APRIL 20, 2023 | UPDATED: OCTOBER 25, 2024
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHER FINED | Observing Creation Strengthens Brother Okhapkin

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On August 13, 2024, the Kineshemskiy City Court of the Ivanovo Region convicted Brother Andrey Okhapkin. He was fined 540,000 rubles ($6,064 U.S.).

Profile

Andrey Okhapkin

Born: 1962 (Zavolzhsk, Ivanovo Region)

Biography: Worked as a computer programmer and physics teacher

Married Irina in 1987. She began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1994. Andrey joined her after becoming convinced of the existence of a Creator. Both were baptized in 1995

Personal Comments

What helped you to overcome feelings of discouragement while under house arrest?

Specific prayers to Jehovah, even if brief, helped me not to succumb to self-pity. Also, whenever I felt discouraged, I would think about Job. Jehovah used aspects of creation to remind Job of His wonderful qualities. So I tried to do the same. I took special note of the sunrise. I looked carefully at the clouds, sky, and trees. I admired the acrobatic agility of the birds. I observed the habits of the little cats and dogs living outside our building. I spent nearly five months watching all of this from my balcony. This helped me to perceive more of Jehovah’s qualities in creation. I now have a better grasp of what a loving Father Jehovah is.

How have you been encouraged by others who are enduring trials?

While I was in pretrial detention, I received a letter from another brother who was in prison. He wrote: “People ask me, ‘Have you felt afraid?’ To say no would be the wrong answer. But we need to stand up to our fears, and that is where courage comes in. As Jehovah’s servants, we are known for our courage because whenever we lack it, Jehovah supplies it. Remember, it is the size of your faith that is important, not the size of your problems.” Reading about his and others’ experiences reminded me of the need to strengthen my relationship with Jehovah and fill my mind and heart with spiritual food.

Like Andrey, we are grateful for “the wonderful works of God,” which remind us of His loving care.—Job 37:14.

Time Line

November 18, 2021

Criminal case initiated
November 23, 2021

Six homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses searched, including Andrey’s home. Arrested and placed in temporary detention
November 24, 2021

Criminally charged
November 25, 2021

Sent to pretrial detention
February 17, 2022

Released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest
July 14, 2022

Released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions
December 15, 2022

Criminal trial began

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