July 1
Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Acts 6:1, “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.”
My friends and I manage a senior meal site here in Heppner, Oregon. Each week, on Tuesdays, we feed about 75 older adults. Though we are in Heppner, we have folks coming to us from all south Morrow County. Imagine what would happen if we showed preference in feeding the Heppner folks and neglected those who came from out of town? There’d be a lot of complaining!
That’s akin to what was happening in the early church as it grew. There were, in the church, individuals from Jerusalem who spoke in Hebrew and were appropriately known as “Hebrews,” and there were those who had been dispersed among the Gentiles and spoke the Greek language. These were called “Hellenists,” from a word meaning “Greek” or “Greek-speaking.” As the church grew, it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage the distribution of food.
The Hellenists complained because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Whether this was on purpose, we are not told, but the situation had the potential to cause much harm. Recall that the church was of “one heart and soul” and shared “everything in common” (Acts 4:32). God had made them one, but a brewing division had the potential to cause much harm. Unremedied, the disagreement could schism the church.
A complaint arose. Sometimes complaints have some underlying legitimacy, often they don’t. Here there was a matter that needed urgent attention, so the twelve acted swiftly. It’s sometimes necessary to bring a matter of concern to someone’s attention, as in this case, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The right way is when it’s done in the right spirit, at the right time, to the right person, and for the right motive. To do otherwise is to merely complain, and we know what God thinks about that (Philippians 2:14).
It is impossible to thank God and complain simultaneously. It’s far better to take the right steps to help rectify the concern.
IN CHRIST THERE IS NO EAST OR WEST
In Christ there is no east or west,
in him no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love
throughout the whole wide earth.
In Christ shall true hearts ev’rywhere
their high communion find.
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.
Join hands, then, people of the faith,
whate’er your race may be.
All children of the living God
are surely kin to me.
In Christ now meet both east and west,
in him meet south and north.
All Christly souls are joined as one
throughout the whole wide earth.
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.
View all posts by looking2jesus13
LookingtoJesus 