Determined to Cling to Jehovah

 CRIMEA


Determined to Cling to Jehovah


The Krasnogvardeyskiy District Court of the Republic of Crimea will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brothers Yuriy Gerashchenko and Sergey Parfenovich. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence.

January 9, 2024


Profiles


Yuriy Gerashchenko

Born: 1979 (Ukraine)


Biography: Works as an electrician


Impressed by the accuracy of the Bible and the evidence of God’s love for mankind in its teachings. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2000


Married Irina in 2002


Personal Comments

Which aspect of Jehovah’s personality has become more real to you as a result of this experience?


I have come to appreciate Jehovah’s discernment. He knows exactly what I need and is eager to help me. As I look back over these recent events in my life, I can see how Jehovah has been preparing me. I feel like a tool in his hand. A skilled craftsman keeps his tools in good condition, sharpening and caring for them so that they are ready to be used when needed. I can see how Jehovah has been doing that for me all along. This makes me want to cling to him and never let go.


Sergey Parfenovich

Born: 1972 (Mirnoye, Crimea)


Biography: Worked as a groundskeeper at a sports complex


Learning what God’s Kingdom will accomplish in the future touched his heart. Baptized in 1993 at the international convention held in Kyiv, Ukraine


Married Marina in 1997. They have four sons and two daughters


Personal Comments

Whose example in the Bible has encouraged you personally?


At Philippians 3:10, the apostle Paul wrote: “My aim is to know him and the power of his resurrection and to share in his sufferings.” I have reflected on how much Paul loved Jesus. He loved Jesus so much that he was willing to suffer as Jesus did. I have prayed that I may have the same spirit and determination that Paul had. This attitude has helped me to change my mindset. Instead of viewing myself as a victim of unfortunate circumstances, I see myself as someone who has made a firm choice to serve Jehovah, regardless of the consequences.


We know that Jehovah will continue to sustain Yuriy and Sergey, as well as all who maintain their integrity, as he ‘conceals them in the shadow of his wings.’—Psalm 17:7, 8.


Time Line

September 19, 2022


Criminal case initiated against Sergey


September 28, 2022


Sergey’s home was among eight homes searched by FSB officers, and he was placed in a temporary holding facility


September 30, 2022


Sergey was sent to a pretrial detention center


November 15, 2022


Sergey was released from the pretrial detention center and placed under house arrest


March 22, 2023


Criminal case initiated against Yuriy. He was arrested, interrogated, and placed in a temporary detention center


March 24, 2023


Yuriy was released and placed under house arrest


July 12, 2023


Sergey and Yuriy were released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions


July 28, 2023


Criminal trial began. The prosecutor accused Sergey and Yuriy of continuing “to engage in criminal activities and threaten witnesses.” Despite a lack of evidence, the judge placed them both under house arrest for a second time


In the photo: 


Left: Brother Yuriy Gerashchenko and his wife, Irina. 

Right: Brother Sergey Parfenovich and his wife, Marina

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