Out of Focus17 Des 2025

From Soviet Atheism to Unshakable Faith: Helen Bloom Testimony

Faith was forbidden where she grew up — yet God still found her.

In this thought-provoking episode of Out of Focus, Shannon Stewart sits down with Helen Bloom, who was born in the final years of the Soviet Union — a time and culture where religion was outlawed and belief in God was considered foolish and uneducated.

After moving to the U.S. as a child, Helen spent years convinced Christianity wasn’t intellectually credible… until a series of conversations, books, and undeniable moments began to shift her worldview. What unfolded is a remarkable story of curiosity, reason, and the gentle pursuit of God.

If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, questioned faith, or wondered whether Christianity is reasonable — Helen’s journey will challenge, encourage, and surprise you.

They discuss:

Growing up where faith was illegal
Why she dismissed Christianity for years
The intellectual evidence that made her think again
How God pursued her through people + books
Why faith isn’t blind — but deeply reasonable
Encouragement for skeptics + new believers

“I thought faith was for the uneducated… until I started thinking.” — Helen Bloom

No matter where you are on your journey — keep asking, keep knocking. You may discover the One who’s been pursuing you all along.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

03:15 Growing up in the Soviet Union

10:50 Religion outlawed — shaping her worldview

16:25 Coming to the U.S.

22:40 Why she rejected Christianity

29:10 Books + people God used

36:45 When reason met faith

43:20 Encouragement for skeptics

51:00 Helpful resources

56:10 Final encouragement

You are seen. You’re not alone.

Jesus welcomes the questioning heart.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

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#OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

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