One of the great stories on ministering to others is found in the account of Ammon, recorded in Alma 17-19. Ammon and his companions searched the scriptures, fasted and prayed, and desired "that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth." (Alma 17:9.)
Upon going to the land of Ishmael, Ammon was bound and taken to the king, Lamoni, who would decide whether Ammon should be killed or kept as a servant. When Lamoni asked if he desired to dwell among the Lamanites, Ammon said, "Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, perhaps until the day I die." (Alma 17:23.) Lamoni set Ammon free and offered one of his daughters to be Ammon's wife. However, Ammon told the king that he would be his servant. He tended the king's flocks with other servants until a certain group of Lamanites "stood and scattered the flocks of Ammon and the servants of the king." (Alma 17:27.) The other servants were fearful because those who lost flocks usually were killed.
Ammon used the occasion to "show forth [his] power" to restore the flocks to the king that he might win the hearts of his fellow-servants and lead them to believe his teachings. He overpowered the enemy, astonishing them with his power. Every man that "lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows. . . ." (Alma 18:36-37.)
When the king heard what Ammon had done, he sent for Ammon. After Ammon "perceived the thoughts of the king," Lamoni asked if Ammon were the Great Spirit he had heard of from his father. Ammon replied: "Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do." (Alma 18:17.) The king told Ammon that he would grant anything he desired. Ammon then had the opportunity to do what he desired most: to teach Lamoni and his people of God and His truths.
In an address at the April 1986 general conference, Elder James M. Paramore of the Seventy asked members to ponder seven points of Ammon's teachings, ministry and great example:
The desire of his [Ammon's] heart was to bring people to God.
He was always a servant, a minister. He was out among the people.
He prepared himself by fasting, studying the scriptures and prayer.
He went forth believing he could make a difference with the help of God.
He anxiously looked for every possible opportunity to serve.
He kept all of the commandments.
As a result of doing all of these things, he taught with power and authority and established the Church of God.
