Andrea

When The Chosen first came out, I watched the first season and thought it was pretty good. But that was it, and I moved on. Then, while listening to a podcast sermon, the pastor mentioned The Chosen as his favorite show about the life of Jesus that wasn't corny. He talked about a scene in episode 4 where Jesus told Peter to "get used to different." I couldn't remember that scene, so I went back to re-watch episode 4. I watched it multiple times but couldn't find that specific scene. It must have been in a different episode. So, I started from the beginning with episode 1 and re-watched the whole season. This time, something amazing happened. With each episode, I noticed more and more of the beauty and intricacies of the story, and it really touched my heart. Finally, at the very end of episode 7, I found the "get used to different" scene. By then, I had watched every episode three or four times, searching for that one line that caught my attention. It felt like God was trying to get my attention. Since then, I've been fully invested in The Chosen. I support it financially, share it with as many people as I can, and have been fortunate enough to participate in extra opportunities in Texas and Utah. I've watched every live stream and special that has been created. My life has already been incredibly blessed, but The Chosen has given me a platform to share Jesus with others, something I've always wanted to do but struggled with. I'm grateful for what has been accomplished so far and excited for the impact it will continue to have worldwide. I'm proud to be a small part of this amazing effort.

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.

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-