Anna Riddle

Anna Riddle - Canada
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Abbie Riddle
Photography by In His Image Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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 The Nomination: Anna Riddle moved with her family to Canada in 2016 as missionaries. She was in the northern interlake region of Manitoba. At 16 she organized a concert event for the area - the first ever, initially paying for the event from her personal savings. In 2019 she held another much larger one. It is her heart to hold events in Canada like WinterJam in the states. She works with Canadian artists, does all the fundraising, organization and event planning and promotion.

Photography by In His Image Photography

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​Tell me about your experience moving to Canada as a missionary! What work do you do as a missionary there?
When my parents said that they were considering mission work to Canada I was shocked and upset at first because it meant leaving everything I was familiar with. However, once I got here I realized how big of an opportunity there was to share the Word of God and the Hope found in it. This move stretched my faith, challenged me and caused me to look at the needs of others. I can’t say it was without challenges but I have learned that challenges help us become better people, help us to grow in our faith.

How did you get the idea to hold a concert event for Manitoba?
I had been praying about ways God could use me in this new mission field. I have always loved the music and the impact it has had in my life, how it connects people no matter where they are in life or where they come from. Back home I grew up attending WinterJam, sometimes two or three times a year in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana and other events like it. I also led a music ministry called Praise In Motion that was an ASL ministry to music. It just seemed natural to take this love of music and bring a concert event to the remote location we were in. No other events take place in the Northern Interlake. This would be opportunity to share the Hope of Christ in a way that transcends religion, race, creed, colour or social status.

What type of work goes into planning an event like this? Walk me through the step by step process!
By it’s very nature this will be more than 100 words. You will have to take what you want. The first concert event came about quickly. I knew God wanted me to do it so I told my parents. They told me that they supported me but that funding would be an issue. I committed in my heart to pay for the concert myself. First step was to secure a venue – our local Community Hall, and set the date for the event. Next was the more difficult step. I began praying God would open up doors for me to reach Christian bands. I did not know many in Canada so I began to look for artist and send out emails. After several emails and several months and a little bit of a feeling of disappointment I finally got a first response from Canada’s Christian Band ‘The Color’. They agreed to not charge but to make their money from ticket sales. After this I began searching for a speaker, I contacted Tim Hague Jr – from Canda’s Amazing Race. After hearing my heart and my story he agreed to come for a reduced price. Next was working to make sure the event was advertised and tickets were sold (100). After the first event our church association refunded me most of the money I had spent (almost $4000). And doors were opened as the story of what I was doing spread. Bands, Speakers and Artist were contacting me to be a part of something great.
The next event was a little different. I had learned a lot. As soon as event one was over I jumped into planning the next. I knew God was leading me to do something bigger than the last. The following are the steps it now takes to pull off the events:
(1) Securing a date, and venue.
(2) Setting a budget that is detailed. This includes what I will pay for bands, speakers, equipment, accomadations, food, ect.
(3) Securing bands and speakers. The bands for concert two were Ezekiel, Lyndsey Mineker, Fresh I.E., Sky Terminal. The speakers were Ryan from Give the Word, and Anthony Mineker.
(4) Fundraising. For event two I traveled to Texas and spoke at several churches, petitioned friends, family and church members to sponsor the event, and asked for donations from local businesses and people. My budget was $10,000 the second time around.
I also worked this time on writing a grant with the local city government to pay for part of this event.
(5) Advertisement. I advertised on air, in local papers, and with posters. This included on air interviews on the local Christian radio station. I also sent all information to churches to help spread the word and handed out free tickets at schools.
(6) Securing all acommadations and travel.
(7) Securing all rental equipment needed by the bands.
(8) Set up of the event.
(9) Feeding the bands, speakers, and volunteers throughout the weekend long event.
I was in the beginning stages of planning event three when CoVid hit. I was also helping other organizations plan similar events in different areas. This also opened the door to personal relationships with many artists and bands that have opened many opportunities to serve.

Photography by In His Image Photography

​What is it like for you to see your concerts be such a success and to see the finished product? What advice do you have for others who would like to plan a concert like this in their area?
I can’t really explain how it feels, it is simply an overwhelming and amazing feeling to accomplish what God has called you to do. I would tell someone to always follow God, even when it seems impossible and hard to do. God’s plans are better than ours, the hope that these concerts give to others is life changing. For one night the kids and teens, young and old adults are free from the worries and struggles they face.

What goals do you have for your future? Do you want to work in the ministry like your parents or focus more on music?
I would eventually like to obtain a degree in ASL to help give the Gospel to the deaf community. I surrendered to mission work when I was 13 years so I want to make sure that what I ever do in life glorifies God. Music is a way to bridge the gap and reach people because it transcends barriers and is a universal language. Ministry and music for me are one and the same. Music is the way I can serve in ministry. These concerts and the friendships and relationships I have made have opened so many doors. I have met so many amazing people with a heart to serve others and love on them. It most recently opened the door for me to be able to help a very talented friend get her first album published. In the future I have been invited to work with various artists in planning events and take part in events that they are planning. I was also recently invited to serve in Danny MacKay’s I am Second ministry here in Manitoba.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The first concert was probably the hardest thing I have accomplished on my own. I did it through prayer and the amazing support of my family.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
When God calls you to something – just do it. Trusting His plans are important, and they are better than anything you could dream up on your own. I would say in short – pursue your dreams.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
It’s hard to really tell. I plan on attending university and go on a mission trip. I also hope to be working on many more concert events, maybe even working with artists to help plan their tours and scheduling.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
Baking. I absolutely baking cupcakes. I mean all sorts of fancy filled cupcakes. I also love making cinnamon rolls. Next to this is spending time with my family – which includes 8 siblings, and my friends.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I don’t know. I haven’t ever thought about this to be honest. I can quickly learn and pick up ASL so learning new praise songs is easy for me

Photography by In His Image Photography

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I think the topic of trusting God is big in my life right now because we often think we know better than him or that he might need our assistance in making something happen. And really these periods of waiting we find ourselves in are really important – it is a time to reflect on God’s grace and what he has already done for us.

3 Things on your bucket list
Visit Paris, Finally go on a mission trip (moving to Canada is missionaries does not count), Travel the world or open my own café.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom. She’s really shown me what it means to have a faith without borders. And the importance of really taking time to spend time in God’s Word and making sure that what I am doing lines up with Him. She has shown me what it means to have a strong faith even when times are difficult and it’s hard to see God at work. And what it looks like to be fully surrendered to God. And my Dad. His heart for outreach and ministry and the desire to want to be exactly where God wants us.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
It’s hard to envision myself as inspiring. What I was doing and am doing is all about what God has called me to do it wasn’t ever about being noticed or making a name for myself. I wanted to share the love of God. My parents have always reached out to others, we grew up with an open door at our home and my parents have a heart of hospitality. They always invited us to walk alongside them in ministry. As children that meant homeless ministry, soup kitchens, ministry to poor and in the bad neighborhoods, it meant inviting anyone and everyone to eat at our table and to talk with us. So…..my life is about that message. I want to love others the way God has loved me, and the way I have seen Him love others through my parents. Maybe I am inspiring because I aspire to live according to the Gospel with a transparent faith and walk - it’s not about denominations or religion. Its all about relationship, transparency, love, faith, hope. It’s about God. I’m just a girl who wants to follow God and I’m okay with being imperfect and falling down because God is the one who lifts us up.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
No, but if you have any questions I’d love to discuss them with you. I am so excited to share with others. Thanks for the opportunity.

Anna will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here for more info on issue 38

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