FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | UPDATED: DECEMBER 6, 2024
RUSSIA

UPDATE—SISTERS CONVICTED | Facing Uncertainty With Confidence

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On December 6, 2024, the Blagoveshchensk City Court of the Amur Region convicted Sisters Kristina Golik, Yekaterina Olshevskaya, Mariya Myasnikova, and Valentina Yermilova. Kristina and Valentina were each sentenced to two years and six months of forced labor. Mariya and Yekaterina were each sentenced to two years and two months of forced labor. All four will be required to live in a correctional facility and perform work at an assigned location in the community.

Profiles

Kristina Golik

Born: 1992 (Ukraine)

Biography: Studied graphics and web design

Fifth-generation Jehovah’s Witness. Baptized in 2006

Married Dmitriy in 2012. He was convicted in June 2021 and is serving a prison sentence of six years and two months

Personal Comments

Is there a Bible verse that helps you remain joyful?

When Dmitriy and I were first separated, I did not know exactly how to feel about this injustice. I really missed his comfort and support. I begged Jehovah to help me. Through my Bible reading, I came upon Psalm 17. I was particularly touched by verse 15: “But as for me, in righteousness I will see your face; I am satisfied to awaken in your presence.” Now, every morning when I wake up, I remind myself how my God, Jehovah, knows better than anyone how to give the comfort and encouragement I need. Despite my difficulties, I can always find a reason to smile.

Yekaterina Olshevskaya

Born: 1984 (Blagoveshchensk)

Biography: Married Anton in 2010. They have a four-year-old son

Anton and her father, Sergey Afanasiyev, were convicted in December 2022 and are serving prison sentences of over six years

Personal Comments

How has your relationship with Jehovah grown during these trials?

For the past five years, I have been exhausted by the court hearings related to the criminal cases of my father, my husband, and now my own case. I am facing the possibility of being sent to prison and leaving our four-year-old son without his parents. Despite this, I can personally echo the words of righteous Job found at Job 42:5: “My ears have heard about you, but now I do see you with my eyes.” Amid these difficulties and with no husband to rely on, I feel Jehovah is nearer than ever. Anton once told me: “Even if I go to prison and am not able to provide for you, you will see how Jehovah is the best family head. He will take care of you.” And Jehovah has shown me such kindness. He does not just silently empathize. He actively provides for my emotional and physical needs, often even before I ask.

Mariya Myasnikova

Born: 1994 (Chernigovka, Amur Region)

Biography: Worked as an office manager

Mariya’s mother studied the Bible with her. Was impressed by the fulfillment of Bible prophecies and the hope of everlasting life. Baptized in 2006

Married Nikolay in 2021

Personal Comments

What helps you to maintain a positive attitude despite these difficult circumstances?

I try not to look at trials as something negative, but as an opportunity to improve my Christian qualities. Gold is purified at a hot temperature. The challenges I am facing now are helping me develop aspects of my personality that Jehovah values and that will help me in the future. I also appreciate what is said at 1 John 2:17: “The world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” All that is happening now is temporary. Knowing this gives me the strength to keep going.

Valentina Yermilova

Born: 1970 (Shimanovsk, Amur Region)

Biography: Worked as a laboratory technician

Married Sergey in 1995. They have one son

Was thrilled to learn about the hope of a resurrection. Baptized in 2009

Sergey was convicted in December 2022 and is serving a prison sentence of six years and three months

Personal Comments

What lesson have you learned through this difficult experience?

I have seen the value of not focusing so much on my own circumstances. Instead, I remind myself that the most important thing is to sanctify Jehovah’s name. Many people consider it an honor to give their life for their country. How much more so do I feel honored to defend Jehovah’s name. I simply want to give Jehovah my very best and glorify him. And I know that he will never abandon me.

We are grateful for the examples of reliance on Jehovah that these sisters provide. And we know that Jehovah will continue to care for and richly bless them.—Psalm 27:3.

Time Line

July 20, 2018

Homes searched
July 22, 2021

All four sisters criminally charged
July 27, 2021

Kristina and Mariya placed under travel restrictions
August 3, 2021

Yekaterina placed under travel restrictions
August 4, 2021

Valentina placed under travel restrictions
May 26, 2023

Criminal trial began

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—SISTERS CONVICTED | Facing Uncertainty With Confidence

Profiles

Time Line

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