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, Champion will inspire those in the middle of an unexpected trial to rise up and become someone’s champion.

Ministering to exceptional students can be challenging without the appropriate tools to meet their unique needs. The Champions Curriculum does just that and so much more. The foundation of the Champions Curriculum is the belief that all students, regardless of their abilities and disabilities, can learn. We have a 26 week full scope Christian curriculum for special needs that you can use in a home, school, church or organization. It is based on the tested and proven 7 G’s developmental philosophy which are the “Goal”, “Grab” their attention, “Grasp” the concept, “Guided” practice, “Get” it(reinforcement), “Go”(Take Home), and “Gauge” their success.

Each of the lessons has a comprehensive seven step guide with accommodations and modifications that provide exceptional students access to the concepts taught. It also teaches the basic Cognitive Behavior Therapy concept that our thoughts control our feelings and our feelings have a direct influence on our actions. The curriculum emphasizes that in any situation Champions can be at peace when they trust God and meditate on His Word. Since many of our exceptional students have difficulties with social skills, the lessons in the curriculum were created to enhance these skills. Social emotional skills promote social competence which is the basis for making and maintaining positive relationships.
A bonus included in the Champions Curriculum is a Teacher Resource Binder. This provides valuable tips on how to create a successful learning experience. Finally, the curriculum includes an extensive section on resources available for the families of Champions and ministry volunteers. This curriculum will be a valuable tool to help you effectively minister to those with special needs.

The Champions Curriculum Instructor’s Manual provides a comprehensive detailed step by step tutorial on how to implement the curriculum and so such more.  The purpose of the manual is to equip instructors to confidently teach Biblical principles in an easy, relevant and creative way that engages students while transforming their lives to be committed Christ followers.

The manual was written to be used as a training tool for new and seasoned instructors, volunteers, and pastors. In the manual you will find the answers to; who the curriculum was written for, what skills are taught, how the curriculum was developed, and the numerous ways the curriculum can be taught in a variety of settings.  It provides research based information on tackling the behaviors some Champions may have that kept exceptional students and their peers from learning.  There is a special section on how to minister to parents.

We believe that the special needs ministries are a family ministry, so this curriculum has special instructions for every lesson that supports parents/caregivers as they minister to their Champions in the home. The manual gives special instructions on how to encourage families to minister to their exceptional children each and every day.

PDF Format – Digital download

The family is so important in today’s society. No matter what your family make up may look like God has a plan for you. Families blessed with exceptional children are given a great opportunity with helping them identify, understand, and fulfill their God-given destiny. When we speak blessings over our family members it will then speak hope and life into their future. These devotionals were written to provide the family with tools to achieve their purpose in life. The goal of these easy-to- read faith based devotionals is to increase the Champions and their family members’ love for God and each other as well as provide practical ways to share God’s love with others.

This devotional series includes 31 devotionals, one for each day of the month. Each devotional has a goal, a memory verse, object lesson, vocabulary development segment, practical application, family prayer and a declaration for the Champion and the family. We believe as you spend time developing your faith as a family you will see generational blessings follow you throughout your lifetime. God will accelerate His plan for your lives so dreams are realized and supernatural doors are opened. God has amazing plans for your family’s future.