Three Sisters Strengthened by Prayer
RUSSIA
Three Sisters Strengthened by Prayer
September 14, 2023
The Zeya District Court of the Amur Region will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Sisters Margarita Moiseyenko, Galina Yatsik, and Yelena Yatsyk. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence.
Profiles
Margarita Moiseyenko
Born: 1978 (Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Territory)
Biography: Works as a seamstress. Married Konstantin in 1998. Konstantin was convicted on July 14, 2021, and given a suspended prison sentence of six years
Began to study the Bible at age 18 after a close relative died. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2001
Personal Comments
What helps you to maintain your endurance?
I recall hearing Proverbs 21:31 discussed at the 2018 “Be Courageous”! Regional Convention. The verse says: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but salvation belongs to Jehovah.” Horses can be skittish by nature. To avoid becoming frightened during a battle, they must be “prepared” or trained. The same applies to us. We are not just born with faith and courage. We must prepare for our own battles by developing these qualities. To do that, I realize how important it is to feed myself spiritually, study the Bible deeply, and pray that no matter how things turn out, my faith will not waver.
Galina Yatsik
Born: 1950 (Zeya)
Biography: Worked as a cost analyst for city construction and maintenance departments. Now retired
Married Valeriy in 1971. They had one daughter and one son. Widowed in 1995
Raised as an atheist but always wondered about the origin of life. Began to read the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and to attend meetings. Found convincing evidence that a Creator exists. Baptized in 1994
Personal Comments
What have you learned about the power of prayer during this difficult time?
I have come to appreciate even more the value of saying a brief prayer in unexpected situations. This helps me get my emotions under control and respond correctly. It is also wonderful to know that others are praying for me. James 5:16 says: “A righteous man’s supplication has a powerful effect.” I realize that the prayers said in my behalf are part of the reason why I am able to maintain my inner peace and not be terrified. Prayers, both my own and those of others, are like a life raft that keeps me afloat.
Yelena Yatsyk
Born: 1972 (Zeya)
Biography: Works as a dressmaker
Married Andrey in 1994. They have one daughter
Yelena’s mother and younger brother, Yevgeniy Bitusov, first began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yelena saw the practical value of Bible principles and how applying them improved her life. Baptized in 1997
Personal Comments
What effect has going through this persecution had on you?
My relationship with God has been strengthened. I pray to Jehovah for calmness, and I see how he answers by giving me emotional peace. My appreciation for my brothers and sisters has also grown. It is comforting to know that they are ready to come to my aid. I truly feel like I am part of a large family. And I have also become more aware of the need to pray for those who, like my brother Yevgeniy, are in prison. I pray for them every day.
The experiences of our sisters remind us that Jehovah hears our prayers and will help us to cultivate the qualities we need to overcome any trial.—1 John 5:14.
Time Line
March 21, 2019
Moiseyenkos’ home searched
October 13, 2020
Yelena and Galina’s homes searched
November 22, 2021
Criminal case initiated
February 15, 2022
Placed under travel restrictions
April 24, 2023
Criminal trial began
Sisters Galina Yatsik and Yelena Yatsyk are not related.
In the photo: Left to right: Sister Margarita Moiseyenko and her husband, Konstantin; Sister Galina Yatsik; and Sister Yelena Yatsyk.
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