NOVEMBER 4, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE—COUPLE CONVICTED | Strengthened by Bible Examples of Faith

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On November 8, 2022, the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy City Court of the Kamchatka Territory convicted Brother Dmitriy Semenov and his wife, Nadezhda. They each received a suspended prison sentence of four years. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

Time Line

September 3, 2021

A woman with whom Dmitriy and Nadezhda had Bible discussions began cooperating with the FSB. Based on information she provided, a criminal case was initiated. Charged with persuading others to join an extremist organization and participate in its activities
September 6, 2021

Apartment was searched. Taken for interrogation and placed under travel restrictions
July 26, 2022

Criminal trial began

Profiles

Dmitriy Semenov

Born: 1984 (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy)

Biography: Studied mathematics and computer science. Works as a computer programmer

First introduced to Jehovah’s Witnesses by a family member. Baptized in 2006. Performed alternative civilian service instead of serving in the military

Married Nadezhda in 2010

Personal Comments

Whose example from the Bible has helped you to strengthen your trust in Jehovah?

Even before this persecution began, I meditated on Jeremiah’s example, specifically, when he was thrown into prison during the Babylonian siege on Jerusalem. It seemed like he was in a no-win situation, but Jehovah protected him in a very unusual way. As the residents of Jerusalem started to go hungry, Jeremiah was still provided food and he survived the destruction of the city. (Jeremiah 37:21) Jehovah sees every situation from a different perspective and knows how events will unfold. Even if it seems like there is no escaping a situation, Jehovah will provide a way out at just the right time.

Nadezhda Semenova

Born: 1985 (Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Region)

Biography: As a child, enjoyed singing in the school choir and dancing. Works as a store stock clerk

Introduced to the truth by her older sister, who had begun studying the Bible. Nadezhda, her mother, and her sister all became Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 1997

Married Dmitriy in 2010

Personal Comments

What Bible account has helped you to strengthen your faith?

We recently considered the example of the widow of Zarephath and how she had to first demonstrate her faith before she received the blessing. The article we considered stated: “God blesses those who exercise faith.” Quoting from an 1898 issue of Zion’s Watch Tower, it continued: “Thus it is with us,—at various steps in the journey of life the Lord brings us to the place where he tests our faith. If we exercise the faith we will get the blessing; if we do not, we will lose it.”

This highlighted to me that no matter how difficult a trial may be, it is critical that I do my part by remaining loyal to Jehovah and to my brothers and sisters. If I do, Jehovah will help me endure by giving me the courage, faith, and strength I need.

As Dmitriy and Nadezhda are experiencing firsthand, Jehovah helps his servants to be courageous and strong in the face of persecution. He never abandons them.—Joshua 1:9.

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