Indiana

I (Cathleen Riley) grew up in the Adventist church as a faithful member. But when I reached the age of 13, I hit "fool's hill," and began to live a rebellious life. In my teenage years, I began to take part in all the worldly activities which I was taught were wrong.

After living a rebellious life for several years, I found out I was going to have a baby. My daughter's birth brought me to the most sobering event in my life. It led me to begin a search for something to satisfy my heart's cry. Day by day time slowly went by, but I had still not found it.

Three years into my search for something meaningful, I decided to drive home for a visit to my mother. One Sabbath, while at my mother's home, I attended the Adventist church with her for the first time in seven years. There I found what I had been searching for—Jesus Christ as a personal Savior.

One year later I had grown to know Christ better, and understood how His forgiveness and grace covered me with His righteousness. It was then that I asked Fred Troxell, Irvington Church pastor, if I could be re-baptized.

Now, as a member of the Irvington Church, I feel complete again with my husband and daughter, but most importantly with Jesus Christ.

Charlotte Dodd, communications secretary, Irvington Church, as shared with Bruce Babienco, volunteer correspondent, Lake Union Herald