A Giving Heart (Continued)

“Some people have a little more than others,” says Cliff. “Maybe I can help people who don’t have as much, and help others learn about Christ.”

Cliff is a wonderful example of a Christian Steward. “We need to give,” says Cliff. “We can’t keep it all for ourselves.”

If you ask Clifford Johnson how he began his lifelong journey of giving, he will tell you, “I learned it from my folks, they both gave what they could.” Cliff resides on a farmstead in rural Nebraska where his family moved when he was six years old. He is a skillful farmer and a willing steward of his gifts.

“Some people have a little more than others,” says Cliff. “Maybe I can help people who don’t have as much, and help others learn about Christ.”

Cliff is a wonderful example of a Christian Steward. “We need to give,” says Cliff. “We can’t keep it all for ourselves.”

“I like to support the work of the Church,” Cliff adds. “I think the scholarships have made a difference for kids who would not have otherwise gone to college.”

“Clifford Johnson is a Swedish wheat farmer. On Sundays at Berea Lutheran Church, he sits in the third row from the back on the right side. He is there almost every Sunday. He gives money away quietly, without fanfare, as Matthew instructs,” says Cliff’s pastor, the Rev. Dawn Coffey.

Cliff’s commitment to the ministries of Church is inspiring. In addition to giving to his congregation, he has supported many of the ministries listed on this page, and countless others.

On October 25th, 2005, Cliff was awarded the “Spirit of Giving Award” by the Heartland Chapter of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives. When notified of the award, Cliff was asked if there was anything in particular he would like people to know about himself, after a short period of silence, Cliff changed the subject.

What is most inspiring is the manner and spirit in which he gives each gift. Each time he gives, it is an act of faith; he spends time praying about what God wants him to do.

“He has a giving heart,” says friend, David Fuerst. “Cliff is one of the most generous people I know, and I am not alone.”

Cliff enjoys his relationship with Lutheran Planned Giving Services and is appreciative of their assistance in developing an estate plan that represent his desires for family and ministry. “They are pretty helpful folks when it comes to planning,” Cliff explained. “I’ve enjoyed working with everyone; they are all good people.”

We are thankful for the impact Cliff has made with the ministries of the Church. But most of all, we are thankful for his giving heart!