CU business major connects talents with ministry passion

Cedarville University senior business management major Timothy Marvin is passionate about using his talents in business for ministry purposes. That passion led him to serve at Wycliffe Bible Translators headquarters last summer.

Marvin first learned of Wycliffe’s need for business-minded students through a class presentation. After the presentation, he quickly became interested in translation work, although he didn’t think his skills perfectly aligned with the ministry.

Still, Marvin decided to apply for an internship position that directly related to business. He was accepted, and spent last summer at Wycliffe Bible Translators headquarters in Orlando, Florida.

Marvin worked in the information technology department as a quality assurance analyst. His work included validating data for software implementation, running reports to check for errors and acting as a liaison between the information technology department and several other departments. He also attended meetings with outside software developers.

Shortly before the internship, Marvin changed his major to business management. His time at Wycliffe confirmed the change. Now, Marvin sees the possibility of further ministry opportunities.

“Management is straight discipleship,” Marvin said. ‘You are giving everyone what they need to succeed. You are the servant leader, and you have the opportunity to push people out of their comfort zones in order to help them grow.”

“Any organization has a business side of things,” he added. Business is everywhere. You can be involved in anything, anywhere.”

“As long as you are pursuing something that is pleasing to God, and have prayed about and sought wise counsel, go for it,” he said. “If he does not want you there, he will close the door.”

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.