Welcome to Yuma, Arizona—a place where the sun always shines, the land is rich, and the spirit of community thrives. Nestled in the far southwest of Arizona, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Yuma stands as a testament to resilience and faith. Known for its incredible sunshine—officially the sunniest city in the world—Yuma offers a unique blend of history, nature, and modernity. The town’s cowboy roots, its warm climate, and its strategic location near the Colorado River make it a city unlike any other, and that is exactly what makes it the perfect host for this year’s church conference.

Yuma has long been a destination for those seeking spiritual renewal, much like the many snowbirds who flock to this vibrant city during the winter months. With a population that nearly doubles each year as the cooler weather draws in, there’s no shortage of fellowship here. It’s a city where you’ll find both seasoned pilgrims and newcomers, all basking in the warmth of fellowship and the glow of God’s love.

This year’s conference brought together believers from across the country, all gathered in Yuma to share in worship, learning, and community. The setting was ideal. Yuma’s affordable cost of living and ample outdoor recreation opportunities made it a comfortable base for attendees. During the day, attendees could explore the historic downtown, walk through the city’s national wildlife refuges, or partake in hiking, canoeing, and cycling, all within a stone’s throw from their lodging.

The conference focused not just on the physical and spiritual well-being of individuals, but also on the broader community’s role in the world. Yuma, with its vast agricultural output, is a living example of how God’s provision can thrive even in the harshest of conditions. Yuma is the largest producer of winter vegetables in the U.S., with lettuce leading the charge. Over 1 billion pounds of produce are harvested each month, and much of that food provides sustenance to people across the nation. This fertile ground is a reminder of God’s abundance, and it’s fitting that the conference took place in a city where such blessings abound.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Water scarcity remains one of the biggest challenges facing Yuma, and it was a central theme discussed at this conference. With less than four inches of rain annually, Yuma’s very existence depends on the water from the Colorado River. However, this resource is increasingly under strain, as the river has been over-allocated for decades. As the region’s farmers face tough decisions about how to use water more efficiently without sacrificing their crops, there has been an increased focus on sustainability, innovation, and care for God’s creation.

The local government and various institutions are actively seeking solutions to save water without reducing crop yields, and that commitment to stewardship was mirrored in the teachings of this conference. Just as farmers in Yuma have adopted more efficient irrigation techniques to conserve water and sustain their agricultural output, Christians are called to be stewards of their own resources—physical, spiritual, and financial. The idea of stewardship was woven throughout the weekend, with speakers reminding the congregation that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). We must care for the earth and each other, ensuring that our actions today provide for the generations to come.

Throughout the conference, attendees were encouraged to engage in the work of reconciliation—not only with God but with each other. The theme of exchange and renewal was discussed in detail, reminding us of the great exchange we have experienced in Christ: He took our sin and gave us His righteousness. This is a powerful illustration of how, even in the most barren of circumstances, God provides and makes all things new. Just as the land in Yuma flourishes despite its challenges, so too can our lives bear fruit when we allow God’s transformative power to work within us.

During the worship sessions, the congregation was led in songs that celebrated this exchange. The lyrics were a reminder that through Christ, we are made righteous and whole—free from the sins that once held us captive. The sunshine outside mirrored the warmth and light that filled the room as people were reminded of their identity in Christ and the abundant life He offers. Just as Yuma thrives under the harsh desert sun, so too do believers flourish in the warmth of God’s love.

A key point made by several of the speakers was that, just as farmers must adapt to new irrigation methods to conserve water, so must we adapt to the new life we have in Christ. This new life is not about striving or struggling; it’s about receiving the grace that God has freely given us. It’s a life of restoration, of living in harmony with God’s will, and of sharing His love with others.

The conference wasn’t just about spiritual renewal—it was about practical application. How do we bring the message of reconciliation to the world around us? How do we become agents of change, sharing the Good News in a world that desperately needs it? The answer lies in the great exchange: He took our burdens and gave us His peace. We are called to live out this exchange in our everyday lives, sharing the fruits of our labor, whether it be in the form of food, love, or kindness, with those who need it most.

As the conference concluded, many attendees lingered in the warm Yuma sun, reflecting on the lessons they had learned and the new ways they could apply them. Yuma, a place of abundance and beauty, had served as the perfect backdrop for this year’s gathering. The conference had not only provided a time of spiritual growth, but also a renewed sense of purpose. In a city known for its hot sun, its vast agricultural lands, and its deep sense of community, it was clear that the blessings of the Lord abound in Yuma, and the mission to spread His love to the world is as vital as ever.