United States Marine Sergeant Cory Gritter, a member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., was hit in both arms and legs by an IED (improvised explosive device) in Afghanistan on October 28. Since then, he and his parents have felt their church and community support in deep ways.
Gritter, 22, is part of the 3rd battalion/4th Marines as a Scout Sniper. He and two of his fellow Marines were awarded the Purple Heart, which is given to members of the military who are killed or wounded in action.
After the injury, Gritter was transferred to Germany for surgeries, and was then moved to Bethesda, Md., for more surgeries and therapy.
In November, Graafschap members tied yellow ribbons around the Gritter family porch for Cory’s future welcome home. Nancy Gritter, Cory’s mother, spoke of their church and community support through prayers, cards, gifts, food and finances. “The church and community have been great,” she said.
From her son’s bedside in Bethesda, Nancy Gritter said, “There are churches and people all over the world praying. It is so amazing and such a comfort.” She added, “We are so thankful to be part of a loving and caring church family and cannot imagine going through this without our faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
