FISH STORY

I posted this ten years ago on Facebook. It was such a fun experience I thought I’d repost it here:

My friend Bubs texted me yesterday: “You better go fishing. I had a dream last night that the Klatskanine was full of fish.” Not being sure how much stock to put in Bubba’s dream, I replied that I was thinking about it. I haven’t been fishing for a while—the rivers are low due to lack of rain and the steelhead return isn’t very good.

Then I got up this morning. Did my devotions. Checked out facebook. On facebook my Uncle Frank had posted another picture of a guy with a fish. He’s been doing that a lot lately. I’m thinking that maybe he needs and wants to go fishing. On the other hand, perhaps it was meant to be an encouragement to me to go.

While contemplating that, I got a text message from my Uncle Bob: “I oakusaba Katonda mulungi on your behalf.” I’m concerned for my Uncle Bob. He loves his Ugandan friends so much that now he is speaking and praying in Lugandan. I hope that he’s not preaching in Lugandan! At any rate–I asked him for the meaning of the words (cause I only recognized the word “Katonda”) and he said that it meant: “I prayed to the God who is good on your behalf.” But he’s not that good at Lugandan, so I think he might have prayed: “Lord help Jerry to catch a steelhead today.”

Bolstered with the encouragement of Bubba’s dream, Frank’s pictures, and Bob’s prayer I headed off to go fishing. Got to the river. What a beautiful morning! How pleasant the sound of the water tumbling over the rocks. How beautiful the blue sky set against the trees and the river coursing through the middle of it all! Bubba dreamt that the river was full of fish. Time to check it out. First hole—water’s too low, no fish. Second hole—couple of casts with a spinner—nada. Third hole–what a beautiful fishing hole! My friend, John, turned a fish in this hole last week. Surely I’ll get one here. Nada. Fourth hole. No fish.

What about Bubba’s dream, Frank’s pictures, and Bob’s prayer (even in a foreign language)? One more hole to try. Bad cast. Should have hit the current. Oh well, I’ll leave it there for a moment to see what happens. Something’s grabbing my bait—looks like it might be trout. No, it’s a steelhead! Set the hook. Fish on. It’s a bright fish. “Don’t lose it,” I said to myself. Banked it. Bonked it. Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Bubba, Frank, Bob. I know, it’s just a fish. But I’m thinking there’s more to the story. It was a collaborative effort.

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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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