SEPTEMBER 4, 2023
GLOBAL NEWS

Focusing on Faith, Not Fear

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The Gagarinskiy District Court of Sevastopol, Crimea, will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brothers Viktor Kudinov and Sergey Zhigalov. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence.

Profiles

Viktor Kudinov

Born: 1969 (Budapest, Hungary)

Biography: Worked as a bus driver

Married Svetlana in 1991. They have a daughter and a son

Joined Svetlana in studying the Bible after observing positive changes in their family. Svetlana was baptized in 2005 and Viktor in 2010

Personal Comments

How have you been strengthened by the experiences of others?

I have thought a lot about brothers like Viktor Stashevskiy. He is in prison, and things have not been easy for him. I have received several letters from him, and it is obvious he is not focusing on himself. He expresses interest and concern for others, and he remains joyful. Viktor and so many other brothers and sisters have set a wonderful example for me. In addition to being persecuted, they have the concerns of everyday life to contend with, such as coping with health problems, earning a living, and caring for their families. They could escape the added pressure of being persecuted by giving in and renouncing their faith. But they choose to remain loyal to Jehovah and their brothers. When I see all that they are able to endure, I know I can as well.

Sergey Zhigalov

Born: 1971 (Snezhnoye, Ukraine)

Biography: Worked as a plumber

Started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1994. Was impressed by the wisdom and prophetic truths it contains. Baptized in 1996

Married Olga in 2007

Personal Comments

What have you learned about Jehovah through this difficult experience?

Though Jehovah permits persecution to take place, I know that he becomes whatever is necessary to protect and comfort me in a special way. I have come to view the words in Isaiah 30:15 in a new light: “Your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.” This keeps me from imagining terrible scenarios that might play out for me. I know that if I become fearful, I will slow down in my worship. In essence, I would be putting myself under a ban. That is exactly what Satan is hoping I will do. Instead, as I show complete trust in Jehovah, I enjoy the inner calm that comes from having the peace of God. And that calmness makes me strong.

We are certain Jehovah will continue to bless Viktor and Sergey for their patient endurance, for He is a God “who takes pleasure in the peace of his servant.”—Psalm 35:27.

Time Line

August 24, 2022

Criminal case initiated. Homes searched. Arrested and placed in a temporary detention facility
August 26, 2022

Released from detention and placed under house arrest
October 17, 2022

Released from house arrest and placed under restrictions
April 13, 2023

Criminal trial began

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Focusing on Faith, Not Fear

Profiles

Time Line

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