HAPPY VETERANS DAY Honoring the Veterans of Good News Magazine & All Who Served
Pastor Ikie T. Bunton June 2013
Missionary Barbara Stockton August 2015
Pastor Ikie T. Bunton
Pastor John Lang
July 2015
June 2015
Rev. Dr. Aaron Munford June 2016
Dr. Maurice R. Harvey Sr. September 2018
Publisher Note "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:13-14 (NIV)
I am moved by the words of the late phenomenal poet Maya Angelou, “There is nothing greater than you can say to God than thank you, thank you.” In this season of thanks, I say, thank you, Jesus, for all you have done in my life. Thank you, Jesus, for your blessings and your saving grace. Thank you, Jesus, for my family, friends, and foes. And, thank you, God, for allowing me to continue to spread the Good News and shine a positive light on your people . Spreading the Good News!
CHURCH SIGN
Proverbs 25:25
Shining Lights: 4-7
Reginald Bolton Veterans of Lincoln Garden Lincoln Gardens Community
Health & Awareness: 13 2019 Miles For Moffit Faithful Servant: 2
Th e Veterans of Good News
Upcoming Events: 13-14
GOD WELCOMES EVEN THE BIGGEST TURKEYS
Lastly, I say thank you to the supporters of this body of work. Your words of kindness, expressions of love and support keeps me inspired as I aspire to press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling. God’s Blessings,
A THANKFUL
Linda E. Edwards Founder/Publisher
CALL 813-337-9860 WRITE P.O. Box 293 Lutz, FL 33548 E-MAIL agoodnewsmag@gmail.com WEB leeprintpublish.com & issuu.com/goodnews0
VA Mortgages 19-22
In honor of Veterans Day, I extend a heartfelt thank you to the heroic men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your service, and thank you for your love. I also extend a very special thank you to the Veterans of Good News Magazine. Not only do I thank you for your service to our country, I also thank you for your contributions to our communities, and I thank you for allowing me to share your wonderful works with others.
David Smith, (Sgt) retired
November 20, 2019 is the deadline for the December 2019 issue! Christian Commentary: 23
B.E. Garmon, Sr., M.Div
HEART IS A HAPPY HEART
GOOD NEWS is a free monthly publication, printed copies are only available while supplies last. Disclosures: Publication deadlines are the 15th of each month unless other wises stated. Good News has front cover space for a Shining Light. We would love to feature your ministry, leaders and/or youth and children who are doing extraordinary things for consideration for the upcoming issues. You may also submit good & faithful servants. There is not a cost for the mentioned sections of Good News but is subject to availability. All written communication may be edited for length and clarity and cannot be returned. The Editor reserves the right to change policies and advertising rates without prior notice. The editorial and health content presented in Good News is for informational purpose only. It should not be substituted for advice from a competent professional. Any similarity in stories and articles, other than those indicated to be factual, by characterization or name, to persons living or dead, is unintended and purely coincidental .
