Focusing on Faith, Not Fear

 CRIMEA


Focusing on Faith, Not Fear

September 4, 2023


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


In the photo: Left: Brother Viktor Kudinov and his wife, Svetlana. Right: Brother Sergey Zhigalov and his wife, Olga

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