SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
RUSSIA

Aleksandr Shutov Continues to Rely on Jehovah for Guidance

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The Lazo District Court of the Khabarovsk Territory will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brother Aleksandr Shutov. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence.

Time Line

July 26, 2021

Criminal case initiated
July 30, 2021

Home was searched. Aleksandr was arrested, interrogated, and released under a recognizance agreement
August 3, 2021

Added to Russia’s list of extremists
April 28, 2022

Criminal trial began

Profile

Aleksandr Shutov

Born: 1952 (Pionerskiy, Irkutsk Region)

Biography: Began working on a farm at the age of 15. Now retired

Married Rosa in 1973. They have 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren

His mother learned the truth from Jehovah’s Witnesses who had been exiled to Siberia. He was baptized in 1975. Sentenced to one year in prison in 1976 for refusing to take part in military service

Personal Comments

Would you share a lesson that you learned from your first imprisonment back in 1976?

I recall one experience I had from that time. As I was being transported to prison, one of the KGB officers said: “It is going to be a long trip; is it OK if we talk for a bit?” After I had answered all his questions, he said: “I look at you, and you are so calm. It is like I’m taking you home, not to prison.” I realized that when you turn to Jehovah with complete faith and ask for his help, you experience such a calmness. It almost feels like there is nothing bad going on at all. In my current circumstances, I must continue relying on Jehovah and asking for his guidance.

As persecution intensifies, may we all strengthen our faith now and be determined to ‘trust in God’s loyal love, forever and ever.’—Psalm 52:8.

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