“Unafraid to Live as a Christian”

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On September 15, 2025, the Kurgan City Court of the Kurgan Region convicted Sister Anastasiya Gaytur and fined her 300,000 rubles ($3,546 U.S.).

Profile

Anastasiya Gaytur

Born: 1996 (Petukhovo, Kurgan Region)

Baptized: 2009

Background: Works as a hairdresser. Her father, Brother Aleksandr Gaytur, is being criminally tried in a separate case

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

Sentence: Fined 300,000 rubles ($3,546 U.S.)

Personal Comments

What has helped to strengthen you during this challenging time?

While facing these trials, prayer has become essential for me. When I feel anxious, I struggle to stay focused. So I have made it a habit to say short, specific prayers in those moments. Each time I do, I see how Jehovah blesses me and gives me strength. This reassures me that he is not waiting until the end of this trial to reward me. Although my life is more difficult now, I am determined not to give up. I will keep praying for courage so that I can remain unafraid to live as a Christian.

How comforting it is to know that, no matter what trials we face, our loving Father, Jehovah, is near to us “whenever we call on him.”—Deuteronomy 4:7.

Jehovah’s Witnesses