LCEF Housing Loan Helps Pastor and Family
A recent graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Rev. Christopher Crume learned firsthand how important it was to choose a lender with competitive rates and an organized staff.
This past May, Pastor Crume received his first call to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Clyde, North Carolina. He, his wife Megan, and their 15-month-old daughter Caris found their new home in Waynesville after a quick weekend trip, but they also learned that their duplex back in St. Louis had sold—more quickly than they had anticipated.
“LCEF helped process our loan application quickly,” remembers Megan. “We had no holdups on our end, which is a testament to the organized staff with LCEF’s rostered church worker loan program.”
Pastor Crume added, “I remember the LCEF loan officers working late just to make sure everything went smoothly. That personal, caring service was nice.”
LCEF Housing Loan Helps Family Life Minister with Move to Alaska
The son of a pastor, Larry Biel has lived in several states, most recently Nebraska. In the past six months, he accepted a call to Anchorage, Alaska, to serve as the Family Life Minister for Anchorage Lutheran Church.
“It’s 0 degrees here today,” says Biel cheerily. “To some, this may not seem like an opportune place to live, but my family was very supportive of moving here. It was all part of God’s plan.”
Biel’s family in Anchorage includes wife Susan, 14-year-old son Nathan, and mother-in-law Myrtle Hingst. Larry and Susan also have two adult children: Jessica and Jacob.
LCEF vs. Local Bank
Considered part of the “sandwich generation,” Biel needed to find adequate—and affordable—housing in Anchorage for his multigenerational family.
“The cost of living is definitely higher in Alaska than in Nebraska,” comments Biel. “We were already preapproved for a loan through a local Anchorage bank when my son-in-law reminded me about LCEF.”
As a child, Biel faithfully purchased his LCEF Tracky Stamps (now known as the Kids Into Discipleship and Stewardship—or K.I.D.S.—Savings Stamp Program). He also knew that LCEF’s ministry focus involved providing low-cost construction loans to LCMS churches and schools. What Biel didn’t realize was that LCEF offered loans to rostered church workers as well.
“LCEF’s interest rates were lower than the bank’s, and that helped our family purchase the home we were approved for with a lower monthly payment,” notes Biel.
He also likes the automatic debit feature with the loan. “It’s a nice perk. I don’t have to worry about writing a check, finding a stamp, and sending my loan payment on time each month.”
Trusting in Him
Biel says he would recommend LCEF’s rostered church worker loan program to anyone in search of a residential, consolidation, or home equity loan.
“LCEF worked with us to make it happen,” he adds.
And what about living in sub-zero temperatures?
“We trusted the Lord, and this is where we are supposed to be,” says Biel, adding, “and spring is just around the corner! We’re looking forward to that!”