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LINCOLN GARDENS A VETERAN BUILT COMMUNITY By Linda Edwards
On Saturday, October 26, 2019, I had the pleasure of attending the Mother’s, Fathers and Children of Lincoln Gardens Community Program held at the David Barksdale Senior Center in Tampa, Florida. The theme was “Watering Flowers of Many Generation to Come,” the historic program was lined with a list of community officers and activists; in attendance was… Guido Maniscalco, City Council District 6, Dr. Maurice R. Harvey Sr., LTC, Army (ret), Officer Willie Lee, Donald L. Dowridge, Jr., and Rev. Prentiss Davis, to name a few. There was even a touch of inspiration provided by the poetic sounds from the members of I Heard Them Say and military effects by Howard W. Blake Sr. High School, ROTC, lunch was also provided. There I learned the rich history of the Lincoln Gardens community, as told by Dr. Maurice R. Harvey Sr., “It was not until the transition of Black soldiers returning home from World War II, that it came to the attention by MacDill Field Base Housing that there were no accommodations for Black soldiers and their families.” It was through the efforts and persistence of those first military veterans and families that in 1948, the Veterans administration developed the first planned Black subdivision, Lincoln Gardens.” I also witness former and present residents bond after years of separation and heard fond memories of “Life in the Gardens.” In conversation with the Chairman, Reginald Bolton, a lifelong resident of the community. He stated, he formed the honorary program as a form of appreciation of the two living World War II Veterans, Moses Thomas, and David Bryant. Their wives Lillian and Mrs. Bryant and to the other “Original Gardeners,” Deloris Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Masalina Britt Nichols, Harold Clark, John Bolton, Delores Sims, Betty Baker, Lucille Niles Franklin, Harvey Nichols, Ella Myers, Minnie Lee Simmons, Rosa Lowe Bellamy, Dorothy Newton, Lillian Jackson, Bessie Honeywell, Beatrice Newton, and Dr. Hazel Harvey. In the next seven pages that follow, I share the biography of the Chairman, Reginald Bolton, the Lincoln Gardens Timeline, Heroes of the Gardens, and pictures from the program. Enjoy! Special thank you… Dr. Maurice R. Harvey (LTC) retired, for the invitation to attend the service and for the consent of use of the historic content borrowed from the “Mother’s, Fathers and Children of Lincoln Gardens program booklet. (Lincoln Gardens Timeline and the Heroes of Lincoln Gardens pages) Facts: In 2016, Dr. Harvey lead the way by working with his community members and USF Institute of Black Life to bring about a change for the present and the future of the Lincoln Gardens and Carver City communities, which was being engulfed by big businesses in the Westshore District. Through their hard work and dedication, the Lincoln Gardens Timeline was written. In addition, the Carver City/Lincoln Gardens area was established as a Historical Community in Hillsborough County and in the City of Tampa. Dr. Harvey is currently in the processing of writing a book on the history of Lincoln Gardens. This book is tentatively set to be released in the year of 2020. Orders: To order a DVD or photos of the program contact Reginald Bolton at 813-810-2906 4 | GOOD NEWS | To Advertise Call 813-337-9860
REGINALD BOLTON CHAIRMAN Reginald Bolton was born in Tampa, Florida, and grew up in the community of Lincolns Gardens. He is the son of Doris Bolton Washington and Anthony Washington Sr. Reginald states he has been passionate about his community since he was a child and at the age thirteen, he and was affectionally given the title of “Mayor” of Lincoln Gardens by a Dr. Green, a former dentist, and resident of the community; because of his acts of kindness for the elderly and the children. He jokily states, after his years of service as Mayor, he was self-appointed as Governor of Lincoln Gardens. After reflecting on his life in Lincoln Gardens and his love for the community and the people within he was inspired to honor the seniors and bring the community back together. After eight weeks of planning the Mother’s, Fathers and Children of Lincoln Gardens, “Watering Flowers of Many Generation to Come” program formed. About Reginald After graduating from Howard W. Blake Adult High School, Class of 72, Reginald was unable to march to the same tune as his family of service men and women; which includes his grandfather, brothers, uncles, cousins, nephews and his nineteen year old niece who recently completed based training. This exclusion was due to his brothers enlisting prior to him, leaving him as the one son available to the family. Therefore he began a career with Borden Dairy, who later sold to Sunstate Dairy. He started his career as a machine operator and clean-up personal. After elevating his knowledge of the business, he was promoted to a supervisory position and quickly excelled to the position of plant superintendent. After 20 years of dedicated service between the two companies he decided to launch his own dairy business and developed the Fresh Start Distribution Center. Fresh