Christmas greetings to our On Belay friends and family! We are so thankful for the season and all it brings for each of us. For On Belay, it brings full and thankful hearts, not only for each of you, but for all that God has done in Uganda this past year. Here are some hightlights: Just 2 weeks ago, Bryan and Barb returned from Uganda, humbled by what they experienced. For all of you that have been on this journey with us, we have officially completed the Open Door Training Center construction project! Yahoo! Because of several generous donations, 2 additions and upgrades have been done and we marvel at what God has accomplished. In total, we have now purchased three additional pieces of property, one which includes a home and office for our Ugandan Director. Open Door Bible and Skills Training Center now includes -2 large additional classes -2 dorm rooms, 1 classroom (original building) -reception, offices, 1 new classroom, kitchen -outdoor courtyard and house/office (Don’t worry, there are windows and skylights!) Graduation!! Many of you know how hard it was to make this trip and how it seemed everything was telling us to postpone. But God had another plan! We had missed graduation last year but this year we made it. You see, graduation was all about what God can do when He begins a good work and completes it. (Philippians 1:6) Many of youknow our students are the poorest of the poor. Many have little or no education. There is a stigma in the village that follows them and most have never completed anything or been recognized for any accomplishment. In February 2024, as we interviewed the prospective students, their countenance was downcast, ashamed, weary and without hope. BUT, at graduation, their countenance was totally TRANSFORMED! They walked in dressed in their cap and gown rejoicing, heads held high, huge smiles, and each with restored dignity! We saw with our own eyes transformation, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They had moved from hopeless to hopeful! Here's two brief stories of the individuals pictured: My name is Tony, and I am 25 years old. I thank Jesus for the opportunity Open Door has given to the less privileged. Through this opportunity my life has been transformed. I had nowhere to stay, I struggled with addictions and lived a life of crime to survive. But through this ministry I decided to dedicatemy life to God and also to learn a skill. Now I read my Bible, I serve in church, and am free from addictions and crime. I found a new family and friends in Jesus. And praise God, I have also been reunited with my biological brother. I give Jesus glory and I thank you for your support and prayers. Hello. My name is Beatrice, and I am 21 years old. Before coming to Open Door I was living with my Auntie. My mother sent me to stay with her to be her maid. She was sending me to school but was not able to continue paying my tuition. I had always wanted to study Fashion and Design but I had no fees to achieve my dream. I heard that there was an opportunity at Open Door Bible and Skills Training Centre. Open Door was the answer to my prayers. But now I had a new problem, my aunt was forcing me to marry after studying to a Muslim man that I don’t love and plus am not yet ready for marriage. Open Door helped me in every way. I now have a certificate in fashion and design and even a new place to stay. Also, I had a chance to know more about God and learn so much in the Bible. Toward the end of the course, I decided to accept and commit my life to Jesus. I am so thankful for all the support and for the opportunity which was given to me. I give honor and glory to Jesus. The school construction is complete, but the classroom supplies still need to be purchased! Would you consider making a donation this Christmas to help purchase some of the following? And please continue to pray that God will be honored and glorified in all that we do. Baking Classroom and Kitchen - 3 Tables ($215 total) - 2 Ovens ($625 each) - 1 refrigerator ($400 total) - 2 sinks ($150 each) - Cabinets ($500 total) - Baking class tools and supplies ($500 total) 3 Whiteboards ($130 each) Tools for mechanics classes ($1100) Dorm rooms - 6 Beds ($550 total) - 6 Mattresses, blankets, nets ($700 total) Ugandan Bibles ($15 each) TOTAL (APPROX.) $5,555 Donations can be made at our website: onbelayministries.org OR“The thrill of HOPE, the WEARY world rejoices!” by sending a check to: On Belay Ministries, 3210 NW Arrowood Circle, Corvallis, OR. 97330. (You can designate a specific item or give to the general budget.) (fb)

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Through a generous donation, the Hoffmans are on their way back to Uganda in just a few more days! With so little time, we need your help. During their visit they will be doing some ministry outreach in the village, and along with bringing food for the widows, will be distributing medicine, clothing and toys for the children. Some of these families will include students from our school who struggle to survive day to day. Barb and Bryan would love to pack their bags with supplies and could use your help. If you have any of the following, or would be interested in helping to purchase items, we would love to hear from you ASAP! Ibuprofen Acetaminophen Cold and Flu Medicine Children’s Pain Reliever Neosporin (or any brand of antibiotic ointment) Bandaids Sewing scissors Stuffed Animals (small size) Dolls (small size) Children’s clothes LARGE Suitcase with rollers To get in touch about donations or questions, you can email us at bryanonbelay@gmail.com or text (541) 619-3 (fb)