AUGUST 10, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHER CONVICTED | Appreciation Strengthens Viktor Shayapov to Endure With Joy

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On November 7, 2022, the Nikolskiy District Court of the Penza Region convicted Brother Viktor Shayapov and imposed a suspended prison sentence of two years. He is not required to go to prison at this time.

Time Line

August 19, 2021

Criminal case was initiated. Charged with participating in extremist activities
February 5, 2022

Stopped by police. Home raided and searched later that day. Detained and taken to Penza, 740 kilometers (460 mi) away
February 6, 2022

Placed in a temporary detention center
February 8, 2022

Released from temporary detention and placed under house arrest
March 28, 2022

Criminal trial began

Profile

Viktor Shayapov

Born: 1989 (Kamenka, Moscow Region)

Biography: Worked as an auto mechanic. Performed alternative civilian service as a postal worker rather than serve in the military

Married Yekaterina in 2010

Yekaterina was already studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses when she and Viktor met. The logical answers he received to his questions about why people suffer motivated him to also study the Bible. They were both baptized in 2008

Personal Comments

What has helped you to keep a positive mental attitude during these stressful times?

For one thing, I have learned to see Jehovah’s kind hand even in small things, such as a nice meal, birds in the sky, or a gentle breeze. This causes me to regularly express appreciation for his kindness. By doing that, I stay focused on positive thoughts and am constantly reminded of Jehovah’s love for me.

Also, the example and suggestions of a friend who recently went through a similar experience gave me the right perspective. He reminded me that it is critical to avoid feeling like a victim. If we are afraid, our enemies will try to use that to control us.

I have also benefited from the idea expressed at Philippians 1:29: “For you have been given the privilege in behalf of Christ, not only to put your faith in him but also to suffer in his behalf.” Those words helped me to endure and reminded me of the tremendous privilege I have to give a witness in this way.

How thankful we are to know that the peace we gain by means of Jehovah’s loving-kindness will guard our hearts and minds in times of trial.—Philippians 4:7.

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