Reverend Carl Ramlal
A History of Reverend Pastor Carl Ramlal
“From a tender age I recognized that God’s hand was upon me and upon my life”
From a very young age, Reverend Pastor Carl Ramlal was diagnosed with an internal ailment which threatened his very survival. As a young child, matters seemed to have worsened in his life with dismal doctors’ reports. However, Reverend Ramlal’s mother, Lolly Ramlal, who was a much determined woman, had shown great courage and will to save her son’s life when she took him to the El Dorado Pentecostal Church believing for a miracle. Today Reverend Ramlal is the official leader of Tunupuna Abundant Life Ministries, a father and husband and continues to lead a life servicing Jesus Christ who restored his life many years ago.
In an interview with the Reverend, he proudly shared:
“From a tender age I recognized that God’s hand was upon me and upon my life, even though I came from a Hindu home, I never felt that I belonged in that atmosphere...never, but I always felt from a young age that something was missing and I found this missing part when I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I felt that I now belonged...”
The journey of Reverend Ramlal’s life and his Christian ministry is one of much determination, disappointments, resilience, sorrows and joys. He had become the official head and Pastor of Tunapuna Abundant Life Ministries (A.L.M) in 2002 when he was formally instituted. In his twelve years at T.A.L.M, Reverend Ramlal made remarkable strides in building the church’s ministry and himself as an individual.
Essentially his Christian journey, which became his life’s journey, started at age fifteen when he initially committed his life to Jesus Christ which was quite an outstanding act for him since he, like the late Bishop Samlal who was the founder of Abundant Life Ministries, also grew up in a Hindu home. By 1983 he was baptized and functioned under the leadership of Miracle Tabernacle. Although his parents, Lolly and Rampersad Ramlal, were hesitant to the degree of his commitments to church, overall they were supportive of his decision and acceptance of Christianity and allowed him fully and freely to practice his faith.
Reverend Ramlal’s association with A.L.M. can be dated back to his time spent at Miracle Tabernacle where he met with Bishop Samlal, and the other founding members of Abundant Life Ministries. Importantly, when Bishop Samlal, Pastor Harry Mahabir, Evangelist Subia and Pastor Suresh met in 1984 to establish Abundant Life Ministries, Reverend Ramlal followed his leading from the Lord and left Miracle Tabernacle and became a full time and active member of the newly formed Abundant Life Ministries. It was at Abundant Life Ministries in San Juan, where his fellowship and spiritual growth took place. At age 16 he became a song leader and performed his first song unto the Lord, “Just A Closer Walk.”
He then launched himself into several activities at Abundant Life Ministries San Juan Church where he became an usher, part of the youth group, and later held positions such as worship director, song leader and Sunday-School Teacher among other posts. Reverend Ramlal thrust himself further into the will and purpose of his calling in Christianity when he made the decision to pursue education in theology which he stated in his early twenties. As the years progressed he became qualified in Bible Training and Leadership, he also obtained a diploma in theology, Ministerial and Marriage Licenses, along with certificates in pastoral studies and practical ministries. Most recently he has enrolled himself at the West Indian School of Theology where he is reading for his Bachelor of Arts in Theology. Fundamentally, Reverend Ramlal noted that his aim is to better equip himself as he strives for excellence in the building of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
As Reverend Ramlal grew in church, he also paid great attention to building a family life. It was in 1996 that he first met Lady Sharmilla Ramlal at Abundant Life Ministries, San Juan, who later became his wife. He then became the father of four children. However, tragedy struck his life and his family when his second born children, who were twins, died days after birth. Reverend Ramlal stated that, “this is a low and depressing time for myself and for my family... our faith was being tested... but it was Christ who brought us true...” Today, his other two children, Abigail and Josiah Ramlal along with his wife are committed members of T.A.L.M and they continue to stand with T.A.LM and with their head Reverend Ramlal.
Indeed, it is quite evident that Reverend Ramlal is truly a man of God. His commitment and will to serve Jesus Christ has been unrelenting. He continues to show immense will, credibility, discipleship, faithfulness and empathy in his duties to Jesus Christ, T.A.L.M and its members and to his family. His story continues as he strives to carry on the work of Jesus Christ.