APRIL 28, 2023 | UPDATED: JUNE 16, 2023
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHER CONVICTED | “Nothing Can Deprive Me of My Joy”

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On June 15, 2023, the Kovrov City Court of the Vladimir Region convicted Brother Roman Adestov and sentenced him to one year in prison. Because he has already served time in pretrial detention, he will not have to return to prison.

Profile

Roman Adestov

Born: 1976 (Kovrov)

Biography: Father died when Roman was 13 years old. Works as a gas and electric welder

Married Alina in 1999. They have one daughter

Became convinced of the Bible’s power when he saw how applying its principles changed his life. Alina was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2005 and Roman in 2006

Personal Comments

How have you been helped by your spiritual family?

It is wonderful to know that I am surrounded by others all over the world who love Jehovah just as I do! And knowing that so many of my dear brothers and sisters are praying for me has strengthened me to keep moving forward with long strides toward the new world. My wife and I have also put into practice the advice a brother gave us. He reminded us that when we stop taking an interest in others, we start feeling sorry for ourselves. We do our best to give to others, and this helps to keep us from feeling overwhelmed by our own problems. I am so grateful that Jehovah allowed me to become part of his large family.

What helps you to remain positive despite the uncertainty of your situation?

There is no way of knowing what tomorrow will bring, and I cannot prepare for every possible scenario. I can, however, remain confident that I have Jehovah’s approval and remember that he is helping me wage spiritual warfare. And if I am prepared to offer myself wholeheartedly to my loving God, Jehovah, then no one and nothing can deprive me of my joy.

We are confident that Jehovah, the “eternal Rock,” will continue to ‘safeguard those who fully lean on him’ and that he will ‘give them continuous peace.’—Isaiah 26:3, 4.

Time Line

June 28, 2021

Criminal case initiated
July 8, 2021

Home searched. Arrested
July 9, 2021

Placed in pretrial detention
November 25, 2021

Released from pretrial detention and placed under house arrest
June 21, 2022

Released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions
September 26, 2022

Criminal trial began

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHER CONVICTED | “Nothing Can Deprive Me of My Joy”

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Time Line

See Also

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia