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An
international missionary outreach dedicated to evangelizing
the lost by sharing the gospel according to the scriptures |
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Please click on a link below to read about the work That
the Lord is doing in Kenya. . Go To Bryce Homes Myanmar Page Go To Bryce Homes Philippines Page Go To Bryce Homes South Africa Page Go To Bryce Homes United States Page
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Bryce Homes Kenya Bryce Homes International was founded by Understand The Times as a program to assist widows and orphans around the world. The program is in memory of Bryce Oakland (1974 - 2001). Understand The Times has partnered with Lighthouse Trails for this work In Kenya.
Bryce Homes in Kenya is working with Pastor Achilla to help him distribute resources to a number of needy families by establishing a Bryce Homes program in Kenya. Some children, in Bryce Homes, are truly orphans. We can feed orphans and keep these new families together by your gifts to Bryce Homes. First and foremost we want to be able teach them about the saving relationship they can have with Jesus. You can be a part of the work that the Lord is doing with the Bryce Homes program in Kenya. We are accepting donations for that work. You can give a one time gift or support Bryce Homes in Kenya with a monthly gift. If the Lord calls you to help with a gift, please click on the appropriate button in the blue bar on the right side of this page. As with our mission programs in other parts of the world, the objective of Bryce Homes in Kenya is to come along side and assist other ministries or missionaries that are already established in order to assist them in the call God has upon their lives. Most of the new homes that have been built for these Christian families in Kenya are funded solely from the donations of Understand the Times and Lighthouse Trails readers. This project truly has been a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness. New houses with metal roofs, plastered and painted walls, and cook stoves with proper piping and ventilation have replaced mud huts with grass roofs and cooking done on the ground. And the children are being taught the Word of God and the ways of the Lord. We believe some of these children will be used someday in Kenya to testify of God. The men there who are directing this program have a solid understanding of spiritual deception and the times in which we live, and they pass this understanding on to the widows, children, and others.
Understand The Times has partnered with Lighthouse Trails for this work In Kenya. First and foremost, we will also give them the Gospel of Jesus Christ' As we are not able to be in Kenya and on the ground year around it is important we have reliable representatives that we can trust and help distribute the resources we are able to provide for needs and specific causes. In November 2011 and again in March 2012, Roger was able to visit Kenya and observe the ministry of Pastor Achilla first hand. The vision for Kenya is to work with Pastor Achilla to help him distribute resources to a number of needy families by establishing a Bryce Homes program in Kenya.
As in in other parts of the world, we will try to help parents, grandparents or others who are already looking after their own and orphaned children but do not have the resources to do so. Because Kenya is so poor, we can make a huge difference with a small amount of funds. Because the homes or shacks that these poor people are living in are in tremendous need of improvement, we will try to make the living conditions better as well as providing food, clothing and school uniforms. We want the children to grow up to be an asset to the community around them as they are provided a Christian education and food to eat. Our program in Kenya will start small, and we will proceed as God provides. At first we will establish as many Bryce Homes as we can with the funds we have and see how the program works out. Rather than having individual sponsorships for each child we will ask supporter to fund the Bryce Homes program in Kenya. In the long term we have a vision for these people. For a small amount of money we can teach them to use some land for agricultural purposes which will give the people in the area the ability to produce their own food. You can partner with Bryce Homes Kenya monthly or any amount, anytime by check or by donating online. |
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Kenya Trip 2019 from Kevin Fox
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Roger's Trip To Kenya December 2012 December 8, 2012 Saturday was a bit more relaxing as there were not any long road trips As it was Saturday, it was basket-making day for the 12 widows in the area who are working with Lighthouse Trails in their “Widows from Kenya Basket Project.” Dorcas, one of Pastor Achilla’s church members, has taught these ladies how to make braided baskets as a means of making some money. The ladies make the baskets, they are then shipped to Lighthouse Trails in the USA, and then sold from both their web store and their mail-order catalog. Lighthouse Trails pays the women a fair market price for the baskets. It is a wonderful program that provides some extra money for these widows and also gives them a sense of joy in knowing they can do something to help support themselves. I photographed the process of making the baskets. While we were there, Pastor Achilla presented Dorcas with the funds sent from Lighthouse Trails for the most recent shipment. Dorcas would then be distributing the money to all the widows. Another order had been placed from Lighthouse Trails, and the ladies will be very busy for the next few weeks making more baskets.
At about 11 in the morning, Pastor Nelson, Pastor Achilla, and I headed out to visit Widow Mary and her family. Widow Mary lives in a terrible leaky hut with a family of 10. This includes her grandchildren and two daughter-in-laws who were married to her sons who died of AIDS. I met Mary one year ago on a Sunday morning at Pastor Achilla’s church. Seeing her home and the way she was trying to survive, moved me deeply. Mary is now Bryce Home Seven and has been receiving monthly food support for over one year. This time I was able to tell her that she had been chosen as the recipient of a new house to be built early in 2013 because of funds donated by Understand The Times donors. She was so happy she began to dance and sing with joy until she fell on the ground.
Bryce Home 7 – Widow Mary Most of the afternoon was spent at the hotel in a meeting with Pastor Achilla, Pastor Nelson and Walter. This was the first time I had been able to meet with Walter on this trip as he had been away at meetings related to his teaching and construction skills. Walter is a critical member of our team. Together, the four of us discussed the Bryce Home Program in Kenya over the past year and made some preliminary plans and suggestions for where the program can go from here. I will share some of those ideas on my final report.
Later in the afternoon, after another heavy downpour, we visited Pastor Nelson’s home (Bryce Home Two) and his 9 children. Then off to Pastor Achilla’s home (Bryce Home 15) and his 6 children. His wife had prepared a meal for us and invited several other pastors. I had been asked to speak to them on the topic of Creation and Evolution using a Powerpoint presentation.
I arrived back at my hotel room late and exhausted. My last day will be Sunday, on which I will report on my way back to the USA.
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Roger's Trip To Kenya December 2012 December 7, 2012 Yesterday was day four for me here in Kenya – Friday. It was another grueling day after another long drive only this time our plan was to visit and distribute food to seven Bryce Homes . Some of the supplies were taken with us, while the corn, beans, and rice were purchased from a bulk supplier in Migori. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the day for me was to see the incredible difference that the Bryce Homes Program has made in the community in the past year. Of the seven Bryce Homes in the area, five are new buildings fully completed (Widow Terry, Widow Benedetta, Widow Effie, Widow Agnes and Bryce Home 12). A sixth home for Widow Mereza is nearly completed.
To hear the joy expressed by the widows and the children for what has transpired this past year was an incredible blessing. I recorded some testimonies to be shared at a later time. Benedetta, an 80 year old grandmother who cares for her five orphaned grandchildren, when she was asked how the Bryce Homes Program had changed her life in this past year, squealed with delight. When she finally got control of her emotions she told us that God had answered her prayers in a way that she could have never imagined.
While we spent about two hours visiting six of the Bryce Homes and dropping off the December food supplies, the remainder of our time was spent at Bryce Home 12. This home consists of the orphaned teen girls who attend a secondary school nearby. Lighthouse Trails has been largely responsible for housing and clothing the girls and providing other needs. Another donor, Pam, has taken on the responsibility of providing for their education. UTT has been supplying their monthly food needs. At present, there are plans to add an additional sleeping and eating area so that the 12 girls and their caretaker are not so congested. A well is being dug nearby also. The girls had a special program for us, singing a few songs and reciting a poem they had made up sharing their appreciation for the support they have been receiving and explaining how their lives had been changed with a hope they never had before. They proudly showed us the baskets they have learned how to make as one of the crafts they have learned.
Finally as evening was approaching, it was time to hit the road. On the way back to my hotel, I had time to reflect on the things I had witnessed during the long grueling day. These brothers and sisters in the Lord who we saw today lived in hopeless circumstances only one year ago– no food, virtually no shelter, and rags for clothes. Now they were full of joy and appreciation to the Lord for what they had received through donors around the world, brothers and sisters who cared. Through simply communication with reports like this one on our web site, their needs were made known to people, many whom I have never met. God spoke to people. God provided through His people in a miraculous way. Isn’t this how true Christianity is supposed to operate? We now have 16 homes in Kenya. The average family receives about $100 worth of food from our program per month. Our program is dependent on trustworthy servants who live in Kenya who we support on a very limited basis. Without them on the ground and doing the hard work they do every month, the ministry would not be able to function. They are willing to do more as funds are provided. This past year, UTT has funded five completed homes with two more presently being constructed. Each home, three-four simple rooms with a stove and plastered walls fully completed costs around $2000. There is an immediate need to build three more. Funds have recently been contributed to build two of them. Every home is still in need of clothes and basic items such as lanterns, furniture such as tables, beds, and chairs. Children need school uniforms, shoes, and simple things like notebooks and pens. I went to sleep last night with these thoughts. What else can be done? There is so much that can be accomplished with so little. Even that seemingly meager $100 of food each month makes the difference between life and death for these families. Many of us have so much we do not need. I also thought about the churches that no longer support the Understand The Times missions program claiming they have lost donors because of the “poor economy” and that they need to look after their own physical needs first. How sad! I thank God He has given UTT a brand new vision. And I thank those reading this who have already partnered with us in Kenya and other parts of the world. God is using you in a miraculous way.
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Roger's Trip To Kenya December 2012 December 6, 2012 There are no words that properly describe this experience. However, when the day is done, I can look back and my mind and heart is filled with joy by what I saw and heard of what God is doing here in Kenya through our team. They have been raised up along with the support from Understand The Times and Lighthouse Trails to reach their people, and they have a plan. How encouraging this is to see what can actually happen when the Church of Jesus Christ functions as the Church of Jesus Christ should function. I give praise and thanks to the Lord who has placed this vision in our hearts and has provided a partnership through faithful brothers and sisters in Kenya who are willing to be God’s hand extended. In spite of the rugged trip, we finally did reach our destination where two of the Bryce Homes are located – Widow Lewnida and her 10 orphans and Widow Alice and her 4 orphaned children who are neighbors. On our last trip, Lewnida was looking after Alice and her children as Alice’s shack was no longer livable. Since then a new home has been built for Alice so she now lives on her own. However, Lewnida has taken in three new orphans into her home. Both Alice and Lewnida gave testimony of how their lives had changed and gave glory and honor to Jesus Christ in video-taped interviews. We unloaded the December supplies at both locations and presented Alice and Lewnida their Bryce Home plaques. While we were on location, Lewnida’s new four room house was literally being constructed by a crew of workers who had come from Migori. I was able to video tape some of the various stages of construction. I plan to put together a slide show on how these houses are constructed at a later date so that those who have donated can see exactly how their funds are been being spent. While we were on location, another truck arrived with the wood for the rafters. The house should be totally completed in a couple of weeks.
The highlight of the day for me was when the children gathered around me to see the individual photos that I had taken of them with my camera. They had never seen their own faces before nor had they ever got so close to a muzungu (white man) who could have been their grandfather. Pastor Achilla snapped a classic photo that I will always cherish.
After a couple of hours it was apparent that the late afternoon rain was on its way, and it was time to leave. Lewnida and Alice had prepared a meal for the workers and for us, and the table was set with food. We had a wonderful time together, encouraging one another and thanking Him for all He has done.
We arrived long after dark and very tired. Today, we will be delivering the December food support there. It will be a long day.
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Roger's Trip To Kenya December 2012 December 5, 2012 My second day in the area was a full day and added another chapter to the many experiences we have had here in Kenya over the past year. While I had hoped to get off to an early start, not all that happens in Kenya goes according to plan. For example, just a simple task of going to the bank and changing money, is not simple. It can, and did take, over an hour. To make the most of our time, Pastor Nelson waited in line at the bank while Pastor Achilla and I visited the location in the area where the cooking stoves we use in our new homes are manufactured. The whole concept of cooking with the smoke ventilated through the roof is a new concept for the rural areas of Kenya. As you can understand many of the health problems that families experience are related to the inhalation of smoke from charcoal stoves. Families normally cook and sleep in the same rooms. We are thankful that God has provided a way that all of our new homes constructed for the Bryce Homes program are being equipped with these new smoke free stoves. After loading up our van with the supplies to be distributed during the day, we headed for the first location. This Is the site where we are building a new home for Widow Finter and her six children who will be moving to the area from a remote location. While I was under the assumption this new home was in or around the area, the trip actually took us about 20 kilometers to the south and west of the area. After about one hour of careful driving over trails that substitute for roads we arrived.
The home was in the process of being built so I was able to see how the houses are constructed from ground up. The home will be completed in about one week and Finter and her 6 children along with her mother-in-law will be moving there. The house is situated on one acre of land in a very beautiful area surrounded by sugar cane. A school is located nearby so all the children will be able to attend. A source of water is only the real major problem to overcome. At present, this requires walking to a river that is located over one mile away. In the future, it would be a blessing to Finter and the community if we were able to assist by funding the digging of a well that would cost approximately $1000. Finter, who is Pastor Nelson’s sister-in-law, is only thirty-five years old. She expressed her gratitude for those who have donated to make her new life possible. The neighbor, who the land was purchased from, met us and welcomed Finter to the community. After leaving Finter’s house, we headed to the Ang’ gogo region, the area where two more Bryce Homes are located. While we could actually see the Ang’ gogo region a few miles south of us, driving directly there was not possible. For the next two hours we wove our way over and around the goat trails with our van. Our driver was amazing. Meanwhile the afternoon thunder clouds were accumulating. I must admit that on several occasions, if a vote had been taken, I would have been on the side of abandoning the expedition and waiting for another day. Finally, we arrived near the community where Widow Florence of Bryce Home 9 is located. However, this did not mean we were at the exact location. What it meant was that we could travel no further by car and that it was time to walk and carry the supplies by hand. As the terrain was rugged and steeply downhill, it was all that I could do to carry myself. Finally, we arrived. If you have followed our reports over this past year, you will know that Widow Florence’s house burnt down and through donor support, we were able to rebuild an entire new home. The family was ecstatic to see us. They were singing “With God All Things are Possible” in English. The home has been completed with plaster walls both inside and outside. The floor is also plastered. There is a single room for cooking with a wood burning stove and chimney that exhausts the smoke outdoors.
The monthly supplies were handed out and a Bryce Homes wall plaque was presented. Each of the Bryce Homes in our program will receive one of these plaques before we leave. Florence wanted to give a testimony and give God thanks for what has happened to her and her family since the Bryce Homes Program has been implemented. I recorded this and we will share it on our web site sometime in the future. After making the long trek up the hill to our car, we headed towards Bryce Home 10 where Widow Yuniter and family are located. The trail would not allow us to travel further so Pastor Nelson walked ahead and the family met us at the car in order to pick up their supplies. While I did not see their see their home this time, Pastor Achilla told me that it has deteriorated to the point that it needs to be replaced soon. On several occasions the skies opened up and we were deluged with rain. Our plan was to be back in time to visit Widow Mary’s place, but that did not materialize. We made an attempt, but the road to her location was impassable because of the rain. We will have to do that on another day. I got back to the hotel totally exhausted. Only the odd mosquito woke me up during the night. I am writing this on
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Roger's Trip To Kenya December 2012 December 4, 2012 The long journey from California to Kenya went well without any difficulties. Pastor Achilla met me at the airport, and we rested for a few hours before taking the short 30 minute flight to Kisimu. Steve, who was my cab driver from the past two trips, met us at the Kisimu airport, and we headed out on the last leg of the trip. The first thing Steve told me was that his wife had given birth to a baby girl since I was last here in March of 2012, but the child suddenly died when only one month old. My heart ached for Steve as Myrna and I experienced the death of a child at birth some thirty-five years ago. I was able to share with Steve some thoughts that were hopefully encouraging to him. As soon as we arrived, we went to my hotel where I was greeted by several members of Pastor Achilla’s team. After checking in, I slept for several hours, exhaustion having caught up with me. I woke refreshed, and later in the day Pastor Achilla picked me up and took me to his home where we saw some of the supplies purchased for the December distribution. We then discussed our plans for the next four days to visit the 14 Bryce Homes in the area. We will be meeting with the families, delivering the December support, as well as assessing which homes are in immediate need of replacement.
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While I am here, we will be adding one additional Bryce Home in the area. This will be for twenty-four year old Widow Alice and her four children. Last March, when we were here, we visited her home and saw her husband’s grave beside the shack she was living in. Her house was in ruins. Since then a new house has been built for her, but it is now time to add her family to our regular support program. Lord willing, each day that I am here, I will be sending a report to be posted on our web site. As a result of letting our readers know about the Bryce Homes Kenya program about one year ago, God has provided through faithful supporters. Many of you will be reading these reports. It is my desire that I will be able to testify to you how God is using the funds you have faithfully given and how this program is blessing the poor, while at the same time the gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed.
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October 10, 2012 It has been approximately one year that Understand The Times and Lighthouse Trails have been sending support to assist 15 Bryce Homes for orphans and widows located in Kenya. The following two heart touching testimonies have been sent to us by two of the widows. Their own words explain how God is using this program to make a difference in lives and provide hope in hopeless situations in the name of Jesus Christ.
A LETTER FROM LEWNIDA, BRYCE HOME # 11
FROM - KENYA
Dear Donors,
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. First I thank the Almighty God for enabling my vernacular language be interpreted so as to communicate to you. I therefore have appreciative information basing on my improved living standards as a widow. MY LIFE BEFORE THE BRYCE HOME SUPPORT In order to give the whole testimony, I have to focus on my early life which was characterized by
Stress and depression:
Malnutrition
School drop-out in children
Hopelessness
LIFE AFTER THE BRYCE HOME SUPPORT Today I speak of a big testimony. My life has seen light and can now talk of:
Food
Hygiene
Improved bedding
Life free from malaria infection
Improved skin care
Since I was borne, I did not know that our skin required some body oils to keep it smooth and prevent bacteria infection. I can now maintain my skin and this makes me feel a smooth flow of blood beneath the skin in my body.
I therefore
urge fellow widows to remember God is
the sole provider of the bread of life
and those who remain in Him will never
go thirsty. Keep on praying. I continue
to pray for God to open more doors to LT
and UTT and to have faith even that my
house will be built by the Lord's favor.
To Roger and UTT, Deborah
and Dave of LT and all the
readers/donors, I lack words
to express my thanks but the
Almighty God will tell it in
your lives. Am so blessed.
May the Lord favor you to continue with such a noble task. Thank you. Yours faithfully, LEWNIDA - BRYCE HOME #11 NORTH KADEM
A LETTER FROM TERRY BRYCE HOME # 6
Dear Donors,
Receive greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I take this God given opportunity to relay to you a thanksgiving information through this interpreted vernacular. My life as a widow with young children to take care of had been unbearable until when the UTT and LT intervened through the hand of God.
