When one young boy met Jesus, his story became a spark of faith that’s now lighting classrooms across the nation.
Sometimes God works in ways that take our breath away.
Today’s story reminds us that even in life’s hardest moments, His love and purpose still shine through.
This is Connor’s Legacy.
Listen to the entire conversation between Crystal Thornton and Nate Lundquist in the podcast below
A Movement of Faith in Public Schools
Across America, a quiet revival is unfolding through Lifewise Academy, a program that allows public school students to receive Bible-based character education during the school day with their parents’ permission.
It’s all possible because of a 1952 Supreme Court ruling that permits “release-time religious instruction” when it happens off campus, is privately funded and requires parental consent.
What began in one Ohio community has now grown to more than 1,200 schools in 35 states, reaching more than 50,000 students each week with the hope of God’s Word and that number continues to grow.
Connor’s Story
Among those students was Connor, a bright, energetic boy who loved to make people smile. His teachers describe him as outgoing, curious and full of thoughtful questions. He was the kind of student who wanted to understand why things were the way they were.
When he enrolled in a Lifewise class, that same curiosity began turning toward faith. He asked deep questions about forgiveness, about right and wrong and about God’s love. Over time, the lessons that once sparked conversation began to stir something profound in his heart.
As the school year ended, Connor attended a summer youth camp. There, everything changed. During a worship service, he felt God’s presence so strongly that he surrendered his life to Christ. Witnesses say he wept openly, overwhelmed by grace and peace.
Just two weeks later, tragedy struck. Connor, his father and his grandfather were killed in a car accident.
In the midst of unimaginable loss, Connor’s mother found comfort in knowing her son had given his life to Jesus. Instead of turning away in grief, she turned toward God, volunteering full-time with Lifewise Academy, helping other children hear the same message that changed her son’s life.
A Ripple of Faith
Nate Lundquist, Emmy-winning filmmaker and Vice President of Creative for Lifewise Academy, says stories like Connor’s are happening all across the country.
He’s seen children bring the gospel home to their families, sometimes introducing their parents to faith for the very first time. In community after community, entire families are rediscovering church because a child came home from class talking about Jesus.
Lundquist explains that it’s not just students being transformed. Many parents are coming back to church because of what their children are learning. He’s seen story after story where a student comes home and asks, “Mom, why don’t we pray together?” or “Dad, why don’t we go to church anymore?” Those simple questions have led entire families to rediscover faith.
Across America, the next generation is lighting the spark of revival, one child, one family and one school at a time.
Hope for a Nation
For Lundquist, who also directed the new documentary "Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State," Lifewise’s growth is nothing short of a modern-day miracle.
He believes God is using this movement to remind America that the door to share the gospel is still wide open and that hearts are hungry for truth, meaning and hope.
He also offers a word of encouragement for those who may feel discouraged about today’s culture:
“While the world may seem divided, God is still opening doors — and hearts — in remarkable ways. Be encouraged. This generation is hungry for truth and the gospel is still changing lives.”
Connor’s Legacy
Connor’s short life continues to make an eternal impact. In just one school year, a boy full of curiosity discovered the joy of knowing Christ and through his story, countless other children are now hearing that same good news.
Connor’s mom says her mission is simple: to make sure other students have the same opportunity her son did to experience God’s love.
Her faith — and his legacy — live on in every classroom where a child opens a Bible and learns that they are seen, known and loved by God.
If Connor’s story has touched your heart and you’d like to learn more about bringing Lifewise Academy to your community, visit Lifewise.org.
And for more stories of how God is moving in classrooms, families and hearts across America, visit KLOVE.com/GodStories.
By Crystal Thornton | K-LOVE News & Public Affairs Anchor
Stories that reveal God’s hand at work — in everyday people, extraordinary ways.