October 23
Bible Reading: Acts 22:6-16
Acts 22:6, “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.”
It all happened when they drew near to Damascus. They’d traveled about 150 miles from Jerusalem, a 5-6 day journey. Some believers, fleeing the great persecution in Jerusalem, undoubtedly traveled the same path along the King’s Highway. Saul, having learned of the presence of these disciples, was on a mission to capture them and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.
The encounter happened suddenly, around noon, when the sun was at its brightest. Yet, when the light from heaven shone upon Saul, it was far brighter (Acts 26:13). This light didn’t just illuminate him; it enveloped him in the glory of Jesus. Saul’s zealous efforts to eradicate Jesus’ followers came to an abrupt halt when he met the Savior. Though he lost his physical sight, he gained spiritual enlightenment, leading to his miraculous transformation from Christian-hater to beloved Apostle.
Your conversion experience may not have been as dramatic in the physical sense, but it was just as miraculous and included the same essential elements. “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4). You were darkened in your understanding. By the work of the Spirit, your eyes were opened to both the ugliness of your sin and the beauty of Jesus (John 16:8). The same God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” shone in your heart “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). As with Paul, every believer has shared in the same eye opening experience by the Spirit to the glory of Jesus.
It is a work of the Spirit to open blind eyes to the glory of Jesus!
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
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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