LIFE BEFORE THE BRYCE HOME SUPPORT
I would like to emphasize the level from which Bryce Home support project has taken me. My initial family life was characterized by: Malnutrition Poor feeding due to lack of food had hit my family hard, so hard that it robbed me of my beloved younger child. The high infant mortality rate swept across the village and my family was not exceptional. The major cause has always been measles.
Unhygiene
I could try to maintain cleanliness but the cost of soaps and detergents became a deterrent. My family clothes and utensils were therefore poorly cleaned leading to body infection and water born diseases such cholera, typhoid, etc.
Body discomfort
Harsh weather conditions
The kind of house (hut) we lived in became unbearably during rainy seasons as I used to wake up at night with the children until the rain stopped. It became horrible during winter seasons, colds led us into a massive infection from Pneumonia.
Unhealthy skin
LIFE AFTER THE BRYCE HOME SUPPORT
A worthy testimony I can call it. My life has totally changed since: My entire family now feeds on a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates and vitamins. At least we can now fry the food/vegetable unlike earlier on. This has made deficiency disease a thing of the past in our lives.
Improved hygiene
Enough body rest
Quality Shelter
The house I currently owned has been plastered and I feel well protected from cold and I find life good, the wood stove chimney has been put to prevent being infected by smoke. I can now pray for other widows who are still suffering as I used to do. May God bless LT readers and UTT donors richly.
Quality skin May the Lord continue to favor the Roger and UTT, Deborah and Dave and LT readers to continue touching the lives of many.
Yours faithfully, TERRY - BRYCE HOME # 6 .
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The following is a report written by the
twelve girls in Bryce Home 12 . Reading this
report is very encouraging. It is exciting to see what God
is doing in Kenya through the ministries of Understand The
Times and Lighthouse Trails.
We are grateful to our readers who have
supported the entire Bryce Home Program in Kenya. At present
we have 15 homes that support widows and orphaned children
that were barely surviving. The Bryce Home program also has
been established in three other countries - Myanmar,
Philippines and South Africa.
September 29, 2012 |
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Dear sponsors, We collectively greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus christ.We,the Bryce Home #12 (Girls'Center) in kenya take this humble opportunity to say thanks to our sponsors from LT and UTT. Each one of us at least now has a story to tell concerning our lives at this center.We recall how our backgrounds were dark but now have begun seeing the rays of light in Godly atmosphere.This letter cities various observations in form of testimonies collectively put under the following sub headings; 1.Improved spiritual status. Through the mercy of God,we were exposed to the True Gospel of Jesus Christ and sound doctrines.This truth were received through the servant of God Pastor Achilla and his team as well as from Roger and Byron who visited us and exposed us to the TRUTH. We are so greatful for the donation of King James Versions Bible by the LT as this has played a pivotal role in our spiritual nourishement. At the same time we thank God for our teacher, Lukio, who is a true born again christian has always taught the word of God.
2.
Access to Upper Grade Education Today we thank the Almighty God for proving this society wrong by openibg a door for us, as young women, to proceed to the upper grade education and now long to grow in FAITH to be able to serve God effectively. Provision of books, pens and the equipment of our classroom has also made us to be a knotch higher in education and we give ALL the glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Improved Nutrition 4. Improved Health
Conditions Today we have a different story characterized by improved health care. we can now access medication, receive sanitary towels, soaps, cosmetics among others. 5. Improved Clothing 6. Shelter and Bedding 7. Physical Fitness 8. Agricultural Project 9. Art Work In conclusion, we therefore give thanks to the brethren who have stood with us through donations and prayers to make us be a people, what we once longed for. Thank you and may God bless LT, UTT, Deborah, Roger, Byron, Pam Smith, our director (Pastor Achilla), Nelson, Walter and our teachers for their dedication to our lives. Yours faithfully in Christ BRYCE HOME # 12 GIRLS' CENTRE
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April 29, 2012
Hi Roger,
It is so wonderful to see what God has done through the
Vision of the Bryce Homes.
It has made the widows and the Orphans to Believe God.
That what the Bible say about the Widows and orphans has
came real to them and they are saying that God Has proven
that is God who remembered the dispice people.
About the Girls in Bryce Home 12.
Yesterday they came to the area for a mission at our church,everybody were suprised the way the girls are looking
like,they are smart,clean and beutiful.Many are saying that
they do not seems that they are Ophans,they like children
with their parents.The church members whom saw them when
they were going to the area are amazed with what God has done to them,The vision of the Bryce Homes has given Hope for the
hopeless.
They praises God with songs that give Him glory,this vision
is from God.
