Post by Lamoni’s Father
My hope is not in vain. I begged Aaron to know of the joy he taught. He said if I would bow down before God and repent of my sins – which I now know are many, and call upon God in faith, believing, then I would receive the hope of that eternal life that I desired.
I did. I prostrated myself, the great king of the Lamanites, down upon the earth and cried unto God. I said that if there was a God and if I was praying to God, and if He would make Himself known to me, I would give up all my sins to know Him, that I might be raised from the dead and be saved at the last day. God must have known I was sincere in my pleading. He accepted my vow. He filled me with such powerful love, that I was struck as if I were dead. Yet my soul and mind did not fail me. I communed with God and reveled in His love.
My wife the queen and many of my servants feared what had happened to me and in the commotion, Aaron, who did know what I was experiencing, put forth his hand and raised me from the earth. My strength returned. Seeing the fear among my wife and my people, I immediately ministered to my whole household. The spirit of the Lord penetrated each heart and all were converted to the Lord.
Great commotion continued outside, for while I was communing with my Father in Heaven, many had gathered, and misunderstanding, they threatened to destroy Aaron and his brethren. I stood forth before them and administered to the crowd. Once they were pacified, I caused Aaron and his brothers to preach the word to my people.
The love and forgiveness that I now know is the most precious thing a man could want. I do recognize that where before I could command and expect obedience, in spiritual matters I cannot command. Each one of my people must seek God as I have. It took a threat to my own life for me to willingly desire to know of God. Once Aaron taught me of the Love of God, His creating this world for me to live and learn to come to become like Him, His giving our first parents Adam and Eve the freedom to choose to fall into this mortal life and then His providing a Savior for us to redeem us from that fall, I want everyone to experience that love and joy. Yet I mourn I cannot command it.
I have done all that I have within my power to do. I sent forth a proclamation throughout the land. It is a proclamation to assure the freedom for my people to receive the teachers and hear their words.
Book of Mormon – Alma Chapters 22-23
