MAY 30, 2023 | UPDATED: March 6, 2024
RUSSIA

UPDATE—FINES IMPOSED | Brothers in Teykovo Focus on Jehovah’s Support

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On February 29, 2024, the Teykovskiy District Court of the Ivanovo Region convicted Brothers Sergey Galyamin, Anatoliy Lyamo, Vladimir Spivak, and Aleksandr Vasichkin. The brothers each received a fine. Vladimir was fined 600,000 rubles ($6,564 U.S.), Sergey was fined 650,000 rubles ($7,111 U.S.), and Aleksandr and Anatoliy were each fined 1,100,000 rubles ($12,034 U.S).

Profiles

Sergey Galyamin

Born: 1967 (Teykovo, Ivanovo Region)

Biography: Owns and operates a shoe-repair business

Married Lyudmila in 1991. They have three daughters

Was impressed to learn God has a name. Attended a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the kindness shown helped to convince him that he had found the truth. Sergey was baptized in 2001 and Lyudmila in 2002

Personal Comments

What valuable lesson have you learned as a result of this difficult situation?

When I first became aware of how our brothers and sisters were being treated, I felt angry and indignant. And I naturally began to feel anxious about my own future. But I was reminded of the words at Psalm 73:26: “My body and my heart may fail, but God is the rock of my heart.” This was just what I needed. I realized that there is no sense in getting upset by imagining all the bad things that could happen. The wisest thing for me is to keep strengthening my relationship with Jehovah and fully rely on him.

Anatoliy Lyamo

Born: 1963 (Pogar, Bryansk Region)

Biography: Worked in subway construction

Married Galina in 1993. They have two children and two grandchildren

Had been searching for the truth and was drawn by the logic of the Bible. Anatoliy was baptized in 1995 and Galina in 1997

Personal Comments

How have you been supported by your spiritual family?

I now have a much greater appreciation for my spiritual brothers and sisters. It is impossible to overstate the value of the help Jehovah has provided through them. Over the course of this investigation, I have faced many challenges, but Jehovah has taken care of my family by means of the kindness of the brothers and sisters. They also come to the courthouse to support me, which requires tremendous courage. And every day, I receive messages that they are praying for me and my family. This has moved me to take advantage of opportunities to show my support to others who are undergoing trials.

Vladimir Spivak

Born: 1955 (Litin, Ukraine)

Biography: Served in the military before becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Married Nellie in 1979. She began studying the Bible first. They attended a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses together in 1992. Vladimir was impressed by what he saw and heard. Nellie was baptized in 1994 and Vladimir in 1997

Personal Comments

What helps you to overcome discouragement?

One of the things I really miss is being able to attend the assemblies and conventions. This, along with the other restrictions I am under, can sometimes sap my strength and leave me a little discouraged. But I know that I am not alone. Jehovah and my dear brothers and sisters are always there for me. I am certain that Jehovah is always going to support me, protect me, and carry me through trials.

Aleksandr Vasichkin

Born: 1969 (Bryansk, Bryansk Region)

Biography: Served in the army before becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Most recently, worked as a groundskeeper

Married Nataliya in 1993. They have two children

Was impressed by the kindness he experienced when attending the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Began to study the Bible as a couple. Nataliya was baptized in 1994 and Aleksandr in 1995

Personal Comments

What helps you to avoid focusing too much on the trials you are enduring?

I have noticed that when I start to feel pity for myself, that is when I get the most discouraged. Instead of thinking about why this is happening to me, I focus on the privilege I have to give a witness about Jehovah. I also remind myself that the things I am dealing with at present are just a single page in my life story. Soon, I will get to turn this page over. By staying faithful, I will be able to enjoy my close relationship with Jehovah and my brothers and sisters forever.

We know that no matter what trials come upon us in this system of things, they are temporary when compared to the everlasting blessings Jehovah has in store for his faithful servants.—2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.

Time Line

April 10, 2020

Criminal case initiated
April 11, 2020

Homes searched
April 16, 2020

Placed under travel restrictions
February 2, 2023

Criminal trial began

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—FINES IMPOSED | Brothers in Teykovo Focus on Jehovah’s Support

Profiles

Time Line

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