‘They Are Not Fighting Against Us’

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On September 16, 2025, the Khabezskiy District Court of the Karachayevo-Circassian Republic convicted Sister Yuliya Pasynkova and gave her a suspended prison sentence of five years. She is not required to go to prison at this time.

Profile

Yuliya Pasynkova

Born: 1990 (Abdulino, Orenburg Region)

Baptized: 2009

Background: Married Aleksey in 2013. They have one son. Aleksey was convicted in January 2025. His mother, Sister Tatyana Pasynkova, is being criminally tried in a separate case

Charged with: Participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Suspended prison sentence of five years

Personal Comments

Whose example in the Bible has been especially encouraging to you?

I often reflect on Jehovah’s words to Jeremiah, as recorded at Jeremiah 1:8: “Do not be afraid because of their appearance, for ‘I am with you to save you.’” Jeremiah’s example reminds me that fear is a natural reaction to persecution. When Jeremiah felt afraid, he poured his heart out to Jehovah. Jehovah acknowledged his feelings and gave him the strength and courage he needed. Meditating on this example has helped me overcome my own struggles with fear. Like those who persecuted Jeremiah, those who oppose Jehovah’s servants today are not fighting against us, but against God. Understanding that Jehovah is the true Source of courage has helped me to stop being afraid.

Whenever we feel powerless, may we remember to keep ‘our eyes toward Jehovah,’ confident in his ability to save us.—2 Chronicles 20:12.

Jehovah’s Witnesses