Remaining Confident, Prepared, and Positive

 RUSSIA


Remaining Confident, Prepared, and Positive

March 27, 2024


The Leninskiy District Court of Barnaul in the Altai Territory will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brothers Yuriy Kolotinskiy, Mikhail Reshetnikov, and Anatoliy Sarychev. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence.


Profiles


Yuriy Kolotinskiy

Born: 1955 (Moldova)


Biography: Worked as a heavy-machine operator in the mining industry


Married Nataliya in 1977


Wondered why there is so much suffering. Received clear answers from the Bible after studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Both Yuriy and Nataliya were baptized in 1995


Personal Comments

What Bible account has helped you to feel confident of Jehovah’s support?


I often think about the Israelites after they left Egypt. Jehovah led and protected them the entire time they were in the wilderness. I feel that he is doing something similar for me. Each time I am called to court, I imagine Jehovah going ahead of me. Feeling his support convinces me that he loves me and that he will give me the strength to endure and maintain my loyalty no matter what happens. My faith and firm belief that I am on the right path have never been stronger, and I am prepared to do whatever I can to defend Jehovah’s name.


Mikhail Reshetnikov

Born: 1949 (Maksiner, Kirov Region)


Biography: Worked as a bus and truck driver for over 50 years


Raised a son and two daughters with his first wife, who later died of cancer. Married Antonina in 2021


Had questions about the Bible but did not get answers from his church. Was happy to learn the truth through his study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 2000


Personal Comments

How did being prepared for persecution help you?


As soon as they began arresting and imprisoning our brothers and sisters, I began praying to Jehovah to give me wisdom and self-control so that I would be prepared. Experiencing his help has proven to me over and over that Jehovah always answers prayers at just the right time. I have no doubt that he is by my side. As a result, I am unafraid of whatever the court may decide in my case. I know that with Jehovah’s help, I will be able to remain loyal.


Anatoliy Sarychev

Born: 1949 (Karpovo, Altai Territory)


Biography: Worked as a graphic designer before retiring


Married Nadezhda in 1990. They have a son


Was contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses while he was recuperating from surgery. Was uplifted by Jehovah’s promises to end violence and suffering. Nadezhda was baptized in 2001 and Anatoliy in 2002


Personal Comments

What helps you to remain positive?


I think about what is written at 1 Peter 3:14: “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy.” The Pharisees persecuted the apostles because they refused to stop preaching. The apostles endured dishonor for the sake of Jesus’ name and considered this a reason to be joyful. I want to follow their example. I see no reason to become discouraged because I am being persecuted. Rather, I take great comfort in knowing that I am following in the footsteps of the early Christians and Jesus Christ himself.


We are grateful for brothers such as these, who are modern-day examples of faith and reliance on Jehovah. We are convinced that they will continue to benefit from Jehovah’s loyal love and faithfulness.—Psalm 25:10.


Time Line

May 25, 2021


Criminal case initiated against Mikhail


May 27, 2021


Mikhail’s home searched. He and Antonina interrogated. Mikhail placed under travel restrictions


October 6, 2022


Criminal case initiated against Anatoliy and Yuriy and combined with Mikhail’s case


October 7, 2022


Anatoliy and Yuriy placed under travel restrictions


January 19, 2023


Criminal trial began


In the photo: Left to right: Brothers Yuriy Kolotinskiy, Mikhail Reshetnikov, and Anatoliy Sarychev.

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