From Refugees to Redemption: Violet and Olga’s Inspiring Journey in Between Borders

Beto Gudino
Jan 7
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

A True Story of Faith, Family, and God’s Miracles

Olga and Violet Armenian refugees who came to America. Their story is being told in Between Borders movie featuring Elizabeth Tabish as Violet.

'Between Borders' Movie starring Elizabeth Tabish Review En Español

Between Borders La Película con Elizabeth Tabish toca el tema de una familia Armenia Refugiados en USA

At ChristianPodcast.com, we’re thrilled to share stories that inspire, uplift, and point to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. In our latest episode, hosts Betto and Millie sit down with Violet and Olga, the real-life mother and daughter whose remarkable journey as refugees from Azerbaijan to the United States is now a feature film, Between Borders. Starring Elizabeth Tabish, known for her role as Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, this movie brings their story of faith, resilience, and divine miracles to the big screen. Here’s a closer look at their incredible testimony and why Between Borders is a must-see.

A Life-Changing Journey Rooted in Faith

Violet and Olga’s story begins in Azerbaijan, where ethnic unrest forced them to flee as refugees to save their lives and those of their family. Violet shares how their journey wasn’t straightforward, taking them through Russia, Armenia, and Ukraine before they finally found refuge in the United States. This wasn’t just a physical journey but a spiritual one. Violet, once a Communist party leader tasked with keeping kids away from churches, encountered Jesus in a powerful way through missionaries from the Church of the Nazarene in Russia. “I got saved on my physical birthday,” she recalls, describing the moment she accepted Christ without hesitation.Olga, who experienced the challenges of being a refugee child, emphasizes the strength of family bonds during their trials. “No matter where we were, our family was our shelter,” she says. The bullying and discrimination they faced only strengthened their unity, a theme beautifully portrayed in Between Borders. The film captures their struggles, from fleeing violence to navigating the complexities of seeking asylum, culminating in a dramatic courtroom scene where their faith was tested, and God’s miracle prevailed.

A Miracle on the Big Screen

The story of how Between Borders came to be is a miracle in itself. Violet had long been encouraged to write a book about her experiences, but it was a missionary family from the Church of the Nazarene who saw the potential for a movie. They connected with producer Isaac and his father, Lonnie, who approached Elizabeth Tabish at a Christian festival. Moved to tears by the script and her own Armenian heritage, Tabish signed on to play Violet, bringing authenticity and heart to the role. The film was produced in a tight one-month window, a testament to God’s perfect timing.Why Between Borders Matters

Between Borders isn’t just a movie; it’s a voice for the voiceless—refugees and immigrants who face unimaginable hardships in search of safety and belonging. Olga hopes the film resonates with anyone who’s felt like a “third culture” person, caught between worlds yet finding home in faith and family. “The only difference that made it for my family through all of our tribulations was Jesus,” she says. The movie also highlights the power of community, with the Church of the Nazarene playing a pivotal role in supporting Violet and Olga, both in Russia and during their asylum hearing in the U.S.For Betto and Millie, Mexican immigrants themselves, the story hits close to home. They share their own experiences of cultural disconnection and the challenges of raising children in a new country. Millie recounts how their son, born in the U.S., struggled with identity after visiting Mexico, highlighting the universal longing for belonging that Between Borders captures so well.

A Call to Action

Between Borders is a powerful reminder that God is a God of miracles, working through faith, family, and community to bring hope to the hopeless. The film will be in theaters for three days only—January 26-28, 2025—so don’t miss your chance to see it on the big screen. Visit BetweenBorders.com to find a theater near you and get your tickets. After its theatrical run, it will be available to stream on Angel Studios’ platform (date TBD).At ChristianPodcast.com, we believe in the power of stories like Violet and Olga’s to proclaim Jesus’ name and transform lives. As Beto and Mili declare, “We want to proclaim that the media is for Jesus!” Join us in supporting this incredible film, sharing it with friends, and celebrating the God who turns refugees into redeemed children of His kingdom.