DEEP WATERS

APRIL 7

Psalm 69

Psalm 69:1-2, “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck…I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.”

If you haven’t read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, I highly recommend it. The book tells the remarkable true story of Louie Zamperini, a former Olympic runner who endured a series of harrowing trials. After competing in the 1936 Olympics, Louie enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Serving as a bombardier, his B-24 plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. As the plane sank, Louie found himself tangled in wires, trapped in the wreckage. In a desperate bid for survival, he managed to break free and reached the surface of the water.

Louie and his crewmates survived for days at sea in a small rubber raft, enduring brutal conditions. But their ordeal didn’t end with their struggle for survival. Eventually, they were rescued—not by the Americans, but the Japanese, who took them as prisoners of war. Louie spent months enduring horrific mistreatment and abuse in Japanese prison camps until the Allies finally liberated him.

After his release, Louie faced another kind of “deep water” experience: consumed by anger and bitterness over his abuse, he fell into alcoholism. It was at his lowest point—when he felt truly “in over his head”—that Louie turned to Jesus and experienced God’s salvation. His conversion marked the beginning of a profound transformation.

Louie lived a long and fulfilling life of Christian ministry after his spiritual awakening. His story is a powerful testament to the redemptive power of God and the capacity for healing and forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Like David in the Bible and Louie, we all encounter times when we find ourselves in deep waters. In those moments, it’s important to remember that God’s ability to save and intervene transcends our ability to comprehend. We can always trust Him in His ability to lift us up and set our feet back on solid ground.

“When I walk through deep waters, I know that you will be with me.”— Kari Jobe

Application Questions: With his eyes fixed on Jesus, Peter could walk on water, but when he looked at the wind, he was afraid and began to sink.  He cried out, “Lord save me,” and Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him (Matthew 14:29-31). How can you apply Peter’s experience to your own life?

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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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