It’s Thursday, April 9th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com)

By Jonathan Clark

Nicaragua officials violated religious freedom 309 times in 2025

Last year, the government of Nicaragua imposed increasing restrictions on religious leaders. This is according to a new report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The report documented 309 violations of freedom of religion or belief in 2025. That’s up from 222 cases in 2024. Over 100 of the cases last year involved Protestant Christians.

Anna Lee Stangl with Christian Solidarity Worldwide said, “While in some ways the regime has changed its strategies – releasing political prisoners into house arrest as opposed to forcing them into exile, for example – its primary goal remains the same: to control, co-opt or eliminate anyone it deems a threat to its authority and survival.”

But, in Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”

Cuba pardoned 2,000 prisoners before Easter

The government of Cuba announced pardons for over 2,000 prisoners last week ahead of Resurrection Sunday.

Those released included young people, women, and people over the age of 60. The pardons follow significant pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

This marks the fifth prisoner release by Cuba’s communist regime since 2011. The pardons have benefited over 10,000 people, including political prisoners and pastors.

Mexico’s “Day of the Unborn Girl and Boy”

The Mexican state of Aguascalientes designated March 25 as the “Day of the Unborn Girl and Boy.”

The central state is the first state in the country to establish such a day for promoting pro-family policies.

At the federal level, Mexico has decriminalized the killing of unborn babies. Some states have moved to protect babies while others support abortion.

Texas court greenlights Christian evangelism near mosque

In the United States, a Texas court recently allowed Christians to continue evangelizing near a mosque.

The East Plano Islamic Center filed a lawsuit last October to silence Christians who were sharing their faith on public property nearby. However, the state court dismissed the lawsuit last month.

The law firm representing the Christians stated, “This lawsuit was an extraordinary demand … to ban missionaries from peacefully … preaching the Gospel. We are grateful that the Court recognized that such demands are a serious challenge to our country’s core values of free speech and freedom of religion.”

Regular church attenders most likely to be generous

Charitable giving among evangelical Protestants is stabilizing according to a new report from Infinity Concepts.

The report found 62 percent of Evangelicals gave to church last year. That’s down from 74 percent in 2020 but slightly up from 61 percent in 2024.

In terms of church attendance, those who attend weekly were the most likely to give to church.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Stock market up and oil prices down

The U.S. stock market surged and oil prices fell yesterday. This came after President Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq stock market indexes were up by over two percent.

And the price of U.S. crude oil dropped by over 15% to about $95 per barrel. That’s down from $117 on Tuesday. Still, oil prices are up 65 percent compared to the start of the year.

“A Great Awakening” Christian film in theaters thru April 16

And finally, the movie “A Great Awakening” opened in theaters on Good Friday. The historical Christian film hit number six at the box office.

Sight & Sound Films released the movie in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The movie is based on the true story of the unlikely friendship between Reverend George Whitefield and founding father Benjamin Franklin.

Whitefield’s voice was so clear and robust that he was able to speak to thousands without amplification. Franklin was a doubter.

FRANKLIN: “I am doubting Whitefield's claim that he can be heard and understood by so many. Without evidence, I won't believe it.”

WHITEFIELD: “Let us proclaim freedom to the captives. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”

WITNESS 1: “Have you ever heard a voice like that?”

WITNESS 2: “A blast from Heaven.”

WHITEFIELD: “Benjamin Franklin.”

FRANKLIN: “Reverend Whitefield. Partnering with me would guarantee the maximum benefit to your cause.”

WHITEFIELD: “A match made in Heaven.”

FRANKLIN: “Or just a deal made in a print shop.”

WHITEFIELD: “You have promoted the greatest awakening these colonies have ever seen.”

Joshua Enck with Sight & Sound Ministries said, “As we approach America's 250th anniversary, we're honored to share this inspiring story of friendship, faith, and courage. It's a timely reminder that the soul of a nation is shaped not just by laws, but by the convictions of its people.”

Watch the trailer at the website www.AGreatAwakening.com.

Since it’s only in the theaters for another 8 days, purchase your tickets today through a special link in our transcript at www.TheWorldview.com. Invite your friends and extended family to join you. The last day on the silver screen will be Thursday, April 16th.

www.AGreatAwakening.com

And that's The Worldvi...