Alma 31

Alma learned about a man named Zoram leading people to worship idols. The Nephites feared the Zoramites would join the Lamanites.

Alma knew God’s word could lead people to do well. God’s word has more power on people than the sword, or anything else.

Alma took teachers to preach to the Zoramites. When they came into the land, they saw the Zoramites had built churches and worshiped in a strange way.

In their churches was a stand high up in the center. Only one person could go on top of it. They called it Rameumptom, which means the holy stand.

A person would climb up in the stand, stretch his hands to the sky and pray: Holy, holy God, we believe you have kept us apart from our childish brothers the Nephites. We believe you have chosen us to be your holy people. You told us there will be no Christ. O God, we thank you we are a chosen and a holy people. Amen.

Every person said the same prayer. After they said the prayer, they went to their homes and never spoke of their God until they returned to the holy stand.

When Alma saw this, his heart was sad. He saw the Zoramites were an evil people. Their hearts were on gold and silver and fancy things. He also saw their hearts were full of pride and bragging.

Alma prayed: O Lord, bless us to bring the Zoramites to Christ. Their souls are precious. Give to us, O Lord, power and wisdom to bring them to you. When Alma said these words, the teachers were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The teachers went separate ways without thinking of what they would eat, or drink, or wear. The Lord gave them food and drink. He gave them strength. When they suffered hardship, they were comforted by the joy of Christ.