They Went Forth Again

To my son, 

               This week in our scripture reading we have learned about the missionary experiences of the sons of Mosiah. The most well-known is that of Ammon, and his is an incredible story indeed because of how quickly he found success in his missionary labors serving the people of Lamoni. We should not forget his brother Aaron who had some very difficult challenges at the start of his work among the Lamanites. He first went to the people in a Lamanite city called Jerusalem, and despite his diligent preaching he was rejected there. The next city he went to, Ani-Anti, was also difficult and he was rejected there too. He then went to the land of Middoni which proved the worst of all because there he was imprisoned. Mormon described what happened: “Aaron and a certain number of his brethren were taken and cast into prison…. And those who were cast into prison suffered many things, and they were delivered by the hand of Lamoni and Ammon, and they were fed and clothed” (Alma 21:13-14). Ammon and Lamoni were the ones who delivered them, and we get a further description of their suffering from their story: “And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions” (Alma 20:29). That sounds awful! Given all that incredible suffering, it surely must have been tempting for them to just give up at that point. But they didn’t: “They were patient in all their sufferings.” Ammon gave us the example of service; Aaron gave us the example of patience and persistence.

               I love what we read happened next in Aaron’s story. After hearing of their suffering, we read, “And they went forth again to declare the word, and thus they were delivered for the first time out of prison; and thus they had suffered” (Alma 21:15). Their example of persistence reminds me of the story of Jeremiah who wanted to quit preaching to the people of Jerusalem when he was mocked and rejected around the time of Lehi. He recorded, “The word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:8-9). At first he wanted to quit preaching because the people were so mean to him and were deriding him. But something inside him was even stronger than the fear of rejection—his testimony of the Lord burned in his heart and he couldn’t stop. From their example we can take courage that even in the face of difficulty or rejection, we should not quit or give up. We keep going with trust in the Lord that eventually it will get easier. Know that whatever worthy cause you pursue in life there will always be challenges and setbacks that will tempt you to quit, but when that happens remember Aaron and Jeremiah and so many others who have persevered in spite of great trials. I love the Lord’s encouragement to us all: “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34). Never be weary in well-doing and the Lord will turn your small actions into great things. 

Love, 

Dad