The word of the Lord came to this band of missionaries before they started and told them that they would suffer many hardships. Their instructions were to be patient in their afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me (Alma 17:11). Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah are following that counsel to the very letter.
The main reason patience is such a virtue is that so few people have it. Few of us look forward to the opportunity to develop this painfully obtained quality. The principle being taught is that trials are an opportunity to be a good example, to demonstrate inner strength, and to learn how to endure to the end. Paul said, we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Rom 5:3-5). Paul could authoritatively speak on tribulations and suffering. He had been treated just as harshly as had Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah (see 2 Cor 11:23-27). He stressed how important it was that the ministers of the gospel should be a good example in their afflictions, Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses (2 Cor 5:3-4).