Champions

It has taken me forever to even begin to blog what I want to say... and I didn't even begin to put a dent in it!

I have never in my life met a family who I care about so deeply.

John and Dawn:
I love you both so much. You have both encouraged me in every way possible. My life has been changed with not only the love you guys have shown me, but through all the times you both believed in me even when I didn’t think I could do it.


The worship team is probably my favorite memory I must admit. I remember us all trying to learn the song “Great King”. The song you both brought to us from across seas. I still remember Johns face every time we would sing it. We never quite did it the right way, but instead of correcting us John would just put his hand on the side of his face and just smile. It was a smile that always made my heart happy. We were going to make it our own sound not because we wanted to, but just because we couldn’t get the song right now matter how many times we tried. Every time I would look back at John I would think to myself “Uh oh… I think he just gave me the look… did he?” The look always made me feel a little self conscious. Not in a bad way, just in a way of whatever I did with the Champions I wanted to succeed. I wanted to give it my all because John and Dawn never held anything back when it came to serving us teenagers.
We started out with a girl who could sing but not play an instrument, a boy who could play and instrument but not sing, a drummer who couldn’t keep beat, and a bass player who had ADD when it came to the practices. There were frustrations and laughs.

Dawn I remember when you wanted me and the rest of the team to “Free Flow” as you would call it. I thought you were crazy.

You showed me how to worship outside of the box.

And now look at us!

The girl who couldn’t play an instrument is now leading worship with her brand new guitar at The Way!
The boy who could play but not sing is leading worship in Colorado with an amazing voice that he worked hard to develop.
The drummer that had no beat just finished serving at the Oaks as a Jr. High youth leader and is now waiting for the next step from God.
And the bass player who had ADD is a strong warrior for Christ and continues to teach all those around him that no matter the circumstance God is good and faithful!

With all this said I am just trying to get to the point of letting everyone know that if you have ever been lucky enough to meet this couple you know you can’t walk away and not be changed.

They allowed God to use them in many ways and in all of those ways I can guarantee not only for myself, but to many others you were both a great stepping stone in all of our lives because you listened to God soft voice and trusted.

I end this blog with a heavy heart as we say good bye to one of our dearest friends John Champion.


You were a man of God.

An encourager.

A servant.

A Husband and a father.

You were a great mentor who I was proud to tell people that I always looked at you as another dad in my life.

You cared for me and loved me.

Thank You John.

I will greatly miss you, but I am looking forward to the day where we meet in the Golden city of the New Jerusalem.
I love you.

Dawn, as we continue down this road just know you are never alone and God has new and exciting things for you. I am here with you always.

Dan, Chris, and Mihi... I love you guys so much! I thank God often for your friendships... every one is very unique and different... God is great at placing people in others lives...

To God be all the glory and honor and power.
Amen