MARCH 6
Psalm 47
Psalm 47:1, “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!”
One of the highlights of my trips to Uganda was preaching in the village churches. Each church was unique in its own way—some larger, some smaller, some more rustic, but none ever refined. Most had dirt floors, and many lacked doors or windows. Instead of comfortable church seating, adults sat on wooden benches or plastic lawn chairs, and children gathered on the floor. The bathrooms were located outside, and you’d want to take a deep breath before entering.
Despite the lack of modern comforts, the people’s passion for worshiping Jesus remained undeterred. They walked, sometimes from far away, to come together in praise. Once they arrived, they would stay for hours. But no one was watching the clock.
The churches lacked many of the amenities commonly found in American churches. There were no hymnals, chorus books, or PowerPoint screens to display lyrics. Instead, they sang songs passed down through generations or ones they had written themselves. They didn’t have a piano or guitar, but a couple of drums set the rhythm. There was no sound system to amplify their voices, but they didn’t need one—because their voices were powerful enough. And they sang with everything they had.
They sang, they danced, and they worshiped with heartfelt enthusiasm. They worshiped as though they truly meant every word. And they did! They weren’t afraid to clap their hands, wave their arms, or dance with joy. There was no such thing as a loud voice that didn’t belong—everyone sang with passion. After witnessing that kind of vibrant worship, I couldn’t wait to preach!
Some of the differences in worship style are cultural, but the enthusiasm of our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ is something that should transcend any culture. It is truly good to worship as if we mean it. The glory of God is something to be celebrated with great joy!
Worship as if you mean it, with heartfelt enthusiasm and joyous praise!
Application Questions: How can you incorporate more enthusiasm into your own worship, whether in a church service or in your personal spiritual life? In what ways can you embrace different worship styles while ensuring that the heart of worship remains focused on honoring God?
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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