September 23
Bible Reading: Acts 18:1-4
Acts 18:3, “Because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.”
Our family once tent-camped at the Deschutes River State Park, located at the mouth of the Deschutes River. The Columbia River Gorge is known for its strong winds, and on that occasion, the gusts seemed so fierce that they might lift our tent off the ground. Tents, being temporary structures, are vulnerable to the elements and limited in their ability to provide comfort and shelter. Across the river from Deschutes River State Park lies the Maryhill Museum of Art. We once visited the museum, which was built to endure for “1000 years.” Despite its impressive stature, the Maryhill Museum is not immune to the disturbing and decaying forces that affect all creation (Romans 8:21; 2 Peter 1:4). But God has marvelously provided, through Jesus, a means through which the believer will one day exchange the earthly tent, which is our body, for the glorious mansion He’s prepared for us in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla, making tents. In those days, tent-makers used knives and awls to cut and sew together tents made of animal hair, leather, or linen. Despite his lofty role as the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul labored doing the menial task of tent-making. Paul made tents so that He could fulfill that mission, just as many labor in “tent-making” jobs even today so that they can afford to preach the word. He labored and endured much, motivated by his desire to “preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). He not only preached about Jesus to churches, but he also wrote many epistles to the churches to instruct and encourage them in that regard.
Ancient letter writing was neither cheap nor easy. There was papyrus and ink to buy, and labor involved in composition. Some estimate the costs associated with preparing Paul’s letter to the Romans to be over $2,000. The money had to come from somewhere, and tent-making helped Paul to gain the funds. Paul labored making tents to move people, by way of trusting in Jesus, from their earthly tents into mansions in heaven. Paul’s epistles, now available to you in your own Bible, originated from his personal sacrifice because he longed for you to know Jesus and encounter the riches that can only be found in Him. Remember that as you read God’s Word, for many, like Paul, labored hard and sacrificed much to avail the riches of truth to you!
Paul labored making tents, so you could one day trade in your tent for a mansion.
MANSION OVER THE HILLTOP
I’m satisfied with just a cottage below,
A little silver and a little gold;
But in that city where the ransomed will shine,
I want a gold one that’s silver-lined.
Refrain:
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old;
And someday yonder we will never more wander,
But walk the streets that are purest gold.
Tho’ often tempted, tormented and tested
And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone,
And tho’ I find here no permanent dwelling,
I know He’ll give me a mansion my own. [Refrain]
Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely,
I’m not discouraged, I’m heaven bound;
I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city,
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown. [Refrain]
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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