Amazing Facts Student Reads Her Way Into Church

Story by Allegheny West Conference Staff

It’s not often someone walks into a church and says, "If there is a baptism anytime soon, I want to be in it." But that's exactly what Susanne Riddle did. Riddle had been listening to the Amazing Facts radio broadcast for more than a year when, she says, the Holy Spirit convicted her to begin obeying what she had learned. After several attempts she found a Seventh-day Adventist church.

Riddle decided to go to the closest church in Cumberland, Ohio, 10 miles away, but says that the Spirit told her to go to a church 45 miles away in Zanesville, Ohio. She drove 45 miles and discovered that there were two churches to choose from. But the choice was not difficult to make, as the name of the church Hillside impressed her. The pastor was away at his other church; but Riddle heard a stirring sermon delivered by Rosalind Beswick, the first elder. The sermon sealed her decision and confirmed that she had chosen the right church.

Following the sermon, the elder asked those who were scheduled for baptism next Sabbath to stay by for some last minute instructions. Riddle stood, introduced herself and wowed the congregation with the declaration," If there is a baptism next Sabbath, I want to be in it." She then proceeded to inform the church that she had been listening to Amazing Facts. Convinced that this was God's true church, she came to join.

The next Sabbath, she, along with four others who had been taking Bible studies, were baptized. Riddle still makes the 45-mile drive, and is the first one to arrive at Sabbath School. She also stays after service for Bible class. "I want to learn all I can, as quick as I can, because I want to share what I've discovered with others," she shares.