DECEMBER 9, 2024
RUSSIA

“A Unique and Precious Gift”

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On November 25, 2024, the City Court of Lesnoy of the Sverdlovsk Region convicted Brothers Andrey Bannykh, Andrey Kozhushko, and Pavel Loshchinin. They were each given a six-year suspended prison sentence. The brothers are not required to go to prison at this time.

Profiles

Andrey Kozhushko

Born: 1975 (Kazakhstan)

Baptized: 1994

Background: Studied to be a car mechanic but has been limited due to a disability

Charged with: Conducting meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses via videoconference

Sentence: Six-year suspended prison sentence

Personal Comments

What valuable lesson have you learned during this challenging time?

Psalm 102 is the prayer of one of Jehovah’s servants who was feeling oppressed and in despair. In verse 6, he wrote: “I resemble the pelican of the wilderness.” During particularly difficult periods, I have also felt like a ‘lonely pelican.’ However, I’ve learned that it is important for me not to isolate myself. I need to take the initiative and seek out the support and care of my brothers and sisters. I can’t expect them to always know how I am feeling. It is also valuable for me to take an interest in others so that I don’t spend too much time dwelling on my feelings. By opening my heart like this, I experience mutual love and support. Our brotherhood is truly a unique and precious gift from Jehovah.

Although “distressed by various trials,” we are comforted to know that we can count on the loving support of Jehovah and of our spiritual family.—1 Peter 1:6.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

“A Unique and Precious Gift”

Profiles

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