October 2nd, 2025, began like any ordinary day for Irish-born singer-songwriter Clare Cunningham — but it quickly turned into one she’ll never forget. During her morning prayer time, she was talking to God about a financial situation connected to her music career when a quiet but distinct thought dropped into her spirit: “Go buy a lottery ticket.” Clare laughed, brushing it off. “Surely that can’t be God,” she thought.

Just an hour later, a friend invited her on a group trip to Europe for the following year. Clare explained that she couldn’t leave the U.S. yet because she was still in the process of applying for her Green Card. Her application had been submitted on April 25th, and under normal circumstances, the process takes one to two years just to get an interview—followed by several more months to receive the card itself.

And under the new administration, that process has become harder than ever. There are more restrictions, additional hoops to jump through, stricter requirements, and significantly longer timelines. For many, this season has been one of the most difficult times in U.S. history to obtain permanent residency. Clare replied to her friend with faith but realism: “If I get the interview and it miraculously gets approved and sent in time, then I’m all in.” Then she simply prayed, asking God to do the miraculous, and went on with her day.

On her way to a business meeting before performing at Recovery Church Nashville that evening, Clare noticed a homeless man standing by the side of the highway. She reached for the spot in her car where she usually keeps cash—nothing. Still, she didn’t want to pass him by empty-handed. She opened her glove box and, tucked inside a small bag, found exactly $2.

When she handed it to him, tears streamed down his face. The man looked up toward heaven and began thanking Jesus right there on the roadside. The moment deeply moved Clare to tears as well. “It reminded me that you can have all the possessions in the world and still feel empty—but when you have Jesus, you have everything,” she shared later.

The business meeting that followed went incredibly well, leaving her encouraged and hopeful about the music industry once again. After soundcheck that evening, she stepped outside and opened her email. Sitting in her inbox was a message from the American Embassy. When she read the words “Your application has been approved,” she was in disbelief. Surely this must be a mistake—she hadn’t even had her interview yet!

She quickly emailed her lawyer to confirm, then went inside to perform at Recovery Church, where she was also surprised with a special gift—a cross to celebrate her 3-year sobriety anniversary. Hours later, back at home, she opened her lawyer’s response and burst into tears. It was true. Her Green Card had been officially approved, and the interview had been waived entirely.

Her lawyer even joked, “It’s your lucky day—go buy a lottery ticket!” Ironically, those were the very same words God had spoken to her that morning.

The timeline was remarkable. From the moment Clare texted her friends at 11:34 a.m. saying it would take a miracle, to the exact timestamp of the approval email at 6:36 p.m.—only 7 hours had passed. Clare couldn’t ignore the symbolism. She’s lived in the U.S. for 7 years, and the card was then produced a few days later on the 7th of October. 7 has always been a number God uses to speak to her.

“The world might call it coincidence,” she said, “but I call it a miracle.”

This moment marked the culmination of a long, challenging journey. Over the past seven years, Clare has navigated three visas, nearly $60,000 in legal and immigration fees, and countless moments of stress and uncertainty. Back in 2020, her lawyer told her it would take “a miracle” for her to ever get approved during that time. Even then, Clare refused to give up or doubt what God had spoken to her heart.

At one point, her lawyer even discouraged her from applying for a Green Card, believing she had little chance of approval. But Clare stood firm, sensing the Lord’s hand on her path. “Thankfully, I disagreed,” she laughs.

Her application process this year faced delays as well. At the beginning of 2024, the COVID-19 vaccine was still a mandatory requirement for the medical exam, and Clare didn’t want to take it. She waited patiently, trusting God’s timing, until the mandate was lifted. Finally, she was able to submit her paperwork in April 2025—and just five and a half months later, on October 2nd, her Green Card was approved.

“From waiting years for approval to getting it in half the time and without an interview—this is unheard of,” she said. “When God moves, He doesn’t just show up… He shows off.”

Reflecting on the journey, Clare points to Joel 2:25:

“I will restore the years the locusts have eaten.”

At the beginning of the year, God gave Clare the word “change” and told her it would happen in September or October. “He came through on that promise,” she said with a smile.

For Clare, this is more than a visa story—it’s a testimony of faith, perseverance, and divine timing. She hopes her story reminds others that God is still in the business of miracles.

“If you’re waiting for your own miracle,” she says, “don’t lose hope. He’s still the God of the impossible.”

And now, with a joyful heart and a renewed sense of purpose, Clare declares: “America, I now call you home.” 🇺🇸❤️