Determined to Remain Joyful Despite Persecution

 RUSSIA


Determined to Remain Joyful Despite Persecution

August 10, 2023


The Syktyvkarskiy City Court of the Komi Republic will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brothers Aleksandr Ketov, Andrey Kharlamov, Aleksandr Kruglyakov, Sister Lidiya Nekrasova, and Brother Sergey Ushakhin. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence.


Profiles


Aleksandr Ketov

Born: 1968 (Malaya Beberka, Komi Republic)


Biography: Worked as a fireman


Married Nataliya in 1994


Was happy to learn from the Bible that sickness and death will be done away with. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1999


Personal Comments


What has helped you to deal with the stress of this difficult situation?


It is one thing to think about how we are going to react when something like this happens, but finding ourselves in that circumstance is something else entirely. I was glad that I had practiced ahead of time what to do if my home was searched. As it was happening, I was anxious, but prayer helped me remain calm.


Andrey Kharlamov

Born: 1971 (Syktyvkar)


Biography: Works as a heating engineer


Married Larisa in 1990


A coworker began talking with him about the Bible. Saw the benefit of applying Bible principles in his life. Andrey and Larisa were both baptized in 1994


Personal Comments


What helps you to maintain your endurance?


Every trial presents me with an opportunity to draw closer to Jehovah. After I was criminally charged, there were moments when I felt unable to cope with the challenge. But as things progressed, I saw Jehovah’s blessing in a very special way. Jehovah would use someone to give me a word of encouragement. I am convinced that Jehovah is with me, carrying me in his arms. This reminds me of the words at James 5:11: “We consider happy those who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.” Having personally experienced Jehovah’s tender care, I am more motivated to express my love for him and remain faithful.


Aleksandr Kruglyakov

Born: 1979 (Ukhta, Komi Republic)


Biography: Works as a real estate agent


Began reading the Bible as a teenager. After studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, was helped to overcome misuse of alcohol and drugs. Baptized in 2000


Married Tatyana in 2005


Personal Comments


What motivates you to continue giving a witness despite being persecuted?


At Luke 21:12, 13, Jesus prophesied that his followers would be persecuted, imprisoned, and brought before authorities. But he also said: “It will result in your giving a witness.” I have thought about how ashamed I would feel if I were sitting in prison and thinking back to a time when I had an opportunity to tell others about the truth and I did not use it. So I have a goal to talk with as many government officials as I can. I often highlight the similarities between their work and our work. We are each trying to improve the community. They do so by removing criminals from society. However, the problem is that often people revert to doing bad things once they get out of jail. With the help of the Bible, we assist people to make permanent changes in their lives and to contribute to a peaceful society.


Lidiya Nekrasova

Born: 1953 (Kuratovo, Komi Republic)


Biography: Worked as a teacher and nursing assistant. Raised three sons


Began to study the Bible in 1993. Was comforted to learn about God’s many qualities, including justice. Baptized in 1997


Personal Comments


What is helping you to endure this trial with joy?


My brothers and sisters are a heartwarming gift from God! I see clearly how much we need one another. The support and help they have given me strengthens my determination not to give in to discouragement. Focusing on my love for Jehovah and my desire to support those who are in prison or in detention motivates me to keep doing my part. I feel Jehovah’s spirit helping me, and that is why I consider myself to be his happy servant.


Sergey Ushakhin

Born: 1961 (Pinyug, Kirov Region)


Biography: Works at a paper mill


Married Nataliya in 1987. They have a son and a daughter


Was introduced to Jehovah’s Witnesses when his mother began to study the Bible. Receiving answers to his questions directly from the Bible convinced him he had found the truth. Baptized in 1999. Nataliya was baptized in 2005


Personal Comments


What has helped you to remain positive?


It is only natural that discouragement can, at times, undermine our strength and affect our attitude. I cope with this through prayer, my Bible reading, and by spending time with my spiritual family. I pray specifically for Jehovah to help me encourage others, especially our many older brothers and sisters. Being able to help them have a positive view of the realities of life in this system and to offer them words of encouragement brings me tremendous joy. I feel so honored to be used by Jehovah in this way.


As these experiences show, Jehovah gives “full might” to our brothers and sisters who endure under trial, empowering them to remain faithful.—Isaiah 40:29.


Time Line


March 2, 2021


Homes of at least 14 families of Jehovah’s Witnesses searched in Syktyvkar. Aleksandr Ketov, Andrey Kharlamov, and Aleksandr Kruglyakov placed in a temporary detention facility. Lydia Nekrasova and Sergey Ushakhin placed under travel restrictions


March 3, 2021


Aleksandr Ketov and Andrey Kharlamov released from temporary detention and placed under house arrest. Aleksandr Kruglyakov sent to pretrial detention


April 27, 2021


Andrey Kharlamov released from house arrest


April 28, 2021


Aleksandr Ketov released from house arrest, and Aleksandr Kruglyakov released from pretrial detention


April 19, 2022


Criminal trial began


June 9, 2022


Judge cited a lack of evidence of extremism and returned the case to the prosecutor


February 14, 2023


Criminal trial resumed with a new judge


In the photo: Top row, left to right: Brother Aleksandr Ketov; Brother Andrey Kharlamov and his wife, Larisa; Brother Aleksandr Kruglyakov.

Bottom row, left to right: Sister Lidiya Nekrasova; Brother Sergey Ushakhin.

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