FINDING DISCIPLES

October 14

Bible Reading: Acts 21:1-6

Acts 21:4, “And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days.” (NKJV)

By the point in the Acts account, believers had scattered throughout the regions where the Apostle Paul was traveling. Driven by the Spirit, Paul sought them out so that he might instruct and encourage them.

During my trips to Uganda, we experienced something like that. After breakfast each day, my uncle, Pastor Bob Emrich, and I would jump into a van to visit local pastors. Our dear friend, Paul Mwesigwa, the Ugandan director of Hope and Mercy Mission, served as our driver. We were grateful for his guidance, as we had no idea how to navigate to any of our destinations or find our way back to the guesthouse without him.

We traveled along dirt roads and sometimes mere paths, with no road signs to direct us. The journey was often challenging. I recall one particularly rainy day when our tires became caked with mud. The roads sloped toward ditches to help shed water, but our mud-covered tires couldn’t maintain traction, and we ended up stuck in the ditch. This wasn’t our only encounter with mud; there was also the incident with a flat tire! Despite these challenges, we persevered, knowing that most people in the region walked to their destinations—just as the Apostle Paul did. As we traversed the landscape, we covered many miles, yet we always found places to meet fellow disciples of Jesus. We spent time with them, encouraging each other.

The Apostle Paul sought out disciples because he yearned for fellowship with them (Romans 1:11-12). Without a website or GPS, he relied on the Spirit’s guidance to find his way. Most of us, in contrast, face no significant physical obstacles when it comes to gathering with other believers. If we have a heart to follow the Spirit’s leading, He will guide us to where we need to be.

“The man who is in the family of the Church has friends all over the world.” —William Barclay

THE FAMILY OF GOD
I’m so glad I’m a part
Of the fam’ly of God
I’ve been washed in the fountain
Cleansed by His blood
Joint heirs with Jesus
As we travel this sod
For I’m part of the fam’ly
The family of God

Composers: Bill and Gloria Gaither; Copyright: 1970 William J. Gaither.

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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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