Start offered dairy products such as milk, cheese, eggs, sour cream butter, yogurt, ice cream, fruit juices, and orange juice. After a successful run in the business he later sold his company and accepted employment with Wiggins Dairy, Velda Farms Dairy, and Instantwhip Foods. After four years of employment between the three companies, he returned to a life of retirement and is now enjoying every minute of it. In his quest to stay active; he is dedicated to a life of service, he serves as the Facility Manager for the Carver Center Lincoln Gardens Civic Association. He also volunteers as President of Blake High Alumni Booster Club. He is also a member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. Reginald is the fourth of five children (one deceased), a single father of five adult children, and grandfather of nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His favorite scripture is Psalms 23; he is a lover of football and loves to dress in the latest male fashions. ###
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Lincoln Gardens Neighborhood Timeline One of the most fascinating things in life is the sparkling glow of a well-polished diamond. But which is even more interesting is how diamonds are formed. This has been a question pondered by scientist for years and the answer has been from a few days (man-made) to millions of years. Diamonds are created under extreme pressures and temperatures hundreds of miles below the surface and spewed from the bowels of the earth’s mantle. Natural diamonds are formed in clusters found in kimberlite, a volcanic rock, which is broken, separated, the rough edges smoothed, polished and formed into a beautiful gem. Black neighborhood formation throughout history in the south stems from formal laws of segregation and Jim Crow, creating the social norm of the time, emulating the stories of segregation in the United States. But through it all, black neighborhoods have played an important role in the development of both African-American culture and American culture. 1949 Through the urging of Veterans through MacDill Field Base housing the VA through the Commonwealth Homes of Miami developed plans to build a black subdivision to be called Lincoln Gardens. Letter/Flyer mailed out for the sale of homes June 17, 1949 1950 The first three model homes were built on Spruce Street (3903, 3905 & 3907) in Lincoln Gardens 1951 37 more homes were built in Lincoln Gardens on Spruce Street, Walnut, and the Southside of Pine Street 1954 Home construction for African-American Veterans resumed after the end of the Korean (conflict) War (starting at Grady Avenue) 1955 The Claxton Manor Hotel was on Cypress Street, between Hubert and Manhattan, Carver City. (Leon Claxton was an entertainer and often brought stars to the hotel to perform). 1957 Lincoln Gardens Progressive Homeowners Association Inc. was started by Mr. J. C. Bozeman and Mr. David King (Pine Street) Formed to stop the rezoning of property in the Lincoln Gardens to Commercial property to be used by Central Truck Lines represented by Atty. Francisco Rodriguez. 1957 City of Tampa Sanitation Department Building is Built in Carver City 1968 One of the first three (Black) Forest Heights Little League teams charter in Carver City (One played for the Dodgers) 1971 County Jail West opened on Spruce Street 1981 Forest Height Community Center addition completed in August 1981 1983 Westshore Alliance (including Carver City/Lincoln Gardens) is founded with Ron Rotella as director; On October 4, Carver City Civic Club and Carver city Homeowners Association, Inc. merge 1984 Carver City Civic Club and Lincoln Gardens Progressive Homeowners Association, Inc. merge with Dave Brown as president 1986 Carver City/Lincoln Gardens civic and Homeowners Association, Inc. (Plaintiffs Laurel B. Stringer, Vonciel Williams, Roberta Gibson and Lizzie Hundley) sues Hillsborough county, Count Sheriff, Tampa city Council and Mayor Sandy Freedman, requesting temporary restraining order on County Jail West existence in CC/LG, urging it to relocate to eastern Hillsborough County
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Lincoln Gardens Neighborhood Timeline 1988 Resident Loretta Ingraham forms Civic Action Association of Carver City. Lincoln Gardens oppose compromises with developers coming into area 1990 Mayor Sandy Freedman and department heads meet with residents at Loretta Ingraham to listen to their concerns – mainly relief from heavy traffic and rapid commercial growth in Carver city/Lincoln Gardens 1991 Hillsborough County commission approves redistricting plan that moves eastern section of Carver City from District 1 to District 3, strengthening a minority voting block. Hillsborough County Commission approves a Neighborhood Bill of Rights, giving Carver City/Lincoln Gardens residents a voice in the fate of trailer still on site of former jail 1994 Home Depot opens at N. Dale Mabry and Spruce Street at Lincoln Gardens south of Lincoln Gardens and east of Carver City, greatly increasing traffic in area 2008 Tampa City Council gives preliminary approval to Businessman Joe Redner and son, Joey, to open a micro-brewery on