Alma 31

When Alma received news that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of God by worshipping idols, he was filled with sorrow at the divide between the Nephites and the sinful Zoramites. Because the Zoramites resided in the border lands between the Ammonites and the wilderness occupied by the Lamanites, Alma was concerned about the possibility of an alliance between the Zoramites and the Lamanites. He knew that preaching and persuasion were more effective than force in leading people to justice. So he took Mosiah’s sons Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni, Amulek, Zeezrom, and two of his own sons Shiblon and Corianton, to go preach the word of God to the Zoramites.

The Zoramites were Nephites who had formerly been followers of God. They had fallen into apostasy and would not observe the commandments of God or the laws of Moses. They no longer prayed to God daily for guidance from temptation, and in many ways perverted the ways of God.

Alma’s party entered the Zoramite lands and were surprised to find synagogues in which the Zoramites gathered one day each week to make observance to God. These weekly worship services to God were like none that Alma had ever seen. In the center of the synagogue was a raised platform big enough for only one person to stand and preach with his arms outreached.

“Holy God,” a man cried out, “we believe you are holy. We believe that you were, are, and will always be a spirit. Holy God we believe that you have separated us from our Nephite brothers because we do not believe in the same childish traditions as they do. We believe that we have been chosen as your holy children. We believe that there will be no Jesus Christ. We believe that we alone will be saved, while those around us will be cast down to hell. For this we thank you for choosing us. This foolish notion of Jesus Christ has led our former brothers away from God. We give thanks for being your chosen and holy people.”

Alma and his party heard these prayers, and were dumbfounded. Each Zoramite in attendance went to the high platform and said the same thing in his turn. After their weekly service, the people left the synagogue and never spoke of God until the next time they gathered.

Seeing this, Alma was deeply saddened. He saw that the Zoramites were wicked and perverse people with their intentions focused on riches and fine goods. He saw their boastful pride in themselves. He cried out to God saying, “Oh God, how long do I have to suffer here as a witness to the Zoramite’s sinfulness? They cry out to you but their prayers are swallowed up in their pride and pursuit of wealth. Look at their expensive clothing and adornments of gold and other precious things as they cry out to you. They say that they are your chosen people, that all others will perish.

“They say that you have told them there will be no coming of Jesus Christ,” Alma continued. “How can you allow this apostasy to continue? Oh God, give me the strength to be patient with the suffering that these people cause in me. Please give me and all of my missionary companions comfort in our souls as we do this work on your behalf. Grant us success in bringing these precious Zoramite souls back to you, and to Jesus Christ.”

When Alma finished speaking to God he laid his hands on the heads of all his missionary companions, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Afterwards they went their separate ways without a thought for their sustenance or needs. God provided them their food, drink, clothing, strength to withstand all manner of suffering, and the joy of Jesus Christ. This is what Alma had prayed for, and now his faith was rewarded. [74 BC]