Derek

My journey as a Christian began amidst adversity and danger. After converting to Christianity, my family and I faced severe threats in Tunisia, which led us to seek refuge in the Middle East. Here, I became part of the Lighthouse Arab World ministry, using media and art to spread the evangelical message. My life took a significant turn when my son introduced me to "The Chosen," a series depicting the life of Jesus. Watching it, I was immediately struck by its artistic depth, the stunning cinematography, and the powerful portrayal of characters, especially Matthew. It resonated deeply with me. "The Chosen" was more than just a series for me; it was a revelation. I saw my own experiences of rejection mirrored in Matthew's life, bringing a sense of connection and understanding. This spurred me and my team at Lighthouse in Egypt and Lebanon to embark on a significant mission: translating "The Chosen" into Arabic and other languages. We recognized its potential to reach hearts in a way few other things could, aiming to make it accessible in 100 languages. The impact of "The Chosen" on the youth across the Arab region has been extraordinary. In places like Beirut, Egypt, and Syria, young people, Christian and non-Christian alike, are experiencing Christ in a completely new light. They're engaging with a story that they've never understood so intimately before. Our work with "The Chosen" is not just about translation; it's about opening doors to new perspectives and hope. It's an opportunity to show God's love and salvation in a way that's relatable and transformative. This is why I'm so passionate about this project – it's more than a series, it's a tool for change, offering a new vision of hope and redemption to all who watch it.

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.