Spruce Street near N. Dale Mabry with African American council members Gwen Miller and Rev Thomas Scott casting the only “no” votes 2009 Tampa City Council approves one-year extensions for the Cigar City Microbrewery 2010 Tampa City Council approves another one-year extension for the Cigar City Microbrewery CC/LG Civic Association partners with Cigar City Microbrewery for scholarships for CC/LG high school graduates 2013 FDOT responds to CC/LG Civic Association regarding I-275 construction project, but residents not satisfied with progress Lincoln Gardens A centrally located neighborhood, City programs and County grants have brought new trees, landscaping projects, street signs, sidewalks, lighting and road paving to this neighborhood. See how a little change can make a big difference. Travel to Lincoln Gardens, a unique neighborhood with a history of its own. Lincoln Gardens was a planned community for African Americans and was developed by Commonwealth Homes of Miami with the first homes built in 1950. The Korean War halted further construction until 1954 and the neighborhood was then marketed to African American servicemen. Commonwealth Homes donated a playground to the neighborhood, now operated by the City of Tampa. Today, the neighborhood maintains its post-war charm with block homes depicting the clean architectural lines of the 1950s era. Church 1964 Founders of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens Rev. John Stephens Yan Massey Jessie Weems George Williams James Gibson Recreation Center Lincoln Gardens – Lincoln Gardens Park – Super Bowl Special Thanks A special thank you to Mrs. Delores Sims in support of getting the historical marker
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Mothers, Fathers & Children of Lincoln Gardens “Watering
Flowers of Many Generation to Come�
The Honorees: Wives of World War II Veterans & Original "Living" Seniors of Lincoln Gardens
World War 11 Veteran - Mr. Moses Thomas & Mrs. Lillian Thomas Delores Sims
Donald Hough Presider
Officer Willie Lee City of Tampa Police Dept.
Dr. Maurice R. Harvey Sr.
Guido Maniscalco
LTC, Army (ret)
City Council Member District 6
Frances Jennings Donald Dowridge Harvey Nicholas
Howard W. Blake Sr. High School - ROTC
Poems Read by, I Heard Them Say
The Committee
A HOME REMEMBERED: The Story of the North Boulevard Homes 1937-2017 by Dr. Maurice R. Harvey Sr. (Author), Dr. Hazel S. Harvey (Author)
This book should offer a sense of richness of the Black residents who were a part of the community of Blacks that once lived or still live in the North Boulevard Homes in Tampa, Florida. Several of the persons who lived in North Boulevard were the first to achieve a goal and to gain recognition for that achievement which was is very important as a symbol of hope and a beacon of light for the future. These men and women are living proof that it is possible to have great careers and enjoy the success which provided for them a substantial lifestyle tha lead to a comfortable retirement. As a community, African Americans no matter how oppressed have nurtured positive values, set future goals ans passed them own to furture generations. They showed that it was possible to reach the glass ceiling and brek the monolithic system expression and segregation. Search: 1732017719
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Hardback available by email: mrharvey@bctsolutions.net Paperback available on amazon.com search: 1732017719
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS 11/10 - 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Memorial service to all Veterans. , Especially the seven Vila Brothers that all served in the military from WWII to Desert Storm. Combined with the grand opening of the renovated Villa Bros. Park. Besides the service at 2:00 we have games for the children a jump house, Santa's drill team free flags. Vila Brothers Park - 700 N. Armenia, Armory Gardens, FL FREE 11/10 - 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Veterans receive free general admission, with 50% off general admission for up to four guests. Thank you for your service to our country. Let your ticketing agent know upon arrival that you are a veteran to redeem this offer. 249 Winward Passage, Clearwater, FL 10:00AM - 06:00PM www.seewinter.com/event/veterans-appreciation-days/ 11/11, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, FREE, VETERANS PARADE, the Veterans of Pescara Lake and Swan Lake are coming together for a golf parade and cookout in honor of all the Veterans. 9:45 a.m. they will meet at Pescara Lake Clubhouse to start parading around both communities. They will end up at Swan Lake for a cookout and entertainment. Pescara Lake - 570 57th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 11/11, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, FREE, VALUE BASKET WITH I.D - VETERANS, AT CULVER'S 3500 EAST BAY DRIVE, LARGO , FL 11/11, 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM VETERANS DAY BBQ, FREE Entree for Veterans & Active Military personnel. Honor those who serve and have served this Veterans Day. Join us Monday, November 11th and celebrate Veterans and Active Military persons.
