In the 1980's when I was involved with the Lydia Prayer Fellowship, Clifford came to speak to us about preparing for hard times ahead and that we in Lydia, who had been interceding for the nation, would be protected. Following that meeting, I was looking out the back kitchen window and began to claim extra land from the farmer behind our property. I prayed for 20 years for extra land, and meanwhile, I took up the grass in my back lawn, made 6 raised beds and began growing vegetables taking advice from a family who ran a garden centre in the area.
Thirteen years ago, I was waiting on the Lord as the start of the New Year and God led me to read Jer. 32 about how God told Jeremiah to buy a field. I told God I would not try to make this happen or manipulate it in anyway, and if I was hearing right, He would bring the farmer to me. Two weeks later, I received a letter through my door from the farmer, offering me and also 4 of my neighbours an additional 15 metres of agricultural land. So, my neighbours and I began to meet together and negotiate all the details, but it took a whole year of negotiation ( plus spiritual warfare) but finally we each got our extra land.
There was a lot to do, but my family has helped me and now 13 years later, we have 2 polytunnels, several raised beds, and fruit trees and bushes. I have learned how to preserve food (bottle, freeze and dry) over time as well as providing produce for our 2 households ( 7 in the family). It has also been an opportunity to get to know my neighbours better and build community by sharing produce as well as enjoying shared meals together.
One year recently I found that the harvest wasn't very good which was so disappointing. So when I was out on my knees in the garden talking to the Lord about it, He reminded me about Clifford's word and directed me to connect to them and give into their ministry. That was a turnaround for me and I have seen God's hand upon the harvests since from that decision. All glory to the Lord and thanks to Clifford for the warning those many years ago. Now that we are in hard times, I find great comfort that God has been leading and guiding me in such practical ways over so many years now.