The director of ministries in Pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston has established a program for Christian families with special needs kids. The idea sprung from Craig Johnson's own son Connor Johnson, who has autism, and whom Craig believes God has used to manifest His power.
Connor developed like any regular baby but when he turned two, something changed in him. Doctors told the Johnsons in 2005 that their child was on the autism spectrum, which was causing speech delays in his development. By some miracle, however, Connor at age 5 began reciting Osteen's declaration before every sermon word-for-word.
"We absolutely lost it," Craig told The Christian Post. "We knew it was a miracle, we knew it was a God thing when he spoke that declaration."
Craig further said that he used to ask God why his son has autism. As a family, he knew they were in for a lifetime of challenges because of Connor's special needs. In praying to God, however, Craig heard that He would use Connor's autism to reach millions.
"You're looking at everything that's wrong with him and not at what's right,'" the pastor shared God's word to him, which he wrote in his book, "Champion."
Three months after that prayer to God, Connor spoke his first words. His parents realized he was actually intently listening to Osteen's sermons.
Today, Connor, who is now in his teens, can quote the Bible, sing worship songs and play the piano. His father also launched the Champions Club, a program designed for special needs kids to help with their mental, intellectual and physical progress. The club has been helping some 300 special needs families in its 60 centers since it began.
Craig also urged families with special needs to never lose hope and trust in God. They must see their situation as an opportunity, rather than a problem, and see how their children can touch other people's lives.
