A Celebration of Everyone Who Fulfills Their Purpose Through Unexpected Challenges

Until two years of age, Craig and Samantha’s son Connor was just like other kids—playful, verbal, and affectionate. Then everything changed. He stopped talking, displayed behavioral problems, and withdrew into his own world. The official diagnosis—autism. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Craig and Samantha refused to believe a meaningful life for Connor was impossible. God confirmed their faith by revealing to Craig that Connor would one day touch the lives of thousands of people around the world. Craig and Samantha held that unlikely promise in their hearts during the agonizing years ahead. Champion is a spellbinding chronicle of the twists and turns of Connor’s journey—guided by his parent’s steadfast hope in God’s promises. Through the unexpected breaking of their spirits, The Holy Spirit was poured out, culminating in a miracle that has launched a global ministry to the disabled.

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Craig Johnson is currently the senior director of ministries at Lakewood Church with Joel Osteen, overseeing all pastoral ministries and staff, and is the founder of Champions Foundation and the Champions Club developmental centers for special needs, with over 75 centers across the world. Craig is the coauthor of Champions Curriculum, a full-scope Christian curriculum for those with special needs. He is the author of Lead Vertically: Inspire People to Volunteer and Build Great Teams That Last and Champion: How One Boy’s Miraculous Journey Through Autism Is Changing the World. Craig and his wife of 29 years, Samantha, have three children: Cory, Courtney, and Connor.