Because of Lynn: Access, Dignity, and Radical Generosity

Some stories don’t just inspire us—they quietly reshape the future.

Lynn Fournier was born with cerebral palsy. As little girls, her sister Kathleen loved her fiercely and faithfully. Every Sunday, Kathleen would bring Lynn to church, navigating front steps that were never designed with her sister in mind. Kind men from the church would lift Lynn—wheelchair and all—up the steps so she could enter and worship.

Until one Sunday.

That morning, the task felt like too much. Kathleen was asked if she could just leave Lynn at home next time.

They never went back.

What should have been a sanctuary became a barrier. And yet, God was already writing a redemptive story that would reach far beyond that moment.

Years later, Kathleen and her husband, Don, chose to respond not with bitterness—but with vision. Out of love for Lynn, and a deep conviction that the Gospel should never be inaccessible, they gave generously to help build a place where no child, teen, or adult with a disability would ever wonder if they belonged.

That gift became Champion’s Club.

Because of Lynn, barriers were replaced with belonging. Specially designed rooms now meet the emotional, physical, educational, and spiritual needs of every Champion. Trained volunteers replaced hesitation. Families began worshiping together instead of taking turns sitting out. Laughter, worship, and the truth of Jesus filled spaces created with dignity, safety, and joy in mind.

Because of Lynn, hundreds of children and adults with special needs now experience church not as a challenge to overcome—but as home—at Canyon Hills Church.

This is the power of access to the Gospel.
This is the legacy of radical generosity.

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
— Mark 10:14

Jesus’ words are both an invitation and a responsibility. The Gospel was never meant to be out of reach, and the Church was never meant to be a place where anyone wonders if they belong. Lynn’s life reminds us that removing barriers—seen and unseen—creates space for faith to grow, families to worship together, and hearts to encounter Jesus.

This vision didn’t stop at Canyon Hills—or even in Bakersfield. Pastors and ministry leaders from other churches have visited Champion’s Club at Canyon Hills, inspired by what they’ve seen, and returned home to launch similar ministries in their own communities. What began as one family’s response to exclusion has multiplied into access to the Gospel for countless individuals and families far beyond our city.

Recently, Lynn went home to be with the Lord. And while we grieve her passing, we also celebrate a life that continues to bear fruit. Kathleen is inviting all who have been impacted by this story—by this ministry, by this vision—to join her in honoring Lynn at her celebration of life on Wednesday, January 28th, at 12:30pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Lynn may have faced barriers early on, but because of her life, countless others never will.

Thank you, Lynn. Your life made room for so many.