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Champion: How One Boy's Miraculous Journey Through Autism Is Changing the World
Even on your worst day, you may become someone else’s best hope.
When Pastor Craig and Samantha Johnson moved to Houston to take a position at Lakewood Church, they thought they had it made. Two kids, a great job, a beautiful home, and a solid plan for the future. Their dream, however, was interrupted by the unplanned arrival of a third child, Connor.
Connor grew to become a normal, healthy toddler. When he turned two, however, something changed. He stopped talking, displayed behavioral problems, and was no longer the cheerful, engaged little boy they had known. No one seemed to have answers until the official diagnosis was handed down—autism.
Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds—a child who could not speak or respond with emotion—the Johnsons were filled with unanswered questions and deep sorrow. God quietly spoke to Craig’s heart, telling him Connor’s story would one day touch the lives of thousands of people around the globe. Craig and Samantha held that unlikely promise in their hearts during the years ahead. They accepted the diagnosis, but refused to believe their story was over. God was not finished with the Johnson family.
The Johnsons resolved to love their son with everything they had, no matter what. While Samantha watched over Connor’s daily needs, Craig began to search the Scriptures for promises from God, Bible verses they could all cling to. They made sure Connor did not miss Pastor Joel Osteen’s Sunday morning services and, over time, Craig and Samantha developed a long list of positive verses designed to instill a daily dose of faith, hope, and love into their family.
Then, one day, a miracle occurred.
Connor spoke.
Instantly flooded with a variety of emotions, the Johnsons rejoiced. Their boy could talk. And not only talk but perform a perfect recitation of Pastor Joel Osteen’s opening affirmation: “This is my Bible, I am what it says I am . . .”
Today Connor is a vibrant young man, and his family’s faith-filled response to his diagnosis has launched a worldwide wave of support and attention for special needs children of all stripes. Connor’s life has truly touched the world.
Written with transparency and humor, Our Champion will inspire those in the middle of an unexpected trial to rise up and become someone’s champion.
When Pastor Craig and Samantha Johnson moved to Houston to take a position at Lakewood Church, they thought they had it made. Two kids, a great job, a beautiful home, and a solid plan for the future. Their dream, however, was interrupted by the unplanned arrival of a third child, Connor.
Connor grew to become a normal, healthy toddler. When he turned two, however, something changed. He stopped talking, displayed behavioral problems, and was no longer the cheerful, engaged little boy they had known. No one seemed to have answers until the official diagnosis was handed down—autism.
Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds—a child who could not speak or respond with emotion—the Johnsons were filled with unanswered questions and deep sorrow. God quietly spoke to Craig’s heart, telling him Connor’s story would one day touch the lives of thousands of people around the globe. Craig and Samantha held that unlikely promise in their hearts during the years ahead. They accepted the diagnosis, but refused to believe their story was over. God was not finished with the Johnson family.
The Johnsons resolved to love their son with everything they had, no matter what. While Samantha watched over Connor’s daily needs, Craig began to search the Scriptures for promises from God, Bible verses they could all cling to. They made sure Connor did not miss Pastor Joel Osteen’s Sunday morning services and, over time, Craig and Samantha developed a long list of positive verses designed to instill a daily dose of faith, hope, and love into their family.
Then, one day, a miracle occurred.
Connor spoke.
Instantly flooded with a variety of emotions, the Johnsons rejoiced. Their boy could talk. And not only talk but perform a perfect recitation of Pastor Joel Osteen’s opening affirmation: “This is my Bible, I am what it says I am . . .”
Today Connor is a vibrant young man, and his family’s faith-filled response to his diagnosis has launched a worldwide wave of support and attention for special needs children of all stripes. Connor’s life has truly touched the world.
Written with transparency and humor, Our Champion will inspire those in the middle of an unexpected trial to rise up and become someone’s champion.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
42 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Craig Johnson
7 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Craig Johnson is the founder of Champions Club, a specially designed developmental area for kids, youth, and adults with special needs with the purpose of meeting their needs spiritually, intellectually, mentally and physically. He is currently the Senior Director Of Ministries, at Lakewood Church, the largest and fastest-growing church in America. He and his wife, Samantha, have three children.
Craig Johnson is the founder of Champions Club, a specially designed developmental area for kids, youth, and adults with special needs with the purpose of meeting their needs spiritually, intellectually, mentally and physically. He is currently the Senior Director Of Ministries, at Lakewood Church, the largest and fastest-growing church in America. He and his wife, Samantha, have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 2, 2018
Champion (Thomas Nelson 2018) is the story of one man’s journey into parenthood. It started out like everyone else but suddenly for no reason things changed:
"...The best way I can describe it is like a sudden car wreck."
His beautiful child who seemed exactly like every other child, until he stopped talking, stopped interacting. No one could explain it but Johnson and his wife accepted this as God's will and learned to live with a special child.
That is the heart of this story--learning to accept and cherish what comes your way, even the unexpected. What they weren't ready for was what happened next. Throughout the story, Johnson weaves the strength he derives from his faith. How that above all else helps him accept his son as he is and com tiniest forward.
"... the fight of our lives. We were about to discover that we can’t plan our lives."
"You are not a victim; you are a victor!"
Craig Johnson is an excellent writer with a worthy story to tell, one of patience, perseverance, respect, and ultimately the surprise ending. Anyone who likes stories of overcoming hardship will enjoy this book.
"...The best way I can describe it is like a sudden car wreck."