Tell the donors that the Orphans love
them and they are Praying for them.
They are saying that every month they get food.
They are saying also that they have there parent in western
of the world.
May God Bless them all and your family.
Pst Achilla
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March 21, 2012 I am writing this as I travel back home from Nairobi to John Wayne Airport in Southern California. As I have 23 hours of flying time, I am able to process my thoughts with regard to the seven days spent on the ground in Kenya. While I was confident last November that God had led me to visit Kenya, my return visit has confirmed the beginnings of a unique work that has the potential to develop further and bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ. My vision for poor and orphaned children started several years ago when I visited Myanmar for the first time and saw the tremendous needs of orphans and widows. Soon a plan to work with national Christians to provide aid along with sound biblical teaching unfolded in memory of our son Bryce. We rented large homes with the goal of housing about 20 children in each home and found dedicated Christians who would oversee the homes and make sure the children were educated, fed, and properly clothed. From one home, the program expanded to five homes, which we now call Bryce Lodges. We now oversee over 80 children in Myanmar. The children are individually sponsored by people from around the world. Our cost for renting the homes and providing financial assistance for the leaders and helpers comes from donations given to Understand The Times designated for Myanmar. As time passed, I felt the Lord leading me to expand the Bryce Lodge program to other countries. Last November, I traveled to South Africa and Kenya in order to see what doors God would open there. And this past February, I visited the Philippines with the same vision in mind. While our experience has been very good in Myanmar with our program there, it became apparent to me that there may be an even better way to accomplish our vision to reach orphans by working through local pastors and their churches. Our vision was to provide resources from our donors to be administered through pastors and church members. We would also commit ourselves to assisting in education and Christian education so that children in hopeless situations would have an opportunity not only to be given hope for their futures but also to be salt and light to their communities and ambassadors for Jesus Christ. When I left Kenya in November of 2011, my vision was for Understand The Times to provide for three to five homes there. These homes would be overseen by Pastor Achilla. The families would be made up of widows and grandmothers who were looking after orphans and the poor. When I shared the needs I saw with our Understand The Times readers, there was a generous response. This response not only came from Understand The Times readers but also from Lighthouse Trails Publishing readers who partnered with us through a special Christmas offering that provided for immediate needs for the widows and children we were committed to looking after. Some of the things this offering paid for were new roofs (and a couple new houses), mattresses, blankets, clothing, and food. Up until this point, many of the children had only been getting one meal a day, and several of them did not even have their own mattress and blanket. Over the last three months, the program exploded from five homes to twelve. Along with Pastor Achilla, several other leaders have come forward who have dedicated themselves to the Bryce Home Project. Pastors the area see the program in action and like what they see. Even local government officials have approached us to thank us for coming to Kenya and the fruit of the work there. The potential to
develop the Bryce Home program is essentially unlimited. The surrounding
population has been ravished by the AIDS epidemic. Many pastors
told me that 2/3 of their congregations were widows. The Chief of one
area
and the Chief of another confirmed these figures were not exaggerated. The
situation is hopeless,
and no one knows what to do. In the meantime, children without parents
are starving, improperly clothed, and often in total despair. |
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While Byron Hardy and I were in Kenya, we visited all twelve Bryce Homes. We saw with our own eyes the houses that had been built and the household items that had been donated. Every home is cared for by a pastor or church leader who lives in the area and who is responsible for the material and spiritual care of those living in the home. Understand The Times is merely the conduit for funds donated from our donors who are worldwide. God has raised up a team in Kenya that report to us and keep us informed how the funds are being spent. Lighthouse Trails has played a tremendous role by helping us with the Christmas Special Offering to complement the Bryce Home Program in its initial phase and thus make a significant difference quickly. This trip was of tremendous value. Now that I have gone and seen and heard the testimonies of the widows and the children as well as the pastors who are filled with joy, there can be no turning back. God is bringing light to Kenya, which is a very dark place. Following are some observations that we made as a result of visiting all twelve Bryce Homes in Kenya. As the program develops, there are a number of important things we need to prioritize and then implement in the short term. In this way, the Bryce Home Project in Kenya can become a model that can be repeated in Myanmar, South Africa, the Philippines, and other places that we are led to go. · There are at least six of the existing Bryce Homes that will need to have roofs completely replaced or the entire home replaced. A complete new home with a metal roof (plastered inside and outside walls and floor) can be built for approximately $1000. · Many of the children are still in great need of clothes. While some clothes have been provided, more are needed. While in the future we may be able to gather clothes from donors and ship them to the Bryce Homes, for now we need to come up with a special clothes fund so that ever month when food and household materials are taken to the homes, clothes will be taken as well. It is our understanding that Kenya does not allow used clothing to be sent to Kenya. · While I was there, two children became very ill and needed immediate medical attention – one had a combination of typhoid and malaria, the other child had