Derek

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.

I was born into my faith, and over time, I've grown within it, slowly but surely. I've been fortunate to experience God's grace in profound ways, which has deepened my love, devotion, and understanding of Him. Less than a year ago, I stumbled upon The Chosen and decided to give it a shot. From the first episode of the first season, I was captivated. I devoured all three seasons in just three days. The joy and love for Christ, Scripture, and our shared history that this show has sparked in me is beyond words. I've watched it multiple times, and I'm still discovering new details and nuances. In my 80 years, I've never felt such enthusiasm for Christ and the Bible as I have in these past few months, thanks to The Chosen. The show, along with its round table discussions, podcasts, and specials, has been a gift. I only wish I could contribute more financially to the completion of all seven seasons. If God calls me home before I get to experience them all, know that my prayers will continue. I pray that His grace will reach over a billion people through The Chosen, a healing balm for our hurting, broken world.

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.

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.