Modeling Faith to the Next Generation

Modeling Faith to the Next Generation

I ACT because. . . ...of the work Christ has done in me. It’s just who I am; I don’t think I can help it. Preston Miller, ’23

When Preston Miller, ’23, was just a kid, he accompanied his mother in her volunteer work at church. Soon, the children’s pastor, nicknamed “PT,” took Preston under his wing. PT let Preston lead prayer, conduct shows for younger participants, and work backstage as well. Preston’s passion for ministries and leadership blossomed.

He said, “People have poured into me, shown me Christ, and modeled faith for me. I really appreciate that. Looking back on it, I see the value in those things.”

Preston is majoring in Elementary education and minoring in both communication arts and youth & family ministry. He currently serves in Appalachia Ministries (AM) working with children and enriching their lives.

He got involved with AM after hearing about the need for men to get involved.

He felt that this was where he was needed most and where God wanted him to be. AM has allowed for Preston to invest in children of all ages and pour into them as people. He hopes to be a consistent, impactful role model for children while teaching them the love and peace Christ offers.

“Being involved with AM has shown me how passionate I am for helping children. This is a low-income area. A lot of these children are coming from broken homes, they don’t have a good community and don’t have a lot of people loving them,” Preston states. “These kids need someone, so I’m going to try to fill that gap in their lives. That’s the difference between just showing up and actually being impactful. The mindset has to be, ‘It’s not about me.’”

Preston plans to continue leading in AM the remainder of his Cumberlands career. After college, he wants to continue working with children as a schoolteacher but is open to other plans such as children’s ministries or daycare service.

“Working with kids, I think, is my passion. I don’t really care where that takes me,” said Preston. “That’s why I have my major and my minors. I want to keep doors open. That’s where my mind is right now.”