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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - MARCH 19, 2025
In this week's Intersect, read about:
US Continues Houthi Strikes in Complex, Asymmetric War - Analysis
“US Central Command put out a video overnight between March 16 and 17 showing continued attacks on the Houthis in Yemen. America began delivering strikes over the weekend and is now stepping them up. The goal is to prevent the Houthis from attacking ships in the Red Sea.” Read more at The Jerusalem Post.
THINK.
- Who are the Houthis? The Houthis are an Iran-backed Islamist militant group based in Yemen that follows a Shia sect of Islam. They control large parts of northern Yemen, including the capital city of Sanaa, and operate from their stronghold in the northwest part of the country. The group is frequently antagonistic toward Israel and has launched attacks on ships in the Red Sea in response to the Israel-Hamas war, threatening international trade routes.
- What is each side saying? In a recent interview with Fox News, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said, “An era of peace through strength is back — The minute the Houthis say, ‘We’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones,’ this campaign will end. But until then, it will be un-relenting.” Meanwhile, a Houthi leader spoke to protesters following the weekend’s strikes saying, “The Yemeni position is an irreversible position (regarding Gaza), so do whatever you (Americans) want, for we are men who fear no one but God.”
- When conflicts intensify, many Christians are torn between the desire for peace and the demand for justice. But it is important to note that Scripture does not uniformly oppose all war. Rather, it acknowledges that there are times when war is necessary and justified. The potential and inevitable costs of war must always be weighed carefully against the benefits or necessity of it. Whenever possible, nations should seek diplomatic solutions to conflict to preserve innocent life and promote stability and reconciliation (Romans 12:18). Nevertheless, in instances where a diplomatic solution is unattainable, war might emerge as the only plausible solution to prevent further evil.
PRAY.
Heavenly Father, we pray for protection over our military as they work to secure the Red Sea and prevent further attacks. Grant our leaders wisdom and strength as they pursue peace and stability in the region. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
ACT.
Israel continues to face ongoing threats and challenges, and your prayers make a difference. Join us in lifting up Israel and the region, asking God for protection, peace, and lasting stability. Our 5 Prayer Points for Israel guide is available to help focus your prayers—download your copy here.
Judge Blocks Trump's Wartime-Law Venezuela Deportation Order
“A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using an 18th-century wartime law to accelerate the deportation of Venezuelan gang members, issuing an order to halt flights already carrying deportees out of the country. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg's order halted deportations for at least 14 days and directed that flights already in the air be turned around.” Read more at Newsweek.
THINK.
- On Monday, a heated exchange unfolded between the federal judge and Department of Justice lawyers over deportation flights that were already airborne when the judge issued his oral ruling. The judge ordered the planes to turn around, but they continued their flights despite the directive. The DOJ argued they complied with the court’s written order, claiming no flights took off after receiving it. Unsatisfied, the judge has now ordered the DOJ to hand over all documents related to the flights.
- In his presidential proclamation demanding the deportation of the Venezuelan gang members, President Trump stated the following: “[Tren de Aragua] is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela…. Based on these findings… I proclaim that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of TdA, are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.”
- What is the Alien Enemies Act? The Alien Enemies Act, passed in 1798, allows the president to detain or deport non-citizens from countries considered enemies during times of war. The act was never repealed and remains in effect today, granting broad authority to target foreign nationals if their home country is at war with the United States. Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman invoked it to justify internment camps and restrictions on people of Japanese, German, and Italian descent during and after World War II, with Truman continuing its use until 1951.
PRAY.
Lord, we ask for Your justice and wisdom to prevail in this complex situation. May every decision uphold what is right, protect the innocent, and ensure true accountability for those who seek to do harm. Guide our leaders and courts to act with integrity as they navigate these difficult matters. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
ACT.
This story is layered and complex, making it even more important to approach it with wisdom and discernment. That’s why My Faith Votes, a ministry of Million Voices, created a helpful resource to guide you. Download your copy here and share it with others who care about staying informed.
SpaceX Dragon Capsule Sticks Splashdown Landing as NASA Astronauts Return Home After Months Stuck in Space
“A pair of NASA astronauts, who were stranded in space for more than nine months, returned to Earth on Tuesday, landing in the Gulf of America off Tallahassee, Florida, bringing an end to an unforeseen odyssey. Barry "Butch" Wilmore, 62, and Suni Williams, 59, returned home after a new crew replaced them and two other astronauts reached the International Space Station (ISS) over the weekend.” Read more at Fox Business.
THINK.
- What began as a 9-day mission became a 9-month mission. The Boeing Starliner that initially took Butch and Suni to the International Space Station (ISS) last summer had to return home without any passengers due to mechanical issues and leaks.
- President Trump has made getting the two astronauts home one of his primary goals. Shortly after taking the oath of office, he posted the following on Truth Social: “I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to “go get” the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!”
- The two astronauts recently held a press conference from the ISS, and a reporter asked Butch Wilmore what his takeaway has been from this 9-month debacle. Butch’s reply should inspire us all. He said, “My feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It's bound in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is working out His plan and His purposes for His glory… And however that plays out, I am content because I understand that.”
PRAY.
We praise You, Lord, for the safe return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams after their extended mission in space. Thank You for protecting them through every moment. We pray now for complete healing and strength as their bodies recover from the physical toll of their time in space. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
ACT.
Astronaut Butch Wilmore’s confidence in his Savior should inspire us as we face challenges here at home—and it is often prayer that strengthens and carries us through those difficult times. If you’d like to join others in praying for our nation and her leaders each Monday alongside our grassroots volunteers, sign up here.
Trump Signs Spending Bill to Avoid a Government Shutdown
“President Trump signed into law a measure to keep the government open through the end of September, the White House said on Saturday. The Senate approved the short-term spending bill on Friday, largely along party lines, but an earlier procedural vote exposed deep divisions among Democrats, where 10 Democrats helped Republicans advance the bill to a final vote and avoid a filibuster.” Read more at NPR.
THINK.
- Who sided with the Republicans? Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Dick Durbin, Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, John Fetterman, Gary Peters, Brian Schatz, Kirsten Gillibrand, Jeanne Shaheen, and Angus King got on board to get the bill over the line. Speaking on the Senate floor before the final vote, Senator Schumer said, “As bad as passing the CR [continuing resolution] is, allowing Donald Trump to take even more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option.”
- Some are now calling on Senator Schumer to step down from his leadership role. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “I think there is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal and this is not just progressive Democrats — this is across the board, the entire party.” Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, an advocate for a shutdown told NPR, “What Democrats in the House took very seriously was that this wasn't about a government shutdown. This was about giving Musk and Trump the ability to shut down the programs they didn't like. A shutdown is temporary. It forces them back to the table.”
- Fiscal responsibility is a fundamental principle rooted in scripture. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us that “the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty,” underscoring the danger of reckless spending. A government that manages finances wisely not only honors these principles but also safeguards future generations from the crushing weight of debt and economic instability.
PRAY.
Lord, we thank You for the bipartisan effort that kept the government open. Give our leaders wisdom to steward resources responsibly and seek what is right for our nation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
ACT.
Who you vote for matters—and right now, a pivotal race is underway in Wisconsin. Two candidates are battling for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a role that will directly impact redistricting, election integrity, and the future of elections at every level. Help make sure every freedom-minded voter in Wisconsin shows up—get the details here.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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