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In 2018, I became a widow. The adjustments that come with losing a long-term partner are immense. Throughout it all, I held onto my faith in the Lord and His promises for widows. It was around Christmas time when I stumbled upon the original short episode that premiered before The Chosen was even produced. As I watched it, tears streamed down my face. I was completely emotionally invested in this short film. I couldn't stop watching it, and I started recommending it to everyone I knew. I felt compelled to learn more about the producers and the people behind this incredible project. My heart and spirit told me that I needed to invest in it, not just emotionally, but financially as well. To be honest, I didn't have a lot of money, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I am so grateful that God allowed me to be a part of it from the beginning. I only wish I had been a wealthy widow so I could have done more. But as Dallas always says, "Loaves and fishes!" In my case, I may have only brought a scrap of bread and a sardine, but it still made me feel incredible to be a part of something so meaningful. I continue to recommend the series to everyone I know. Recently, one of my daughters started watching it too. She has now watched the entire available series multiple times. Surprisingly, she has also developed an interest in Middle Eastern cooking because of The Chosen. I never saw that coming, but it's a nice bonus! I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dallas and everyone involved in this project. God's hand is truly all over it.

My husband, Joe, passed away in June of 2022 after a long battle with cancer. We were married for 35 and a half years and ran our own business before retiring. Throughout our marriage, we were inseparable, spending every day together. In 2000, Joe was diagnosed with his first cancer, and over the years, he faced a total of 10 different cancers. One of the most challenging battles was against stage 4 metastatic lung cancer in 2015, which he fought with immunotherapy and successfully overcame. However, his last cancer was MDS, an incurable blood cancer, and he also had Congestive Heart Failure. Despite all the health challenges, Joe never gave up. In addition to the cancers, he endured three heart attacks, bleeding ulcers, and Heart Bypass Surgery in the final six years of his life. Every day, for 22 years, he fought with unwavering determination, becoming an inspiration to many. When asked about how he felt, Joe would always respond, "Better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow." This simple statement reflects the strength and positive attitude he carried with him each day. Fast forward to December of last year, six months after Joe's passing. Usually, during Christmas time, I enjoy watching all the festive shows and movies. However, last year, I wasn't in the right frame of mind to do so. A friend recommended The Chosen to me, and I decided to give it a try. Every evening, I would watch an episode, and it brought me immense comfort. Going to bed each night, I felt a renewed sense of strength. The Chosen became a turning point for me in my healing journey. Earlier this year, during a Bible study, I told a friend who hadn't watched The Chosen yet, "You will LOVE Jesus...Well, of course, we already LOVE Jesus, but you will understand what I mean when you watch the series." My faith has been my anchor throughout the past 22 years and the challenging year following Joe's passing. The Chosen has also sparked a newfound interest in learning more about the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. I have already watched all three seasons three times, and I plan to start watching it again soon. Each time I watch, I discover something new that I hadn't noticed before. Saying "Thanks" to The Chosen doesn't adequately express the depth of my gratitude for the series. It served as the catalyst I needed to continue on my path of healing, bringing me to where I am today. In this picture taken in April 2022, Joe's spirit for life shines through, capturing his resilience and strength.

I was born into my faith, and over time, I've grown within it, slowly but surely. I've been fortunate to experience God's grace in profound ways, which has deepened my love, devotion, and understanding of Him. Less than a year ago, I stumbled upon The Chosen and decided to give it a shot. From the first episode of the first season, I was captivated. I devoured all three seasons in just three days. The joy and love for Christ, Scripture, and our shared history that this show has sparked in me is beyond words. I've watched it multiple times, and I'm still discovering new details and nuances. In my 80 years, I've never felt such enthusiasm for Christ and the Bible as I have in these past few months, thanks to The Chosen. The show, along with its round table discussions, podcasts, and specials, has been a gift. I only wish I could contribute more financially to the completion of all seven seasons. If God calls me home before I get to experience them all, know that my prayers will continue. I pray that His grace will reach over a billion people through The Chosen, a healing balm for our hurting, broken world.

The release of 'The Chosen' felt divinely timed. Its portrayal of Jesus and Mary Magdalene deeply resonated with my personal journey with Jesus. The acting and casting were impeccable, and it felt like watching my own story. But what makes it even more special is watching it with my 88-year-old mother and brother. My brother endured a 12-year ordeal in an Indonesian prison, unjustly sentenced to death. It seemed like an insurmountable situation, but through global prayers and divine interventions, he was miraculously released in 2021. The simple act of us sitting together, watching any show, is a miracle. Watching 'The Chosen' together is indescribable. Seeing my brother, alive and moved by the show, fills my heart with joy. Thank you, Dallas, for your faith and obedience in creating this show. Your dedication is evident in every interview and story. To God be the glory for the way The Chosen is making history around the world and in my life. Blessings, Monique Amado. P.S. Here's a video of our reunion at the airport after his release: https://youtu.be/swO_7zkdWUA?si=BH3TUXLyy9v6zBz-

I grew up Catholic, but my connection with God was never strong. Life always took precedence. However, a series of events completely changed that. First, I lost my dad, which was incredibly difficult. Then, a year and a half later, my mom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. It was unbelievable and devastating. The doctors gave her three months to live, but she managed to survive for five and a half years. Those years were incredibly tough to witness. She suffered immensely. During that time, I was also dealing with my youngest child's battle with an eating disorder. It was so severe that we had to send her out of state for treatment. Meanwhile, both my daughter and I were diagnosed with the same genetic disease that took my father's life: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. On top of that, I was diagnosed with Polyposis, which means I have a high risk of developing certain cancers. Needless to say, I was completely overwhelmed. Fast forward to St. Patrick's Day 2022, when I lost my brave mother. Just as she passed away, my daughter returned home from the treatment center, supposedly cured of her bulimia. However, a few weeks later, she overdosed on alcohol and ended up in the ICU for four days. Although her bulimia was cured, her anxiety and major depression were left unaddressed. Thankfully, she survived without any brain damage. My husband and I dedicated ourselves to getting her the help she needed for her anxiety and depression. In August, I had to undergo surgery for another medical issue. During my recovery, lying in bed, I felt completely done. I had always been a fighter, always taking care of everyone, but I had reached my limit. It was at that moment that I heard a voice, and I knew exactly who it was. It said, "Stacey, I'm here." That was my turning point. As I recovered, hope returned to my life. For the first time in my 51 years, I started reading the Bible and actually understanding it. I felt guided to reach out to people, including my father's cousin, who has been instrumental in my spiritual journey. It was through him and his wife that I discovered the show, The Chosen. I watched the first episode featuring Mary Magdalene, and her story resonated deeply with me. To know that Jesus is there for us, even when we're at the end of our rope, continues to amaze me. I've watched The Chosen four times now. I've been baptized, started a Bible study group, and we've gone through Seasons 1 and 2 of The Chosen. We're eagerly awaiting Season 3 in September 2020. The best part is that my daughter is doing incredibly well. She's now a freshman in college, majoring in psychology to help others with eating disorders. In July, we even had the opportunity to travel to Goshen, UT, and be extras for the Season 4 Finale of The Chosen. I can't express how much I love this show and how I've been sharing it with everyone. It has truly become a wonderful part of my new life as a Christian.