‘Grateful for My Newfound Confidence’

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On September 8, 2025, the Dzhankoyskiy District Court of the Republic of Crimea convicted Brother Viktor Ursu and sentenced him to six years in prison. He was taken into custody from the courtroom.

Profile

Viktor Ursu

Born: 1965 (Semiskul, Kurgan Region)

Baptized: 1983

Background: Worked as a machinist. Married Marina in 1988. They have one daughter

Charged with: Organizing and conducting religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Spent almost a year under house arrest

Sentence: Six years in prison

Personal Comments

What effect have the courageous examples of others had on you?

Because of my upbringing, I often lacked confidence. There were many times when I didn’t stand up for myself or felt hesitant to speak up. However, the example of Brother Dennis Christensen had a profound impact on me. Observing his confidence and courage as he respectfully stood up for his faith and his rights inspired me to work on developing those same qualities in myself. The words at 1 John 5:4 resonated deeply with me: “This is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith.” With Jehovah’s help, I now have the strength to walk boldly into the courtroom and speak with authority before the court. I am deeply grateful to Jehovah for my newfound confidence. Even my wife noticed this change in my demeanor. It seemed unclear to her whether the guards were escorting me into the courtroom or if I was escorting them.

Like Viktor, may we all continue leaning on Jehovah, knowing that He will make us equal to any challenge we face.—Romans 8:31.

Jehovah’s Witnesses