading the WEF
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has been appointed interim co-chair of the World Economic Forum's board, alongside André Hoffmann. The WEF's push for global economic systems, including ESG, aligns with the beast's control over buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-17). Consolidating this much financial power in one individual, who already causes so much harm isn’t a positive move.
For more: Crypto News
White House Newsletter Says "PEACE & SAFETY"
Recent White House communications have echoed themes of "peace and safety," amid global talks. Scripture warns: "While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly" (1 Thessalonians 5:3). A sobering reminder of impending judgment.
Doing Your Own Research is Bad, Says VICE
Experts warn that independent research leads to "conspiracies," per VICE. Yet Proverbs 18:17 urges checking both sides. Be a Berean and root your outlook in the Bible for ultimate truth Acts 17:10-11, discerning what is possible, plausible, and probable.
For more: VICE Article
Despite Talks with Trump and Putin, the War is Still On
Despite diplomatic efforts involving Trump and Putin, the Russia-Ukraine war rages with 100,000-strong assaults, drone strikes, and alleged attacks on nuclear plants. Wars and rumors of wars persist (Matthew 24:6), pointing to the end.
For more: Ground News
Internal Israeli Protests Against Gaza Plan
Large protests in Tel Aviv oppose Israel's Gaza plans, with authorities using water cannons to disperse crowds. Internal divisions grow (Zechariah 12:2-3), as the world watches Jerusalem.
In closing, these events are not to instill fear but to encourage faith in God's plan. Remain watchful, prayerful, and bold in sharing the Gospel with the world around you. If you enjoyed these topics or have something of your own you’d like to include, join us this Wednesday at 6 PM for potluck and 7 PM for discussion.
In Christ,
Sims Corner Church