MARCH 5
Psalm 46
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Every time I visit a hospice patient for the first time, I bring a lap quilt made by my friends at the local Baptist Church. They’ve been making these quilts for years, and by now, I’ve handed out over 150 of them. The patients are always grateful, and these quilts, along with other small acts of kindness, bring a little light into some of the darkest moments.
Each quilt has a patch sewn in the corner with this verse from Psalm 46. The words of this verse are relevant to everyone, but they carry special significance for those nearing the end of their lives. Where do you find refuge, your safe place? There is no better refuge than in God—our Creator who gave His life to save us. Safe in His arms, we need not fear. Where do you find strength when your own resources are exhausted, when pain and discomfort threaten to steal away your hope and determination? Only God’s grace can provide the strength we need in those moments.
One patient stands out in my memory. She was a neighbor and a dear friend who spent 20 months in hospice. A former sheep rancher, she was fiercely independent and initially uninterested in spiritual matters. Week after week, as her strength faded, we talked more and more about Jesus. Eventually, just before her passing, a hospice coworker was visiting when the conversation turned to heaven. My friend pointed to the patch on her quilt. She was looking to the One who is “a very present help in trouble,” trusting that He would bring her safely home in His perfect timing. She passed away having faith in Jesus. But He’s a very present help, not just for those dying, but for all of us.
The nearness of God is the best antidote for the fears of this world!
Application Questions: When facing challenges, how can you intentionally seek God as your refuge and place your trust in Him? In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God as a “very present help” in times of trouble?
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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