My best friend came to me in August 2025 and asked if I wanted to attend a conference held by the Christian group she is involved with in college. I found it odd, as she usually invited me, and I would decline due to work. However, something about this particular invitation felt different. I decided to take the leap and go all in. So, I flew across the country for a four-day Christian conference, not knowing what to expect.

When I arrived in Phoenix, I was overwhelmed with the information I received, but excited for the days ahead. Throughout the conference, we experienced deep spiritual moments of worship, dissected the book of Jonah, and really engaged with the Word. We heard from speakers from all around the world who are doing incredible work to spread God's message. Some of the missionaries we spoke with had incredible stories from dangerous places in India and Africa, where they risked everything to fulfill their calling to share God's word.

We had the opportunity to speak with various missionary organizations and hear their inspiring stories. Every organization we talked to and every missionary I met left a profound impression on me. One missionary was leading a small group session about how God guides us through both mountains and valleys. This resonated with me because my first Christian event was called "Mountains to Valleys." It made me realize that this conference would be a transformative experience, different from anything I had ever participated in before.

Dissecting the book of Jonah was particularly impactful. We learned about the mission God assigned to Jonah and how to embrace God's calling. This study was conducted not only in our large group but also in small groups, where I had the opportunity to lead one. It was eye-opening and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone regarding what God wants me to do.

We also learned various facts about Christians worldwide, including percentages by continent and country. We discovered how many languages the Bible has been translated into and how many still need translations. Connecting this information to God's mission for us helped clarify our purpose.

The worship at the conference was transformative for me. I have sung my whole life, and I’ve always believed that worship was the best way to communicate with the Lord. However, this worship experience felt different; it was as if I could truly touch Jesus. Even when I was exhausted and sweating from New Year's Eve celebrations, I found the strength to worship on my knees with tears streaming down my face because He is so worthy.

This conference not only changed my life for the better but also opened my heart to all that the Lord has in store for me, even when it’s challenging. I know what He can do and that He is always there for me. Attending this conference confirmed that pursuing a ministry is not just a dream; it is an incredible calling that I am more than willing to embrace.