If I had the opportunity to have dinner with anyone from scripture or church history, it would be the four sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni. These men were great missionaries, taking the Gospel to the Lamanite people and being used by God to bring many of them to an understanding of the truth.

With where I am in the Church, away from the main body with only a handful of saints closer than four hours away, I would love to hear their counsel. It would be both encouraging and helpful in spreading the Gospel and growing the Church.

Each of them had different experiences when they went among the Lamanites (Alma 17 to 27). We read that Ammon had great success relatively quickly, whereas Aaron was imprisoned soon after arriving in the land. However, he was used to convert King Laman and many of the king’s subjects after being released. As for Omner and Himni, we don’t know the details, but we do know from Ammon’s summation of their work (in Alma 26) that they must have been successful, too. I believe all of them could provide much insight when it comes to missionary work and discussing the Gospel with others, whether they currently are Christian or not.

We’d have to meet at a place that allows easy conversation, maybe a place with an outdoor patio during the week. I’d love to hear about their successes and the miracles God performed, but I’d really want to know about the struggles and what they learned from them. I’d ask what they did to prepare besides praying and fasting (because we know they did a lot of that). I’d want to know how they started conversations, what they said, how they defended the Gospel, and how they proved their points.

We know that every situation is different, but we also know that people are people, and the need of the Gospel is the same, whether it was 2,000-plus years ago or today. Their insight would be of great help and uplifting. I think the conversation could go on for hours, and we might even need to have another meal together if possible.

Ultimately, the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding these four brothers had would be a treasure trove to me today. To hear them tell their stories, from their conversions, to the Lamanites, to living out the rest of their lives in Zarahemla or elsewhere — the scriptures don’t mention them much after coming back to the Nephite territories — I could learn so much from them.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.