US- based Victory Int’l team returns for annual outreach programme following pandemic

Mar 26, 2023 News

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Collabs with Project life, other stakeholders to donate vital supplies to GPHC, other organizations

 By: Rehanna Ramsay

Kaieteur News – Dr. Mark Vasconcellos, CEO and Founder of Victory International a charitable organization based in North Carolina USA and his team arrived in Guyana this week for their annual outreach.  The team is back to regular programming, following a two year-hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Vasconcellos is the Charter President of Rotary Club of All Nations (RCAN), which is known for their service projects, both locally and internationally. While in Guyana, the team worked together with other Rotary clubs such as the Rotary Clubs of Georgetown and Garden City on some sustainable long-term projects. Also collaborating with the team this year were members of the (RCAN) Church, the most diverse and fastest growing Rotary Club in North Carolina.

The team consisted of Past District Governor (PDG) Marie Howard, her husband Dr. David Howard, Past President (PP), Dr. Teresa Long, Elisabeth Wiener, and Pastor/ Director Ken Porter. The team provided Cancer Care Supplies to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Missing from the team this year is Pastor Joel Beckham, President of Victory International and also a Director of RCAN. He indicated that he plans to return to Guyana in the Fall of 2023. He leads New Life Baptist Church in Henderson, North Carolina.

Dr. Vasconcellos, who is a cancer survivor, stated: “Throughout the years, we have done different types of outreaches from dental, medical, eye care, and many other services; however, this year we are focusing on cancer care.

He said “We are blessed that the Rotary Club of All Nations, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Wake Forest, and the Rotary Club of Knightdale (both in North Carolina), were able to partner with the Rotary Club of Demerara (Guyana) for this year’s Cancer Care International District Grant.”

Pastor Ken Porter who serves as a Director of the RCAN disclosed: “This is my first visit to Guyana. Pastor Mark Vasconcellos has invited me for many years; by God’s grace, I am here today and look forward to returning very soon….”

He said “ Having met the Project Life leadership in Guyana, I see why these two organizations do so much in helping the needy and serving the people of Guyana. Having leaders of integrity helping the needy makes all the difference.” Pastor Porter is the Senior Pastor of Covenant Life Fellowship Church, in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Also here for the first time was Dr. David Howard who recognized the low Covid-related cases in Guyana; and emphasized the importance of wearing masks. He has a PhD from the University of Glasgow and a postdoctoral fellowship in virology and oncology from Stanford University’s School of Medicine. He recently did a presentation to RCAN on “Black Swans and Long Covid”

Dr. Howard and Dr. Vasconcellos were guests on Chanel 6, “Good Morning Guyana Show” with Mr. Naim Chan.

Project Life Chairman, Mr. Vibert Parvatan and Vice Chair, Ambassador Rudy Collins, welcomed the team to Guyana. Ambassador Collins presented the traditional Project Life name tags as he received the team. Dr. Vasconcellos stated that Victory International plans to return in the Fall for the traditional dental and medical outreaches which will take place on the East Coast of Demerara this year. In addition, Dr. Vasconcellos is planting a Christian Church in Fyrish, Berbice, which plans to open this year.

Last year, Victory Int’l and Project Life donated a wheelchair to the Oncology Department of the GPHC. During last year’s visit, Dr. D’Aguiar, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Demerara discussed the concept of a Cancer Care Int’l District Grant with Dr Vasconcellos. Now, after a year of planning, the vision has reached its fruition.

Meanwhile in addition to the work, New Life Church lead by Pastor Joel continues to support Victory’s work stateside by collecting supplies to send via barrels for the annual outreaches.  The most recent contribution was a collection of school uniforms through a partnership with a local primary school in North Carolina.

He stated “I am also thankful to work, via Project Life, with Dr. Tika and Christian Life Centre in Enterprise, E.C.D.  Dr. Tika, like Mr. Parvatan and Ambassador Collins, is a leader with integrity.  Whether serving at dental/medical outreaches, training pastors, or simply joining Sunday morning services, Dr. Tika is a joy to be around.  He is loved by New Life Baptist Church.  New Life is also excited to partner with Victory in the planting of a Christian Church in Fyrish, Berbice.”

 

 

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• COVID, GPHC, Guyana, Mr. Naim Chan, North Carolina USA, Past District Governor, PP, RCAN

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