06/01/2026
Before Miles ever knew it, God loved him and gave himself up for him.
Somewhere along the way, though, Miles became aware of God’s love and presence. As his parents and grandparents brought him to church and demonstrated Christlikeness, Miles became more aware. When he looked to the sky, he heard God speaking quietly. In his own moments of stillness, he began to imagine a God who loved him.
Some children instinctively become attentive to God, as though their hearts are tuned to a frequency the rest of us sometimes struggle to hear. Miles has always been that kind of child. Long before his baptism day, there was a quiet sensitivity in him—a readiness to listen when God spoke and a joy in following where he led.
Miles could hardly wait to step into the baptismal waters.
Baptism is never the end of a story, though. It is the beginning of a long obedience in the same direction. It is a sign that the God who called Samuel in the night, who called David from the fields, and who called fishermen from their boats is still calling people by name.
We are grateful to witness this moment in Mile’s journey. God has placed his hand on his life, and we know a wonderful journey is awaiting. And church, we are a part of that journey, too. God does not make solitary soldiers. We need Miles, and he needs us.
So church, continue to love Miles and pray for him, just as you have been doing. His baptism reminds us of ours, and renews our commitment to one another. We are blessed to have one another.
And Miles, you belong here, not because of what you have done or what you will do, but because you are loved and called. We are proud of you.