AUGUST 20, 2021
RUSSIA

Three Brothers and One Sister in Dagestan Receive Jehovah’s Support While Detained

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Time Line

The Kirovskiy District Court of Makhachkala, in the Republic of Dagestan, will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brothers Marat Abdulgalimov, Arsen Abdullaev, Anton Dergalev, and Sister Mariya Karpova. a The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence
May 27, 2020

After 362 days, Marat, Arsen, Anton, and Mariya were transferred from the pretrial detention center and placed under house arrest
June 4, 2019

The Sovetskiy District Court of Makhachkala sent all four to a pretrial detention center
June 1, 2019

FSB officers, Russia’s secret police, invaded 13 homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses across Dagestan
May 27, 2019

FSB office in Dagestan opened a criminal case against Marat, Arsen, Anton, and Mariya

Profiles

Marat Abdulgalimov

Born: 1991 (Makhachkala, Republic of Dagestan)

Biography: Has three siblings. Enjoys playing soccer. Was trained as a welder and recently worked in a shoe shop

From a young age, he has enjoyed reading the Bible. He was drawn to people who imitate Christ and love their neighbors. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2013

Personal Comments

What helped you endure almost a year in a detention center?

I began to meditate over my circumstances and to compare them to those of Joseph. I could be in prison for a maximum of ten years. Joseph was in prison for 13 years. With Jehovah’s help, I too could remain faithful despite the circumstances. As I saw how Jehovah answered my prayers, I began to throw all my burden on him. Psalm 55:22 helped me to endure this trial. This scripture promises that if I throw my burden on Jehovah, he will support me. So that is what I did.

Arsen Abdullaev

Born: 1979 (Kasumkent, Republic of Dagestan)

Biography: Since his youth, has loved playing volleyball and reading books. Earned a degree in wine-making technology. Recently worked as a heating and plumbing repairman

Despite his parents’ initial opposition, Arsen was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2000. He is married to his wife, Suat. They have a young son

Personal Comments

How did you overcome discouragement during your time in detention?

Our songs really helped. They made me feel wonderful. I would often sing them to myself. Song 45, “The Meditation of My Heart,” has become my favorite. Of course, there were times when I was discouraged, tired of everything, annoyed, and did not want to do anything. However, I tried not to allow such feelings to go on for longer than a single day. At such moments, I told myself: ‘Tomorrow you are going to wake up and everything will be all right. These feelings will pass by. Be strong, your family needs you, and so do your brothers and sisters.’

Anton Dergalev

Born: 1985 (Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Region)

Biography: Anton’s mother raised him and his brother on her own. His mother and grandmother taught him to love Bible principles. Worked as an electrician and a landscape designer. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2002

Personal Comments

How has Jehovah supported you during this trial?

The brothers and sisters have expended much effort to care for us. One of my cell mates had said that the packages from my friends would stop coming after a few months. How surprised he was when he saw that they continued to send me supplies after six months and then after almost a year!

What suggestions would you offer to help others prepare for possible persecution?

My advice is to not forsake meeting together. I have really missed the meetings. Use every opportunity that Jehovah provides. Care for your spirituality and do not be afraid of anything. Jehovah is always by our side!

Mariya Karpova

Born: 1980 (Magadan, Magadan Region)

Biography: Has two brothers. Enjoys skiing, traveling, and reading. Graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine

Found satisfying answers about the future in the Bible and decided to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was baptized in 1998

Personal Comments

What helped you avoid being overwhelmed with anxiety during your time in detention?

I was able to recall many Bible verses and write them out in my notebook. These verses served to strengthen me over the course of the three months I did not have a Bible. Philippians 4:6, 7 encouraged me. When some new concern would arise, I would open that notebook, look at the verse, and think: ‘Do not be anxious over anything.’ After that, I would feel better.

What convinced you that Jehovah has been helping you through this difficult time?

One way he helped me cope was with the loss of my father [while I was in pretrial detention]. I learned this news from my mom and not some stranger, as the investigator allowed me to speak with her by telephone. Also, two close friends took my place to be with my mother. They traveled to be with her and supported her during the funeral. The brothers and sisters did not forget my mom. They called her, wrote her letters, sent her cards, and provided material support so that she could travel to the hearings.

We have full confidence that Jehovah God will always live up to his name to become whatever is needed to protect and support his people.—Exodus 3:14.

a Advance notice of the verdict date is not always available.

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