His beautiful child who seemed exactly like every other child, until he stopped talking, stopped interacting. No one could explain it but Johnson and his wife accepted this as God's will and learned to live with a special child.
That is the heart of this story--learning to accept and cherish what comes your way, even the unexpected. What they weren't ready for was what happened next. Throughout the story, Johnson weaves the strength he derives from his faith. How that above all else helps him accept his son as he is and com tiniest forward.
"... the fight of our lives. We were about to discover that we can’t plan our lives."
"You are not a victim; you are a victor!"
Craig Johnson is an excellent writer with a worthy story to tell, one of patience, perseverance, respect, and ultimately the surprise ending. Anyone who likes stories of overcoming hardship will enjoy this book.
November 7, 2024
This was a spiritual story about special needs children.
March 7, 2018
It's always good to remember where you started so one day you can appreciate how you finished.
This book inspired me to always seek out the one percent that's positive in a situation that seems ninety nine percent awful or heartbreaking. Craig opens up about raising a son who has autism and how they came to know of the diagnosis and what changes they had to make as a family, especially what he had to work on as a Father in seeing to it that he raised a son full of love and that he himself dealt with the negative emotions that threatened to wear him down.
It's an inspiring read and personally, when someone opens up about a moment in time when they questioned everything they'd done because of what they were going through, I believe they are quite the best versions of themselves.
This book will encourage parents and people who interact with people with autism. I'm glad he shared it and yes, Craig, I'm from Kenya and I knew about Conor before reading this book off NetGalley. I happen to enjoy watching Pastor Joel Osteen and Pastor John Gray (#IAmNumber8) preach.
This book inspired me to always seek out the one percent that's positive in a situation that seems ninety nine percent awful or heartbreaking. Craig opens up about raising a son who has autism and how they came to know of the diagnosis and what changes they had to make as a family, especially what he had to work on as a Father in seeing to it that he raised a son full of love and that he himself dealt with the negative emotions that threatened to wear him down.
It's an inspiring read and personally, when someone opens up about a moment in time when they questioned everything they'd done because of what they were going through, I believe they are quite the best versions of themselves.
This book will encourage parents and people who interact with people with autism. I'm glad he shared it and yes, Craig, I'm from Kenya and I knew about Conor before reading this book off NetGalley. I happen to enjoy watching Pastor Joel Osteen and Pastor John Gray (#IAmNumber8) preach.
March 2, 2023
Read it through tears. Many relatable moments as a special needs parent. A very honest story yet pushes you out of your comfort zone and victim mentality.
March 26, 2018
What a great story. I enjoyed the writing style, the story and the message of the book. The author has done a great job of educating me on the subject of autism, while also delivering an interesting and inspiring story. A worthwhile read for anyone (everyone) to help understand those who have autism and the families that support them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 19, 2018
Thank you to netgalley for the download for a review in turn. I thought this was a book about autism....Boy was I wrong. It was about autism but it was an amazing story about Gods grace and mercy and love on special needs all over the world. It brought me in close to God and made me rethink how I treat people who have special needs. This is a heartwarming story and you will not be disappointed when you read it. #netalley
April 30, 2018
Most of the time when we feel broken, down-trodden and dealing with our challenges, we can't see how any of it would turn out for good in anyway. In "Our Champion" Craig Johnson, shows how pushing through, trusting God, praying and continuing to believe can take that brokenness, those challenges, that hurt and change it into something wonderful, if we'd only let God in. Highly recommend.
September 17, 2024
wonderful story uplifting in so many ways.
May 31, 2019
This is the amazing true story about Craig Johnson and his wife raising their autistic son Connor, chronicling the hardships but also the miracles. It is wonderful encouragement for parents of children with special needs. The author is a children’s pastor at a large church in Texas. He started a ministry for special needs children at the church, which was far-reaching and successful.
July 7, 2019
This is the amazing true story about Craig Johnson and his wife raising their autistic son Connor, chronicling the hardships but also the miracles. It is wonderful encouragement for parents of children with special needs. The author is a children’s pastor at a large church in Texas. He started a ministry for special needs children at the church, which was far-reaching and successful.
September 28, 2019
surprisingly informative, a wonderfull ministry that has long been lacking
April 6, 2018
Have the tissue box handy when you read this book. This book will have you crying. The honesty and transparency make little Connor feel like he's your own brother. And then a miracle occurs and hope is renewed. This book will fill you with hope, and surety of your own self.
I am rating this book 5 *****stars and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy Christian stories.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
I am rating this book 5 *****stars and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy Christian stories.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
December 10, 2018
"Champion" by Craig Johnson is a nonfiction book. Craig is a pastor. He shares his story about the ups and downs of raising an autistic son. He shares the ups and downs to help others in the same situation handle their situation. He started a club at their church called Champion Club for special needs kids and their families. Craig tells these families to pray strongly and constantly to handle their stresses. He also tells them to keep pressing on in the middle of their stresses and not give up. I commend him for writing such an encouraging book . The special needs population needs this encouragement since they face so many challenging times. It is important for the churches to have a special needs support group to encourage these families. He says their are very few churches that have the support group like Champion Club. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for sharing this book with me to read and review. I look forward to sharing my review on my blog, facebook, CBD, Amazon, Goodreads, with pastors and friends at my church. It is wonderful Craig Johnson took the time to share and support these families since life really presents difficult challenges in their lives.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews