Welcome.

Alma 23:14 contains one of my most favorite short phrases in the whole Book of Mormon. This is the chapter where we learn that converted Lamanities in seven cities desired to be distinguished from their brethren by taking upon themselves a new name. From this point forward, they were called Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

We know the story. They “laid down the weapons of their rebellion” – so much so that they buried them deep in the earth, never to be recovered (Alma 23:13) And when the test of their faithfulness came, they stayed everlastingly true. They perished and went to their God who no doubt beautifully received them.

They were all Lamanities (Alma 23:13)

Except one.

That’s the part I really love.

“And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the Amulonites…” (Alma 23:14)

They were all Lamanities plus one converted Amalekite.

I wish we had his/her name.

“Save only one.” (Alma 23:14)

On my full-time mission, I served with a companion from Sri Lanka. She was the very first convert in her village. She joined the restored church at great personal price, with a disbelieving family and a village who didn’t understand her new faith tradition.

And she’s remained faithful.

“Save only one.” (Alma 23:14)

There are others.

Abish. She waited for years, all the while nourishing her witness, until God used her to perform a miracle. When it was time, she was found ever ready.

“Save only one.” (Alma 23:14)

One of the earliest converts in Otavalo, Ecuador was Brother Juan Jose Munoz. “When he was a boy, Brother Munoz was given a copy of the Book of Mormon in Spanish. He could not read it, but he felt a profound power and spirit when he held it. He hid it in his home, for he knew that his brothers would destroy it. From time to time, he would take the book from its hiding place, just to hold it and feel its power. Enduring significant adversity and opposition, he joined the Church and became one of the very first missionaries called from the village of Otavalo…He served faithfully as a leader in the Church and helped translate the Book of Mormon and the temple ordinances into his native language of Quichua…” (Nash, M., “Pioneers: An Anchor for Today, July 2015)

“Save only one.” (Alma 23:14)

One of my aunts, a convert to the church, is the only believing one in her family. Someone gifted her mother with a Book of Mormon. Her mother shelved it and never read it. One day my aunt found it as a teenager and began to read it. It spoke truth to her heart, and she was baptized and has remained faithful all her life.

“Save only one. ” (Alma 23:14)

God often does His work through “save only one.” Miracles abound in the restored church, often begun and perpetuated by “save only one.” I am so grateful for heroic souls who, though alone, embrace, live, and defend truth!

Unto all the world: God works in meaningful ways, so often using “save only one” to bring about His glorious purposes.