“I Desire to Dwell Among This People for a Time”

“It is interesting to note Ammon’s straightforward approach to sharing the gospel with the Lamanites. It appears that Ammon wanted to win the king’s confidence through first serving him. What do you suppose might have happened if Ammon had immediately called the king to repentance?…under the direction of the Spirit, Ammon did not let his anxiety to begin teaching rush him into teaching his listeners prematurely. When Lamoni asked Ammon why he was there, many would have been tempted to launch immediately into a gospel discussion. Ammon wisely waited for the right time to teach. Note his reaction to what appeared to be total distaster. (See Alma 17:29) He was overjoyed at this opportunity to show these people how a true Christian lives, even in a time of crisis. Talk about waiting for the right teaching moment!” (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1981, p. 246)