Inspire courage and beat cancer by participating in Miles for Moffitt presented by AutoNation. Since 2006, the annual Miles for Moffitt event has brought together thousands of runners, walkers, wheelchair racers, volunteers, survivors, caregivers, supporters, and friends in a courageous community effort to end cancer. One hundred percent of proceeds fuels research and empowers scientists at Moffitt Cancer Center to find a cure.
Raising more than $1.1 million in 2018, you helped save lives and bring us closer to a day when cancer is no longer a diagnosis to be feared.
We look forward to seeing you at Amalie Arena's Ford Thunder Alley in November to kick off our 14th annual event.
Thank you for helping save lives and defeat cancer by supporting Miles for Moffitt! Visit: https://shar.es/a3npml Register Forma A Team Join A Team Donate
PRESENTED BY
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY GULF VIEW SQUARE MALL FALL ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW, 10/19 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM—FREE—Come enjoy your day at the Gulf View Square Mall Fall Arts and Craft Show! Many local, creative artists & crafters! Face Painting! Kids Crafts! Fall Photo Booth! Raffles & Drawings! 9409 US HWY 19, Port Richey, FL DAY OF THANKS 2019 - FREE TURKEY GIVEAWAY, 11/23 - 9:00AM - 12:00PM, Day of Thanks 2019 is a free community event by Winners' Worship Center where we share our love for the community, one turkey & one family at a time. We provide turkeys, groceries, free clothing, entertainment for the adults & activities for the children. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/day-of-thanks-2019-tickets-74858623157 PRE-THANKSGIVING TURKEY BOWL, Join us the day before Thanksgiving at Yard of Ale for our annual Turkey Bowl Wednesday, November 27th! Proceeds support Meals On Wheels of Tampa, Yard of Ale Soho - 406 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, FREE, https://www.facebook.com/events/2458130130941660/
Thursday, November 28, 2019
“Let gratitude be the Pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.
PASCO COUNTY KID CARE FAIR, 11/16 - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Kid Care Fair features local vendors, health care providers, and kid-and-family friendly businesses at this free event. Pasco-Hernando State College - 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL https://phsc.edu/about/events PINELLAS COUNTY PINELLAS TECH COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIP CAREER FAIR, Looking For A High Paying Career and a Zero-Debt Education? Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Pinellas Technical College (PTC) Have Both! 11/14 - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Pinellas Technical College - 6100 154th Ave N, Clearwater, FL
POLK COUNTY LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY MEAL, Lighthouse Ministries’ will be serving two Thanksgiving meals this year at the Men’s Gospel Rescue Mission. We will be serving a meal on Wed, Nov. 27, & Thurs, Nov 28. Both meals will begin at 6:00pm. We will be having worship services and a good time of fellowship. Men's Gospel Rescue Mission - 117 E. Magnolia St, Lakeland, FL, 6:00PM 7:30PM Lighthousemin.org 14 | GOOD NEWS | To Advertise Call 813-337-9860
And let faith be the Bridge you build to overcome evil & welcome good” - Maya Angelou
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Do you rent your home? Do you pay on time? Your credit score should reflect this! Visit the links below or call 813-516-4648 to learn more. www.ucespp.net/LEdwards18 | www.myfes.net/LEdwards18 Other Services Offered: Credit Restoration | Debt Payoff | Credit My Rent | Secured Credit Cards Credit Monitoring | Identity Monitoring |And More! To Advertise Call 813-337-9860 | GOOD NEWS | 17
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No, commonly the buyer/borrower will have the VA funding fee included into their loan amount
Not true. The laws and process surrounding appraisal independence are almost identical to conventional mortgages The only item that will sometimes arise during a VA appraisal is if the subject property has chipping and peeling paint anywhere . In most states, there will have to be a termite inspection done on the property, however the cost of that is negotiable between the buyer and seller.
