December 21, 2007

This past year has been both difficult and rewarding at the same time!

I never imagined when we left our home town of Eston, Saskatchewan, where the road of faith would lead us for the next twenty years. I suppose if we had known in advance we would not have had the faith to leave home. As I look back, it seems the path we have traveled has been more like a dream than reality.

However, the road of life is not complete until we breathe our last breath. While I turned 60 this past year, God has shown me, I still have a few more years, should Jesus tarry. Perhaps the rapture will happen before this year ends. Of course that would be great. I am ready to go. However, I suspect, there are still some that will come to repentance and find Jesus as their Savior. Remember, Jesus is not willing that any should perish.

It is with a joy that I write you this letter. I have never before in my life encountered the confidence I have now of knowing God is on the throne. I can not possibly express in words what God has done for us this year. My faith in Jesus Christ as my LORD and Savior is at an all time high.

While there are some things I would like to tell you about now, wisdom requires silence and continued prayer for a little while longer. Be prepared for an announcement sometime in the New Year that will show the ministry of Understand The Times is being launched onward and upward to a new level of service we never anticipated possible.

We thank God for the past twenty years we have been based in Southern California and those who have supported us. Like Joseph, I can say God works in ways we do not understand. He takes situations meant for harm, then blesses and promotes his sons and daughters who are fully committed to serve and follow Him.

Understand The Times will be moving the main ministry base back to our home town in Eston, Saskatchewan. This does NOT mean we have abandoned our ministry base here in Southern California. The ministry base in the USA is expanding in ways that amaze me, even though we have been here for the past twenty years. Additional leadership (seven new board members), new ministry partners, financial supporters and additional resources are already here. More is on the way!

Several weeks ago when life seemed to be too difficult to bear, a good friend of mine handed me a card as we were going to have lunch together. I opened the card and this is what I read.

Help is on the way!

Now, looking backwards I can say – this was a word of prophecy! The LORD is good! The LORD wants you to know what He showed me – “help is on the way”.

When we keep our eyes on Him, He will lead and guide. My prayer is that this will always be the case for Understand The Times, for each member of my family and for all those who consider themselves to be ministry partners with Understand The Times.

Jesus is coming soon! Until then, there is work to be done!

Pray for God's will for the future of Understand The Times. Pray that the gospel would be proclaimed all over the world - to Eston - to Saskatchewan – throughout Canada – throughout the United States – to the entire WORLD.

I pray that you and your family will have the most meaningful Christmas you have ever had. I pray that 2008 be the greatest year of your life. I pray you will commit or recommit your life to Jesus and that you will make the most of the time we have left as you serve Him.

Sincerely in Christ,

Roger and Myrna Oakland