Rachel

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've spent my entire life as a Christian, consuming every portrayal of Christ in film and television that I could find. Yet, it wasn't until I watched "The Chosen" that I felt a profound connection to the authentic Jesus. From the very first episode, when Jesus called upon Mary Magdalene, I was hooked. I knew this was something special, something different. The series ignited a passion within me, a dedication and determination that I had never felt before. I was compelled to treat it with a reverence that was new to me. I wanted to see this series reach every corner of the world, just like the shepherd boy in the first episode who declared the birth of Jesus, insisting that people must know. From that moment on, I was all in, and I've remained so ever since. "The Chosen" has had a profound impact on my life, deepening my faith and bringing me closer to the Jesus I've always sought to know.

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.

As someone who has dedicated their life to studying the Bible and teaching adults for over four decades, I've found that the series, Chosen, truly captures the essence of the Messiah. Every Sunday afternoon, we gather as a church family to watch this series, and the insightful questions it sparks are truly remarkable. This portrayal of Jesus is something that needs to be seen by as many people as possible. In American churches, our preaching has often been skewed, focusing on one aspect of the Savior over others. But we're called to follow Jesus as he is, not a version we've created for ourselves. To do otherwise is simply idolatry. The Chosen has done an exceptional job of presenting a holistic view of Jesus, the only one truly worth following. It's a series that strikes at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ, challenging us to see beyond our preconceptions and embrace the full measure of the Messiah.