Foolishness. That’s what many of the Nephites thought when they learned that the four sons of their king wanted to preach the gospel among their enemies (Alma 26:23-25). But Ammon and his brothers were determined, and God revealed to their father that they would be safe (Mosiah 28:7). God promised them that, if they would be patient in their afflictions, He would make them “an instrument in his hands” to bring many people to salvation (Alma 17:11, Alma 26:3, 15).
This week, we will study the ministry of Ammon among the people of King Lamoni, including the remarkable story of Abish, a servant of the queen (Alma 17-20). We will also study the ministry of Ammon’s brother Aaron to Lamoni’s father after he is released from prison (Alma 21-22).
Two of the most important women in the Book of Mormon appear in these chapters: Abish and the wife of Lamoni. I have written about both of them in the following post:
What Can We Learn from the Women in the Book of Mormon?
Here are some blog posts about the major themes in these chapters:
Preparing to teach
- Open our hearts to the Spirit of the Lord: They Had Searched the Scriptures Diligently – Alma 17:1-3
- Learn and live the gospel: According to the Word and Power of God – Alma 17:17-18
- Invite and acknowledge the influence of the Holy Ghost: A Portion of That Spirit Dwelleth in Me – Alma 18:34-35
Serving effectively
- Integrity, love, service, revelation, and faith: How Can I Be a Better Missionary?
- Seek and follow personal revelation: An Instrument in the Hands of God – Alma 17:9-12
- Act on the promptings you receive: No One Hath Told Me, Save It Be God – Alma 20:2-5
- Service can open doors: I Will Be Thy Servant – Alma 17:23-25
- Be willing to do the dirty work: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Serving Others?
- Stay focused: Behold, He Is Feeding Thy Horses – Alma 18:8-10
Teaching effectively
- Love the people you teach: When He Also Saw the Great Love He Had for His Son… – Alma 20:26-27
- See people not as they are, but as they can become: His Arm Is Extended to All People – Alma 19:36
- Build on common beliefs: This is God – Alma 18:24-28
- Take advantage of unplanned teaching opportunities: She Ran Forth from House to House – Alma 19:16-17
- Seek for the gift of discernment, to see the “better natures” of those you teach: How Knowest Thou the Thoughts of My Heart? – Alma 18:18-20
- Be wise in choosing how to present your message: What Does It Mean to Be “Caught with Guile?”
- Share your own personal experiences: Many Did Believe in Their Words – Alma 19:33-35
- Teach the people you know—your own friends and family: The King Stood Forth, and Began to Minister unto Them – Alma 22:22-23
- Don’t be intimidated by cynics: We Do Not Believe That Thou Knowest Any Such Thing – Alma 21:7-8
- Invite the people you teach to take appropriate action: I Will Give Away All My Sins – Alma 22:18
- Don’t give up if people respond poorly at first: When She Saw the Contention – Alma 19:28-29
- Remember that learning takes time: Ye Shall Be Patient – Alma 17:11
Other lessons from the mission of the sons of Mosiah
- Being productive: How Can I Be a Better Employee?
- Sustaining our conversion over time: They Had No More Desire to Do Evil – Alma 19:33
- The danger of contempt: And They Would Not Hear – Alma 21:10
- Broadening our perspective: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Creation of the Earth?
- Overcoming despair through repentance: How Can I Be More Hopeful?
- Praying with sincerity and with commitment: If Thou Art God – Alma 22:18
Book of Mormon Study Notes 
Thank you for your wonderful insights in your study. Just a trivia, I was named after Abish from the Book of Mormon.
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That’s a fantastic name and a fantastic legacy! Abish was a remarkable woman who was able to lead effectively without holding a position of authority. Thank you for sharing that. Have a great day!
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