Absolutely not. The compliance laws surrounding disclosures and closing are identical to conventional loans. The lender has some extra tasks they have to perform, but when working with a reliable lender, the time lines and process are the same.
No . Your fees for title and conveyance will be identical, as well as your property tax preparations
Vice President of Business Development NMLS: 1632145 11757 Katy Freeway, Suite 1300
davidsmith@mutualmortgage.com
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The department of VA will guarantee a loan to any active military or veteran that served the proper amount of time and meets program requirements.
Not true. The laws and process surrounding appraisal independence are almost identical to conventional mortgages The only item that will sometimes arise during a VA appraisal is if the subject property has chipping and peeling paint anywhere . In most states, there will have to be a termite inspection done on the property, however the cost of that is negotiable between the buyer and seller.
If you are now on active duty, eligibility can be established after 90 days of continuous active duty. Upon discharge or release from active duty eligibility must be reestablished..
If you are not otherwise eligible and you have completed a total of six credible years* in the Selected Reserve or National Guard (member of an active unit attended required weekend drills and two-week active duty for training) and one of the following:
• • •
•
Were discharged with an honorable discharge Were placed on the retired list Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service
Continue to serve in the Selected Reserve *Individuals who completed less than six years may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability.
• •
•
• •
•
• •
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The department of VA will guarantee a loan to any active military or veteran that served the proper amount of time and meets program requirements..
Officers - After October 16, 1981
Contact your lender
No, VA Home Loan benefits never expire, you can use your VA benefit as long as you’re alive.
• • The VA Mortgage can be used several times over. If the previous home was sold, your entitlement should be fully reinstated.
• •
• • •
You are an un-remarried spouse of a Veteran who died while in service or from a service-connected disability You are a spouse of a Service member missing in action or a prisoner of war You are a surviving spouse in receipt of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits in cases where the Veteran’s death was not service-connected.
The maximum loan amount is based by county, but in most counties, unless expanded loan limits apply, the maximum loan is $484,350. You can borrow any loan amount you like, you will just be responsible for 25% of the borrowed amount that is over the county loan limit. Example: Buyer decides on a home with a purchase price of $550K in a county with a $484,350 loan limit.
Buyer would have to bring $16,412 to closing table in order to buy a $550K home.
There are three websites that should be able to help you, they are:
*If you have difficulty retrieving information from any of these sites, the local recruiting office for your branch would be able to assist.
The VA does not have a minimum credit score, but lenders will have their own internal overlay. If your score is greater than 580 you are likely a candidate for the VA Mortgage
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You can, with the same terms as buying a detached single family residence, however, we do have to see if the condo association is VA approved. We can check this website: vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/VBAHome/condopudsearch
I relocated here and have a home in my hometown. I kept the home and it has a VA mortgage on it now. Can I get another VA mortgage? You can get another VA Mortgage. Mutual of Omaha Mortgage will calculate your remaining entitlement to compute your maximum loan amount with no money down and/or what you would have to put down if you exceed the remaining entitlement.
Yes. But there are several clauses that may make this difficult to accomplish. Many veterans use their VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility to negotiate in good faith a private home construction loan and then refinance the completed home using VA Home Loans.
