MAY 25, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE | “There Is No Point in Giving In to Fear”

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On May 25, 2022, the Metallurgichesky District Court of Chelyabinsk convicted Brother Pavel Popov and imposed a suspended prison sentence of six years. He is not required to go to prison at this time.

Time Line

March 26, 2019

A group of ten masked men carrying machine guns and a sledgehammer raided and searched Pavel’s home
April 22, 2021

Criminal case initiated
May 18, 2021

Authorities conducted a second search of Pavel’s home. Pavel’s wife, Yelena, and their 13-year-old daughter were taken for interrogation
August 31, 2021

Added to the list of terrorists and extremists
November 29, 2021

Criminal trial began

Profile

Pavel Popov

Born: 1977 (Novokuznetsk, Kemerovo Region)

Biography: Started smoking and drinking alcohol at a young age because of an unhappy homelife. Was 15 when his father passed away. Worked primarily as a welder

Became interested in the Bible after learning about the promise of eternal life in Paradise. Started studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1994. Impressed by the harmony of the Bible and the accurate fulfillment of prophecy. Baptized in 1995

Married Yelena in 2003. They have one daughter

Personal Comments

What has helped you not to give in to fear?

Jesus said that if we are brought before the authorities, we should use that occasion to give a witness. (Matthew 10:18) It is perhaps not the most pleasant or familiar setting for giving a witness, but I am receiving help from Jehovah and from our brotherhood to accomplish it. That convinces me that there is no point in giving in to fear. . . . In my experience, trials are always followed by blessings. If I stay focused on God’s name and his Kingdom, I can overcome any feelings of fear or discouragement.

We know that Jehovah will continue to support and reward his faithful servants as they fearlessly maintain their integrity under trial.—2 Samuel 22:19-21.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE | “There Is No Point in Giving In to Fear”

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Profile

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