pneumonia. If I had not been there with an immediate source of funds, the children would not have received the proper care and would have very likely died. We will need to set up a fund for medical emergencies. · There are three or four pastors and church leaders who are providing leadership for the program who have worked tirelessly and faithfully to make the Bryce Home Program work. While they are not expecting monetary compensation, because of their financial situations, they need to be compensated. It is not our objective to pay all the pastors involved, but those who provide leadership for the program and who we depend on should receive some help. Kenyan congregations are very poor and very small and pastors do not receive salaries. · Keeping records and having a place to store supplies is a very important part of the Bryce Home Program. For a small cost, we can rent a space in a building that will accommodate this need. The Christian Education Center (not quite completed) must be completed by having the doors and windows installed, a fence put around the property to keep animals out and the land ploughed and prepared for seeding of maize. This building is an ideal location to have the children from all six Bryce Homes the area to attend classes taught on a regular basis, particularly on Sunday. The maize field is situated right next to the building and can be a hands on project for the orphans so they learn to work and have a source of their own food. Future Plans: · Because most of the Bryce Homes are situated in rural areas many things can be done so that the widows and children can become self-sufficient or at least to provide some of their own food for their own use or for sale. Small amounts of land may be rented or purchased for growing vegetables while raising goats, cows, and chickens may be provide food, milk, and a source of income. Peanuts grow well in the area, and there is a market for them. There is a member of Pastor Achilla’s church who knows how to grow peanuts and also how to process and sell them. Right now, many people work in local tobacco fields, which pays almost nothing and results in sickness and even death from handling the tobacco. · Small businesses can be established by the widows so they have a source of income. Already several widows are making baskets to be sent to Lighthouse Trails in the USA who will resell them to people who purchase them on their web site. The widows will then receive the income. · I am suggesting that we help widows so they can sew or manufacture clothes for children. Rather than have clothes sent to them from North America, we could provide material, they could make clothes and then purchase them from the widows with donor funds so the clothes could be given out to needy orphans in other Bryce Homes. · We will consider going back to Kenya within a year to hold a weeklong conference for pastors. We would teach them the Bible and the foundational principles of the Bible. We will take three of four teachers with us, train up the local pastors and provide them with tools they can use to spread these teachings throughout their area. I have asked Byron Hardy to pray about organizing such a conference. · There actually is a retreat center that has a meeting hall that would hold over a hundred people as well as a place to stay for the teachers and those organizing the conference. With partnerships from other ministries, a conference to promote sound biblical doctrine is very possible. The impact that it would have on the area would be of tremendous value. There is a magnitude of false teachings in Kenya that have been brought in from the Western world. It’s tragic. Conclusion: Much more could be said that summarizes my observations and shares a glimpse of the vision that God has given me. For now, let me say, it is a joy to know we have been Spirit led and Gospel focused, and that this program has been authored by Jesus Christ and is in line with the Word of God. We are merely following. The Bryce Home Project is not driven by some manmade plan conjured for the purpose of doing good and working together with false religions. While there have been a few bumps in the road, it is obvious the hand of God is upon the Bryce Home Program. We are seeing the New Testament Church in action in our day. The church functions as a body as it should function. Rather than building earth-focused kingdoms, we are proclaiming the coming of the King. Rather than being “on the take,” those who have a role to play in the program are giving and giving. Widows and orphans that once thought God had forgotten them, now see God in action. They have food in their stomaches. They have blankets to keep them warm at night. They have soap to wash their skin. Their faith in the Almighty God has been built up. Their prayers have been answered. As well, members of the church are now able to be channels of blessing. They now feel like they are part of the family of God. The needs they wanted to meet but couldn’t afford to meet can be met. They can be the hands and legs for God to get the work done. Entire communities are noticing the difference being made through the Bryce Home Program. People are saying “light” has come to their community through those who believe in the Bible. While these onlookers may not know God, they see God working through His people. Of course, our prayer is that many of those watching will be drawn to Jesus Christ and His free offer of salvation. From my perspective, I see God in action through His people and His Word. It has given me new life and built up my own faith. The many years of being on the front line exposing apostasy left me tired and discouraged. People whom I once trusted and considered friends attacked, then abandoned me because I was exposing truth that was shining into their dark manmade kingdoms. The Bryce Home Program has given me a new perspective in life. I have been touched by the testimonies that many of the widows and orphans shared with me. And their words echo in my mind: “May God give you a long life so that you may help others, just like you have helped us.” If these reports from Kenya have been a blessing to you, please know that what God is doing in Kenya, He can do in other countries all over the world. While many within organized religion may have chosen to abandon orphans and widows because the leaders are more interested in building their own carnal kingdoms, Lord willing and by His grace and provision, we will do what they will not. Please pray for Understand The Times and Bryce Homes International. This is just the beginning.
