March 21
Bible Reading: John 12:20-36
John 12:24-25, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
Jim Elliot grew up in Portland, Oregon. The child of devoted Christians, he attended church where he heard from visiting missionaries about serving Christ in faraway places. It saddened him that people in other countries died without knowing about Jesus, so he dreamed of being a missionary himself someday.
In February of 1952, Jim Elliot waved goodbye to his parents and boarded a ship for the 18-day trip from California to Quito, Ecuador. Jim and his companions were determined to bring the gospel to the uncivilized Auca Indians. It was a dangerous undertaking, given that the Aucas had killed all the outsiders ever caught in their area.
After three years of language learning and other preparations, they found a beach on which to land a plane where they hoped to meet with tribe members. After an initial contact, they waited for two days for other Aucas to return. Finally, two Auca women walked out of the jungle, but they did not appear friendly. Then a group of Auca warriors approached with spears raised. Within seconds, the warriors threw their spears, killing all the missionaries: Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, and Jim Elliot.
News quickly spread around the world. Life magazine published a ten-page article on Elliot’s and his friends’ mission and deaths. But that wasn’t the end of the story. In less than two years, Jim’s wife, Elisabeth, and Rachel Saint (Nate Saint’s sister) were able to move into the Auca village. Steve Saint continued in ministry there for many years. Many Aucas became Christians, and they are now a friendly tribe.
Jim Elliot once famously said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” He gave his life in serving Jesus, but He gained a lasting legacy in his faithful service of the Lord. He was a grain of seed that fell to the earth and died, but in dying he bore much fruit. Just like Jesus. What sacrifice can you make in serving Jesus, that others might come to know the truth?
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”—Jim Elliot
ONLY ONE LIFE
Only one life to offer – Jesus, my Lord and King;
Only on tongue to praise Thee And of Thy mercy sing (forever);
Only one heart’s devotion – Savior, O may it be
Consecrated alone to Thy matchless glory,
Yielded fully to Thee.
Only this hour is mine, Lord – May it be used for Thee;
May ev’ry passing moment Count for eternity (my Saviour);
Souls all about are dying, Dying in sin and shame;
Help me bring them the message of Calv’ry’s redemption
In Thy glorious name.
Only one life to offer – Take it, dear Lord, I pray;
Nothing from Thee withholding, Thy will I now obey (my Jesus);
Thou who hast freely given Thine all in all for me,
Claim this life for Thine own, to be used, my Saviour,
Ev’ry moment for Thee.
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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