ARIMA

The Arima Branch was organized on the 30th January, 1994 after being split (made independent of Port of Spain Branch) from its former Branch. The first Branch President was Elder Ronald D. Colby, a senior missionary from Utah. Elder Colby served in a Bishopric previously. His enthusiasm and consistency enabled him to help move the work forward in that part of the Lord's vineyard. The Branch's auxiliary leaders had been called to the following positions;
Sr.Alma Lutchman..............R.S President
Sr.Loren Chevalier............Y.W President
Sr. Anna Ramdhanie.............Primary President
The other auxiliaries had not received appointed leaders as yet due to lack of priesthood.

'The first person baptized was Ann Martin Paynter, on the 27th February, 1994. She was baptized by Elder Colby at the Sangre Grande font. The first sacrament meeting was held on the third floor of the P.S.C.U. BUILDING, Arima. Twenty-five members were in attendance that day with thirty five members assigned to the Branch. The average sacrament attendance by April,1995 was sixty two. The huge growth came from the great spirit the members and missionaries had and still have in bringing souls to Christ. One such member is Jennyind Glasgow, speak about her, Elder Colby said,

"As a dependent Branch from Sangre Grande, members met in the Glasgow's home from July 1993 to 20 December, 1993. She started there as the only Sunday School teacher and has continued teaching Doctrine Class, institute and serves as a Relief Society Counselor currently".

The Branch has been involved in some exciting activities such as picnics, BBQs, Christmas dinners, acting, river tours and cricket matches with Sangre Grande Branch. Just as seed planted in good soil will grow to be trees, so too members engrossed in sowing for the Lord will also receive spiritual harvests.

RICHARD RAMDHANIE, the present Branch President of the Arima Branch, has also been a member of the Port of Spain Branch. He is self-employed as an owner of a pastry shop. He has served as a teacher and 1st Counselor in the Branch Presidency, to Pres. Michael Garcia, the first local Arima Branch President. Speaking about the transition from going to Church in Port of Spain and now Arima, Richard said,

"It's easier for my family to attend Sunday meetings and uplifting to be involved in the 'beginnings' of a new Branch in our own area."

Pres. Ramdhanie claimed to have a goal of having 500 - 600 members in Arima's boundaries by the year 2003 or about 75 members baptized into the branch per year. With the help of his congregation and the diligent missionaries, this can become a reality.

"It's a challenge to be President, to have such a goal as well as bringing all the members into full activity. It involves having to constantly teach, set an example, and counsel them about the Lord's will for them. Members need to be missionaries -- proclaiming the Gospel", said Pres. Ramdhanie

The Ramdhanies have been very faithful to the work of the Lord and will be a blessing to the Arima Branch.

"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." -- 3 Nephi 18:20

CHARMIAN DAWN LUTCHMAN, a former member of the Port of Spain Branch, now serves faithfully as the Primary President for the Arima Branch. Charmain served as an organist, teacher, Counselor, and chorister. She graduated from the University of the West Indies with a B.S.C.D in Biochemistry and Zoology with honors. Charmian described her transition from one Branch to the other as 'new rose buds',

"The Lord had pruned our family like a gardener would prune his rose bush. It was painful to leave the Port of Spain Branch, but it was worth it. After the rose bush is pruned it springs back up again, with more vigor, life and buds that eventually blossom . The Lord changed our surroundings or pruned us so that we would learn and grow in a way that He sees fit."

Charmain as an Arima Branch pioneer, has contributed a lot of her time and talent to both Branches (Port of Spain) and this truly developed her testimony.

"I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that God calls his modern prophets to guide us in these last days. I have gained a strong testimony of the Book Of Mormon through prayer and experimenting on its word. I know I have a lot more to learn from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ."

The Lutchman family have been active in the Church for five years. They stand as a light to those in Arima.

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