Popular Christian TV series The Chosen has shared a video on Instagram of 3,000 orphans in Madagascar watching the show in their own language.
The airing took place at the direct request of the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina.
The Chosen is a Christian historical drama, made in the USA, which claims to be the first multi-season series about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Primarily set in Judaea and Galilee in the 1st century AD, it centres on Christ and the different people who met, followed, or otherwise interacted with Him. Series One has already been watched by well in excess of 300 million people.
'Madagascar has never had an American TV show dubbed in their language.'
Production company Angel Studios said: ‘We need you to understand how beautiful this is. Madagascar has never had an American TV show dubbed in their language. Heck, 75% of the country has no electricity and hasn’t even seen a movie or TV show.
‘But the President there wants The Chosen seen by his country, and so Season One has been dubbed and [is] playing on national television.’
In episode three, Jesus meets two orphans, Abigail and Joshua. The two children are moved by Jesus because ‘He, like them, brushes His teeth in the river, makes His own food, and carves wood.'
Underneath the video the company shared on Instagram of Madagascan orphans watching the show, they said, 'You’ll see in this video, particularly at the end, something that is wrecking all of us: words we wrote, performances we captured, and a scene we filmed, making 3,000 orphans laugh.’
Equipping Pastors Worldwide has trained and resourced pastors across Madagascar. Executive Director James Stileman said: ‘It is fabulous to watch this amazing video footage of thousands of Madagascan orphans sitting spellbound in front of The Chosen. We trust that our efforts have helped local pastors proclaim the gospel more effectively. But we suspect President Andry’s vision – to have this series dubbed in the Madagascan language and broadcast to thousands across the nation – will have an even more significant impact. Bravo, sir!’
