Jonathan Goforth grew up on a farm in Ontario, Canada in the late 1800s. He was the seventh of eleven children. In his teenage years he was led by God to attend a small Presbyterian College. His goal was to be a missionary in some faraway place. His mother had worked hard to make a suit for Jonathan.
When Jonathan arrived at school he was dismayed to see that all of the other students, who had come from the city, had fancy suits. So he went into town and bought five yards of suit fabric. He planned to take the fabric to a tailor the next day to have a suit made. But something happened that night. After dinner
he went to his room to study. All of the other first-year students entered into his room. One was carrying a length of rope. They called him a “country bumpkin.” They tied the robe around his wrists. They found the fabric he had bought earlier. They cut a hole in the middle of it and placed it over his head and wrapped him up like a mummy. They lifted him into the air and carried him into the corridor.
One of the young men screamed, “Get back to your room if you can.” He hobbled the thirty feet back to the room as the students taunted and jeered and pushed him along. Ultimately, after about ½ an hour, he made his way back to him room. Someone unwound him and loosened the rope. Then they left him
alone. He fell onto his bed. His whole body shook with deep sobs. It was a frightening episode. But he did not retaliate and it did not deter him from his goals.
He joined the William Street Mission and became one its most successful workers. He showed kindness to his fellow students. After about a year he became one of the most popular students in the class. One by one, all the students in the class sought him out and apologized for the way they had treated him. They confided that they had expected him to go home after their merciless humiliation of him.
He graduated from college, but before he did, he was greeted by an incredible surprise. He had plans to go to China as a missionary. He didn’t know where the funds would come from. Those students had decided that they themselves would support him. They raised the funds amongst themselves to send him. He would later marry and go to China with the China Inland Mission. He was used by God to preach the gospel to thousands of Chinese men
and women. He was a man clothed with the compassion, kindness, humility, and meekness of Christ. And God used him in a mighty way. God has a purpose for you. Put on your heavenly attire. It is beautiful in Christ and will make you useful to Him in service
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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