Pastor Cory Marth, came into my life, just as I was approaching some devastating things in my life. I Praise and Thank God for Pastor Marth guiding me through the treacherous waters that were ahead of me. It would prove to be another pivotal moment in my walk with Christ.
A little back story, I lost my 12 year old son Joshua in 2006. It had been a very hard, and devastating time in my life. Which still affects me today. Through all of that and other bumps in the road of life I maintained my faith(at times I would fall). Now I know alot of the suffering was self inflicted by trying to do things on my own or through well meaning advise.
It wasn't until I met Pastor Marth that I learned how to turn to Jesus first, to lay things at His feet and to put on my Armour of Christ.
He taught me the Saint Patrick Breastplate Prayer which is very helpful in times of extreme stress and persecution. But most of all I learned that in these times when I myself try to get through, figure out and fix things I am only getting in the way of God's comforting plan for me. I am extending the agony of pain and suffering I must go through until I totally turn it over to God. I have learned that things do not have to be as devastating and heart wrenching as we let them get. Which in learning this has strengthens my relationship with God.
Devastating things continue to happen in life, my first reaction used to be that I would go into a highly emotional response and problem solving mode. What is it that I can do to fix it?
Thanks to Pastor Marth I have learned that I am not supposed to do it alone. Now I pray, read my Bible, and put in the Armour of Christ.

I met Pastor Marth about 6 years ago. I was the organist for a small congregation in Northern Illinois. Pastor Marth and I had become good friends through working together. We would plan the music for worship services. Our meetings would alway end with me asking why do Lutherans do such and such. I grew up as an IFB. We were KJV only. One say after asking some questions about what Lutherans believed Pastor Marth said if I can show you certain things from the KJB would you change how you belive about communion and infant baptism? I said yes. I didn't think he had any concrete evidence, but to my astoundesment he could. That was the day I wanted to become a Lutheran and Join the LCMS.

I have been going through a very nasty divorce. Pastor Marth, with kindness and understanding has helped me through the process. My divorce is ongoing and he's there to offer spiritual and biblical advice. I've learned how to love again like Christ through his example and leadership. Pastor Marth has a true pastor's heart and is an exsemperlay friend. I'm truly blessed to have him as a spiritual leader and my best friend.

Through several conversations and suggested readings, Pastor Marth has lead me on an apologist's path to CORRECT theology!