MVNU begins new relationship with Guyana

Over the years MVNU has sought out mission relationships all over the world. The school partners with many countries such as Belize and Swaziland and this year is building a new relationship with Orealla, Guyana.

The small remote village of Orealla lies in the Guyana jungle of South America. About 1,000 people live in the village, which is incredibly isolated and difficult to travel to and from.

The nearest town is three hours by boat.

MVNU is working with Pastor David Rambarran from Fort Lauderdale First Church of the Nazarene to connect with Orealla.

Rambarran originally is from Guyana where he and his wife started a ministry called Bags of Hope. For 10 years, Bags of Hope has provided aid, education and training to the people of Guyana.

Their purpose is to share the love of Christ by serving others, a goal that is shared by MVNU.

Catie Hayes, MVNU’s director of Community and International Ministries, will lead MVNU’s involvement in this project. She plans to take a group of 13 girls to this small village over spring break 2016.

This is the first year for the trip to Orealla, but Hayes suggests this partnership could continue, allowing many groups the opportunity to visit the village.

The MVNU team will help create a place in the village that teaches practical skills, like basket weaving. The people of Guyana can use these skills to make an income by selling at the market.

“We will be working to help bring a solution to the lack of educational opportunities and vocational training,” Hayes said.

The team also will help build a resource center for the youngergeneration. The goal is to provide teens a space equipped with a dormitory, kitchen and learning center. They also will help with a teen camp, sharing the message of Christ with young campers.

“I’m excited, and our team is excited,” Hayes said.