Derek

What a privilege to join the millions of voices around the world. Let me start by saying that I am not a Christian. I left the church when I was just 14 years old, and now I'm 78. My journey has been long and incredible, so I'll try to keep it brief. For 40 years, I searched for something spiritual. I devoured countless books by amazing teachers, and I had moments of awe and wonder. I studied and practiced, but it was nature that truly spoke to me—the beauty and tranquility of God's creation. However, I still couldn't find a love that felt genuine to me. Something was missing. Then, a couple of years ago, by some undeserved grace, a friend recommended that I watch The Chosen. It was a revelation. The show's messages were more valuable than any diamonds or rubies. It was a feast of love that changed my life. I bought the DVDs for seasons 1, 2, and 3, and every night, I can hardly bring myself to watch anything else. I'm eagerly awaiting season 4. The entire cast is exceptional. Since I have no family, The Chosen family sits with me at the dinner table. Jonathan's portrayal of Jesus is masterful. I feel his love and faith. If I had known this Jesus when I was younger, I doubt I would have ever left the church. Matthew's character resonates with so many of us who have been hurt by not fitting in. I relate to Little James because I also have a broken hip, and I understand the deeper meaning behind why he wasn't healed. As for loving the "bad guys," I can't explain it, but Quintus with his infectious laugh, Atticus with his quiet strength, and Gaius caring for Matthew and befriending Simon—each one is so special. And how could I forget the Zealot? The writers are truly brilliant. They bring Scripture to life in the most incredible way. Their words feel divinely inspired. When I picked up the Bible for the first time after watching The Chosen, it was like the scriptures came alive before my eyes. For 40 years, I wandered spiritually without even realizing I was lost, just like Matthew. But now, Jesus has found me, this old lady. I am overflowing with His love, and I know He is always by my side. When it's my time to go, I trust that He will guide me into the eternal love that He embodies. I must give a special mention to Dallas and his unwavering commitment to answering God's call. I am deeply grateful that he faced his own challenges to bring the love of Christ to the world. I've attached a picture of the Chosen gifts that adorn my altar and greet me every morning during my prayerful writing. They serve as a reminder of the incredible life that has unfolded for me in these later years—all because of my relationship with Jesus. "He won't let me go." I'm currently writing a book about how I encountered Jesus, my master. It's titled A Lantern in the Darkness. This is my legacy. I now have no doubt in His love, and I want to share this with others. We are the lanterns that illuminate the world, and as long as we keep our flames burning bright, darkness cannot prevail.

I remember hearing some actors from Chosen doing readings on the Hallow app during Christmas. I've always been skeptical about Christian shows and movies, assuming they were cheesy with poor acting. But then, both Netflix and Amazon Prime kept recommending it. So, I decided to give it a shot, just one episode. To my surprise, I was instantly hooked. My friends now joke that I could be a marketer for the show, given my newfound passion for it! I'm currently on my third round of watching it and even participating in a Bible study alongside.

The Bible has always been a source of love and inspiration for me. I can't get enough of reading about the people and their stories. I'm always curious about what they were thinking and feeling in those pivotal moments. That's why The Chosen is perfect for me. It brings those stories to life and gives us a glimpse into the backstories of the characters. The writers do an incredible job of staying true to the Bible while weaving together different narratives. I feel privileged to support this project through donations and buying gifts. Recently, my three grandchildren and I decided to wear our Chosen t-shirts to school. It's a public school, so we knew we would get questions. And we did. But we were prepared with answers. I'm not the type to push my beliefs on others, but if someone is curious, I'm more than happy to have a conversation. My grandchildren and I were proud to promote the show and share the message of Jesus, who is the reason behind it all. I want to encourage the team behind The Chosen to keep up the amazing work. I will continue to support you financially and with my prayers. It may not be much, but every little bit counts. Just like the story of the loaves and fishes, even a small offering can make a big impact. God bless you all.

Hello, I'm Josie, a 30-year-old woman from São Gabriel do Oeste, a city nestled in the heart of Brazil. I first encountered The Chosen in 2021, a few months after my father, my rock, succumbed to cancer. His loss left me adrift, searching for something to anchor me. That's when The Chosen came into my life. I was immediately captivated by the series, which portrayed Jesus in a way I'd never seen before - as a human, relatable and real. It was through this depiction that I began to grasp why He had called me. Fast forward to the start of this year, I found myself revisiting the three seasons of The Chosen. This was after a period of self-isolation from church and surviving two suicide attempts. Watching the series again, I found a renewed perspective on life, God, and Jesus. I won't pretend that everything is perfect now. I still grapple with depression, but I'm learning to cope, to keep moving forward. The Chosen has been a beacon of hope in my life, a testament to the power of faith. I'm grateful for the work they do. May God bless them.