‘Fearing Jehovah Gives Us Strength’

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On March 27, 2025, the Konakovo City Court of the Tver Region convicted Brothers Oleg Katamov, Aleksey Kuznetsov, Aleksandr Shchetinin, and Aleksandr Starikov. The brothers were each given a prison sentence of six years. They were taken into custody from the courtroom.

Profiles

Aleksandr Starikov

Born: 1960 (Ivanovo, Ivanovo Region)

Baptized: 1998

Background: Worked as a commercial pilot

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

Sentence: Six years in prison

Personal Comments

How is the fear of Jehovah benefiting you?

Proverbs 29:25 says: “Trembling at men is a snare, but the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected.” I know I need to do God’s will in every circumstance, not just when it is convenient or easy. If I give in to fear of man, it will weaken me and force me to take a defensive position in this spiritual war. On the other hand, fearing Jehovah gives me strength and assures me that I can conquer the world, just as Jesus did. I often reflect on how Jehovah has helped me overcome challenges in the past. This further convinces me that he will help me endure in the future.

We are grateful for the examples of faith and courage these brothers provide us. As we see the way Jehovah cares for those who are enduring persecution, we are reminded that “those who fear [Jehovah] lack nothing.”—Psalm 34:9.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

‘Fearing Jehovah Gives Us Strength’

Profiles

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