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Home > News > Cory W. Marth – Answering the Call |
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| Cory W. Marth – Answering the Call |
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| Cory W. Marth |
“I feel God calling me to be a missionary. Along the way, I am seeing if He wants me to become a military chaplain.”
Cory W. Marth, Sergeant E5, a senior at Concordia University Ann Arbor, will graduate in May 2010 with a psychology major in the Pre-Seminary program. Less than a week later, Cory will head to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to attend Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS). A quick turn-around for most, but for Cory it’s just the next step on the path God is laying out.
At the age of 11, with encouragement from his grandfather, Cory entered the Boy Scouts of America. He continued in the Scouts through his senior year of high school, earning merit badges in a variety of areas from wilderness survival to leather work to personal finance. His experience with the Scouts culminated with a ceremony at Faith Lutheran Church in Highland, Mich., when Cory honored his parents and grandparents upon earning of the Eagle Scout rank (five percent of Boy Scouts go on to earn the rank).
Cory then received his high school diploma from Fenton High School and, a few days later, enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. On March 21, 2006, he finished his Army job training and became certified as a chaplain’s assistant. Cory started out in the 1-182 Field Artillery Battalion out of Detroit, Michigan, but was promoted on January 1, 2009, and transferred to the 1-125 Infantry Battalion out of Flint, Michigan. Cory currently serves as a chaplain’s assistant for the 1-125.
“A chaplain’s assistant aids and supports the chaplain in providing military services and support to the battalion,” says Cory. In total, a battalion can encompass over 500 soldiers. His duties include: assisting with chapel services on base and in the field – worship, funerals, and marriage; counseling – pre-marital, pre-deployment and post, grief, suicide prevention; and protecting the chaplain.
“In High School I was pushed more into the Bible and through learning what the Bible teaches, I have been more equipped to share the Gospel of Christ,” say Cory. “In the military you understand a different aspect of faith. I have not met one soldier that is an atheist. Even the ones that try to deny God’s existence recognize that there is a higher power.”
So in May, Cory will head to the CTS in preparation for missions work. “I would love to work with individuals and families from Southeastern Asia. I have studied and enjoy the culture. I’ve already been able to help communicate Christ to people from that region. I understand the background, which helps connect them to the Word.” In regard to a potential missions ministry versus entering a parish, Cory states, “[Missions work] is a different mindset from the parish mindset. However, I believe every pastor should have a missions mindset.”
Mark it down – May 2010. The next step for Cory W. Marth Sergeant E5. Who needs to rest when God is calling?
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About Concordia:
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private, Christian liberal arts institution of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in an environment focused on the individual student. Concordia is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Concordia’s Family Life Program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The athletics program has helped Concordia receive the recognition of a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character institution. Concordia is located at 4090 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor, MI. For more information, visit: www.cuaa.edu |
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