Mary

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.

When I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, my life took a drastic turn. I was put on prednisone, a medication that weakened my immune system. This meant that during the pandemic, I had to isolate myself at home. It was during this challenging period that I discovered The Chosen. It felt like a divine intervention, a beacon of hope in a time of despair. My husband and I found solace in every live stream and episode. It was a source of comfort during a particularly rough season of my life. I've been a Christian since childhood, but The Chosen allowed me to experience Jesus in a new and profound way. It was as if I was falling in love with Him all over again. My heart's desire is for everyone to experience the incredible love and redeeming grace of Jesus. I am immensely grateful for The Chosen, for bringing Jesus closer to us in such a unique way. It's like a picture of Jesus, vivid and real, right in our living room.

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 first stumbled upon Chosen through Facebook ads when they were just beginning to partner up. Intrigued, I decided to invest. By the time I watched Episode 4 of Season 1, my excitement had grown, but I was skeptical about how many people I knew would actually subscribe to watch. However, when Dallas made it free on the app, I was over the moon. I couldn't help but share it with everyone I knew. I made a point of showing the "fish scene" to those I thought might be skeptical. To my surprise, they weren't. I had this one friend who I knew would spread the word faster than wildfire if I told her about it. We were both incredibly moved by the Sermon on the Mount and the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Now, I proudly wear the badge of a top fan and am committed to spreading the word about The Chosen to the world. I don't even need a tax deduction for my contributions, but I appreciate that it's an option. I wish more people would donate, even if it's just a little every month. I firmly believe that this show will lead more and more people to discover the authentic Jesus.