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January 18, 2012 We received a report earlier today from Pastor Achilla in Kenya bringing us up to date with regard to progress with the Bryce Orphan Home Project. Pastor Nelson has moved with his entire family where he will be establishing Bryce Home One. Along with his wife and seven children of their own, they have seven additional adopted children they are looking after. Understand The Times has rented a home for Pastor Nelson and his family. Understand The Times will be providing support for food, clothing, and education. He and his wife will help to administer the Bryce Orphan Home program with Pastor Achilla and be responsible for reporting to us. We are able to announce at this time that Pastor Vitalis and his family will also be a part of the Bryce Home Project in Kenya. Pastor Vitalis lives in the slums of Nairobi. You may recall that I met Pastor Vitalis in Nairobi when I was in Kenya in November and was impressed with his vision and his desire to help the poor and needy as well as proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are presently in the process of putting together a board of directors made up of Kenyan pastors and headed by Pastor Achilla. In March of this year, I will be making another trip back to Kenya, along with my friend Byron Hardy from Canada, to meet Pastor Achilla and his pastoral team in order to discuss the Bryce Orphan Home project and set up a long-term Bible teaching program that will promote the teaching of biblical truth in these Last Days. While I did not expect to go back to Kenya this soon, it became obvious that it was important to come along side the Kenyan pastors at this time to make sure the foundation we establish is sound and biblically based. Byron is the President of a Bible school and is well grounded in sound biblical doctrine and will bring important input and expertise with regard to the training of pastors to stand for the gospel according to the Scriptures. As per our previous reports, a number of widows and orphans have already been helped through support provided for basic needs from Lighthouse Trails readers. These funds were sent recently and have been distributed by Pastor Achilla and his support staff, which have provided immediate relief for many. Understand The Times, through the support we have received for orphans and widows will now come along side and continue to maintain these homes as the Lord provides. The purpose of these reports is to keep you informed of what we are doing to invest the support we have received in a wise manner and with accountability. Sincerely, Roger Oakland |
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December 29, 2011
Year End Missions Report from Kenya
Readers of the Understand The Times reports from Kenya this past
November will recall the reports we sent out on a daily basis
outlining the needs and how we felt we could meet some of those
needs. It was, and still is our vision to establish a minimum of 10
homes in Kenya for orphans and widows in memory of our son Bryce.
The reason that I felt I should go to Kenya in the first place was
because of the partnership that my publisher Lighthouse Trails had
with Pastor Achilla. A ministry
discipleship facility is being established in the Kenya
through the support of Lighthouse Trails readers.
Many of the orphans and widows we met were also from the
area. Westerners who have never traveled to places like this have no
idea what it is like. However, as we share these needs when I
returned to the USA people who I have never met (who read the
reports sent from Kenya) sent funds to Understand The Times for the
Kenya ministry.
As well, Dave and Debra Dombrowski from Lighthouse Trails were
touched by the reports. They set up a special year end fund to
immediately help these orphans and their caregivers with improved
shelters, food, blankets and clothes.
The process is now underway.
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f you have donated to the Kenya ministry through either Lighthouse
Trails or Understand The Times you can see the actual evidence where
your financial gifts have gone. This is not hype or manipulation.
This is Christianity the way Christianity is supposed to operate.
As 2011 comes to an end, I believe this report is the best way
Understand The Times can present how we feel God is leading us in
these Last Days. The churches that once supported our missions
efforts told us they could not afford to support orphans and widows
anymore because of their financial difficulties. The are now firing
staff so they can maintain their programs and property investments.
They are now compromising with the world in order to find ways to
pull their businesses out of the mud. This is a clear sign their
time has come and gone. Crystal Cathedral is a good example of what
is coming to the megachurch model.
Understand The Times will continue to expose deception but we will
balance this out with missionary outreach programs that spread the
gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you, if you have partnered with us.
Sincerely,
Roger Oakland
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November 30, 2011 Hi brother Roger,
I just wanted to greet you this morning. I was to send to
you the pictures fwhere I went, but it was raining
so much I couldn't get to the families. I will send the
picture of the one widow I did get near the discipleship
center with her grandchildren that she cares for.
We will go next week. We will take a long mission so we can
go to some other areas as well to see the widows and orphans
there also.
I appreciate and thank God for the video that you made. It
made the tears come out from my eyes. If I can look back to
where I have come from it is a miracle. May God bless you. I
am praying for UTT for people to catch the vision for the
Bryce homes in Kenya.
May God bless you and pass our greetings to your lovely wife
and family. Many people are praying for your return because
the Word that you have given has stirred their hearts and
they are very HUNGRY to hear your teachings and to know
more. We are looking forward to receiving the books and the
dvds also.
Achilla
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