The ministry of Understand The Times was founded by Roger Oakland in 1990. The ministry’s founder and president, Roger Oakland, is an author and lecturer who spoke internationally on a variety of subjects from a Christian worldview. His easy-to-understand teaching style provides people of all ages and backgrounds with biblical insights that help them to understand the past, what’s happening in the world today, and what’s yet to take place in the future.
Roger’s goal is to work with like-minded ministries, to reach as many people as possible as effectively as possible with the gospel of Jesus Christ. His calling is to proclaim that the scriptures are the key to understanding the past, the present and the future. His gifting is to make difficult subjects understandable. His desire is to strengthen the faith of believers and challenge those who do not believe to consider the Bible as God’s infallible Word.
Roger became a Christian in 1978. His conversion from evolution to creation to Christ is documented in a book titled “Let There Be Light.”
The first phase of Roger’s ministry was with Glen and Larry Mc Lean, based in Eston, Saskatchewan from 1980 to 1988. In September of 1988 Roger and his family moved from Canada to southern California where he was on staff with Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa for three years.
A Ministry is Born
Following the formation of Understand The Times (non-profit organization in both Canada and the USA) doors opened for Roger to travel internationally and share the gospel world-wide. He has ministered in over 40 different countries and has been to Russia and other republics of the former Soviet Union 37 times since 1990.
Understand The Times is an independent non-profit organization in Canada and the United States. Understand The Times is not affiliated or dependent upon any other organization or denomination. Understand The Times is accountable to a board of directors in the United States and Canada and accountable, first of all, to Jesus Christ and His word.
Understand The Times is a non-profit ministry registered in both the United States and Canada. It receives tax-deductible financial support through donations from individuals and churches, along with honoraria and sales of materials, all of which goes directly towards expanding the horizons of the Gospel of Jesus Christ globally.
Canadian orders are shipped from our Understand The Times International Distribution Office in Saskatchewan, Canada. We also ship some orders from Peoria, Arizona internationally and to addresses in the USA with the United States Postal Service.
The Heart Behind Bryce Homes
While Roger’s teaching ministry was growing, another burden was forming in his heart. In 2001, his son Bryce tragically passed away. Out of that grief came a vision to create something tangible and life-changing for those in need around the world. This vision became the Bryce Homes Program, named in his son’s honor.
The Bryce Homes Program focuses on caring for widows, orphans, and vulnerable children. What began as a small effort grew into an international outreach with homes in countries such as Kenya, Myanmar, South Africa, India, Haiti, the Philippines, and Mexico.
These homes provide not only shelter but also food, clean water, education, and, most importantly, the hope of the Gospel. Entire communities have been touched by these efforts, with additional projects like water purification, solar lighting, and small business opportunities empowering families to build sustainable futures.
Roger often shares stories from his visits to these countries — stories of children rescued from extreme poverty, widows given dignity and support, and entire villages impacted by the love of Christ. What began as a tribute to his son became a lifeline for hundreds of people worldwide.
A Voice of Discernment
As the years went by, Roger became known as a strong voice for biblical discernment. He warned about spiritual deception, the rise of false teachings, and the drift of many churches toward movements that stray from the Word of God.
His work often placed him at the forefront of controversial conversations. For many years, Roger was connected to the Calvary Chapel movement, a network of churches known for their verse-by-verse teaching of Scripture. However, in later years Roger separated from Calvary Chapel to focus on the ministry God had placed before him.
Despite challenges — including health struggles like a serious fall that left him with broken ribs and a punctured lung — Roger continued his work. His perseverance reflected his deep conviction that the message of truth must be proclaimed, no matter the cost.
Legacy and Impact
Today, Roger Oakland’s life stands as a testimony to God’s transforming power. From a young science teacher devoted to evolutionary theory to a global missionary and Bible teacher, his journey is marked by faith, perseverance, and compassion.
Through Understand The Times International, countless believers have been equipped to stand firm in their faith. Through Bryce Homes International, hundreds of widows, orphans, and children have been given hope and a future.