One of my favorite stories in the Book of Mormon is how Amulek helped Alma in his time of need.
Alma had basically been cast out of the city of Ammonihah and he believed he had failed in his missionary efforts there.
When an angel instructed him to go back to the city, he must have felt like it would be a waste of his time. He had experienced such great success in other cities and was anxious to return to more productive areas.
But Alma was obedient and sneaked back into the city. He ran into Amulek, a quiet and possibly reluctant believer. Amulek offered Alma food and a place to rest.
They became great friends and companions in the missionary work among the people as they taught the people about God’s plan of redemption. They were “filled with the Holy Ghost. And they had power given unto them” (Alma 8:30–31).
One day when we were serving as mission leaders in Brazil, I was boarding a plane when the gate agent taking my ticket said, “Welcome aboard, President!”
I asked if she was a member of the Church. By the way she responded, it was obvious to me that she was a member but hadn’t attended meetings for many years. Other passengers were trying to board, so I told her I would find her the next time I was in the airport.
I did exactly that, and we had a wonderful conversation. My wife and I became very good friends with her, and she quickly became our “Amulek” with the airline company. She worked many miracles for us and the missionaries as they traveled to or from our mission.
If we called her or sent her a message about upcoming flights, she would cut through all the obstacles and make our travel experiences smooth. She truly was an “Amulek” as she supported the missionary work. Her participation in that work renewed her interest in the Church and her focus on returning to the covenant path.
Have you experienced an Amulek in your life? Or have you had the privilege of being an Amulek in the life of another?
With love,
Brother J. Scott Nixon
Member of the Young Men General Advisory Council