MARCH 4, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE—APPEAL DENIED | Sister Lyudmila Shchekoldina Draws Strength From Encouraging Words

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On October 6, 2022, the Krasnodar Territory Court denied Sister Lyudmila Shchekoldina’s appeal. She remains in prison.

On May 23, 2022, the Pavlovskiy District Court of the Krasnodar Territory convicted Lyudmila and sentenced her to four years and one month in prison. Her sentence began immediately.

Time Line

April 23, 2020

Criminal case initiated after she unwittingly spoke to an undercover agent about the Bible
April 29, 2020

Authorities searched Lyudmila’s home for nine hours and interrogated her. She was officially charged with promoting the activities of an extremist organization
June 21, 2021

Criminal trial began

Profile

Lyudmila Shchekoldina

Born: 1976 (Aleksandrovka, Krasnodar Territory)

Biography: As a child, learned to play the piano. Became a schoolteacher

Wondered about the meaning of life and the cause of injustice. Began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and found satisfying answers to her questions. Baptized in 1995

Personal Comments

What encouragement have you received from others?

Recently, some sisters made a video for me. One of them said: “Thinking about you, what immediately comes to my mind is the example of the little Israelite girl. Why? She . . . seemed like a weak child, but she conducted herself like a fearless warrior! To me, you are providing the same example of courage.”

The circuit overseer sent me a letter with encouraging Bible verses to consider. One was Psalm 68:28. Applying the verse to me, he wrote: “You are going through a difficult period right now. However, I am certain that your love for Jehovah and your loyalty to him will help you to remain strong. . . . Jehovah is proud of his loyal servants.”

I keep all these expressions of support in my personal journal and reread them often.

We are confident that with Jehovah’s help, Lyudmila and all our faithful brothers and sisters undergoing trials will continue to remain strong.—Psalm 68:28.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—APPEAL DENIED | Sister Lyudmila Shchekoldina Draws Strength From Encouraging Words

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Profile

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