There is a mandatory funding fee on all VA mortgages (unless the borrowing veteran is receiving a VA related disability, then the funding fee is waived) the funding fee is built over and above the loan amount and the fees are as below:
None 10% or more None 10% or more
2.15% 1.50% 1.25%
1.50% 1.25%
1.75% 1.50%
1.75% 1.50% David Smith Vice President of Business Development NMLS: 1632145 281-745-0147 11757 Katy Freeway, Suite 1300 Houston, TX 77079 davidsmith@mutualmortgage.com https://thevaloan.org/
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CHRISTIAN COMMENTARY STEWARDSHIP
First Union Missionary Baptist Church FORGETTING! REACHING! PRESSING! Rev. B.E. Garmon, Sr., M.Div., Pastor
(What Did You Do With It?) Part III
3707 East Chelsea Street Tampa, Florida 33610 Church: 813-238-1205
In understanding Stewardship, Paul takes it a step further in 1 Corinthians 9:17 as he considers his call to preach as a Pastor B.E. Garmon, Sr. ’divine trust’. God actually ‘trusted’ Paul to carry His Word! In this context, Paul is portraying God as the Master of a great household, wisely administering it through Paul himself as the obedient servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also significant in what Paul is saying is that once we’re called and placed into the body of Jesus Christ, the stewardship that is required of us is not a result of our own power or abilities. The strength, inspiration, and growth in the management of our lives must come from God through the Holy Spirit in us; otherwise, our labor is in vain and the growth in stewardship is nothing more than self-righteous, or human growth. Therefore, we must always remember that God Himself is source of our strength, nothing of ourselves, which leaves us no room to boast! (Philippians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:9). More often than not, when we think of good stewardship, we think of how we manage our finances and our faithfulness in giving God’s tithes and offerings; but it’s much more than that. In fact, it’s more than just the management of our time, our possessions, our environment, or our health. Stewardship is our obedient witness to God’s sovereignty. It’s what motivates the follower of Christ to move into action, doing deeds that manifest our belief in Him. Stewardship defines our practical obedience in the administration of everything that God has placed under our control, everything entrusted to us. It is the consecration of one’s self and possessions to God's service. Stewardship acknowledges in practice that we do not have the right of control over property, finances, material goods, or even our own body — that control belongs to God! (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) I Remain In “HIS” Service… Pastor B.E. Garmon, Sr.
B.e.garmon@firstunionmbc.com
Online https://issuu.com/goodnews0 leeprintpublish.com Hillsborough County: Center of Agape Christian Counseling First Union M. B. Church Mt. Moriah M. B. Church New Beginning Ministries In Christ True Vine Gospel Church Sure Word Fellowship Common Ground Ministries Mind of Christ Holy Ghost Filed Ministries Int’l Edwards Grocery Konan BBQ Hi Style Fashion G. Q. Fashions Willie T’s Barber Shop The Most Nails Icon Spa & Beauty Salon Sassy Angel Salon | Alianas Meat Market Big John’s Alabama Bar-B-Que Tampa General Hospital (ER) St. Joseph Hospitals (ER) Advent Health Hospitals (ER) Dr. Vijay Diwadkar Pediatric Dentistry by Dr. Jerry Copeland II Pinellas County: St. Anthony Hospital (ER) Bay Front Hospital (ER) Lakeview Market Novell Express Food & Deli Silverlinning Beauty Center Images by Anderson & Co Looking Good—Men & Boys Fashions Hernando, Pasco & Polk County: Locations coming soon! Contact us to add your business or ministry to our distribution list. Printed copies are on display while supplies last.
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Good News Magazine P.O. Box 293 Lutz, FL 33548
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Linda Everett-Edwards, Realtor La Rosa Realty, The Elite LLC Certified Agent Web Link
theVAloan.org/certified-agent/:ONs9ZCCnoMccmKqMCCCe
https://
(813) 516-4648 lindaeverettedwards@gmail.com leverettedwards.wesleychapel.larosarealty.com Each office independently own and operated | 3815 Maryweather Lane, Suite101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544