Converted Unto the Lord is a sacred oratorio which involves brilliant soloists, a stunning choir, passionate narrators and an incredible orchestra. This original oratorio premiered with volunteer performers from Heart+Voice in early 2024, and is back for another run during the fall of 2024. Based on the Book of Mormon, this work begins with the iconic speech King Benjamin gave from his tower, and continues with the story of Alma the Younger and the four sons of Mosiah who were rebelling against the Lord. Experience the miracle of conversion as “the vilest of sinners” see an angel and choose to serve God on a series of missions—to the Lamanites, to the Amalekites, and to their fellow Nephites.
Hear and learn from the faith and voices of powerful women in the Book of Mormon, including Abish, King Lamoni’s wife and Alma’s the Younger’s mother. Come and see how “[Christ] is the Light and the Life of the World.” Come and see how a “a ferocious people … who delighted in murdering” are changed in Christ, and “have no desire to sin.” Experience the anguish of Aaron and his brethren in prison, and hear their assurance that “nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ.” Come and “lay down your sword” and be “converted unto the Lord.” Come and “see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name” and that “none can deliver us except it be the Lord.” And of course—bring a friend!
Director
Assistant Director
Director of Deseret Symphony Orchestra
Audio Engineer
Social Media Photographer
Catering
Production Manager
I should never have been able to write an oratorio like this, or even an oratorio at all! Especially at the pace that it was written. I did not study music in college, and I have never written anything for an orchestra in my life. All my previous projects were small scale endeavors compared to this. When I first got the prompting to write this oratorio in 2018, I was very excited and a little nervous. I envisioned it just being a work for soloists and piano. As I began working on the pieces, it truly felt like the music would flow out of me. I would study the scriptures and think about the individual who would be singing, then I would sit at the piano and turn on my voice memo app, and play and sing whatever came out. Several of the oratorio’s main themes and songs were recorded as audio files during this time.
As the year went on, I got busy, as most of us do, and distracted with other projects. I produced a few original albums of church hymns and youth music style songs, and then felt inspired to audition to be a Nauvoo performing missionary. I had the incredible privilege of serving as a performing missionary in 2021, followed by two summers as the pianist for the Nauvoo Pageant Core Cast and Family Cast. These experiences enriched my life and strengthened my testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel, and in addition, God also used them as a way for me to connect with individuals with the same goal as I had: to “sing redeeming love” or to use their musical talents and abilities to bring people to Christ.
In November of 2022, I had a distinct prompting to start a musical fireside group to utilize the talents of the returned Nauvoo missionaries and pageant performers. Incredibly, I found out that two of my friends, Cristian Torres and Kylee Murdock, had received the same prompting. We banded together and started this non-profit organization, Heart+Voice. From the beginning, I knew that God had opened the way for me to fulfill this prompting from way back in 2019. Cris and Kylee were very supportive. We produced our first show last spring, our second show last fall, and finally, now Converted Unto the Lord.
In order to have time to write the show, I quit my full time job last October and got to writing full time. I cannot help but testify that God’s hand has been in this, directing me, giving me the melodies, the lyrics, the ideas, the creativity and the strength to push forward. At times I got hit with depression, and still, He carried me to the finish line. He found ways to teach me the musical themes and lyrics in my everyday life experiences, such as a rhythm from a bird I heard while on a walk, or a time signature from a song at a middle school choir concert. Revelation came while folding laundry or raking leaves, and ESPECIALLY while serving in the temple. So many of these songs sound nothing like the melodies I typically write. God made it flow out of me, and I cannot take the credit for it.
I have often felt like Joseph Smith, an inexperienced, uneducated, young girl who God used to bring forth His word. Just as Joseph did not write the Book of Mormon, I did not write this oratorio. It was translated from heaven by the gift and power of God. I truly feel that the individuals we are portraying today influenced much of the work I did from beyond the veil.
I have also felt like Nephi, who was taught by God how to build a ship and how to make the tools to do so. I can truly say with Nephi, that “If God had commanded me to do all things, I could do them.” It has strengthened my testimony immensely. With Ammon, I testify that “in His strength, I can do all things.”
President Nelson recently shared, “What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.” What is it that you feel prompted to do? What is God calling you to do with your abilities, resources, and time? Think about it, write about it, and do it! Just as Nephi asked his brothers, I ask you, “If the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct [you]?” (1 Nephi 17: 51) I testify with the angel Gabriel that “with God, nothing shall be impossible.”
Rachel Andelin Ellingson
As I began crafting the solo roles for this production, it became immediately apparent just how many male named soloists there were, and how few women. Such is often the case in scripture, and I pondered and prayed long about how to ensure that the voice of scriptural women would be heard. I came to the conclusion that I wanted all narrators for the production to be female, to indicate how interwoven women were throughout these people’s stories. Women who were included in the text naturally are Abish, King Lamoni’s wife, King Lamoni’s daughter, and King Lamoni’s father’s wife. I also knew that of course, Alma the Younger had a mother, though we do not know if she was living at the time of the angel’s appearance to him. According to gospel scholars, Alma the Elder was 72 years old at the time of the angel’s appearance, meaning his prayers had been enduring and very full of faith. I wanted to portray Alma’s mother regardless of whether she was singing on this side of the veil or on the other. In addition, I chose to utilize women whenever the gender was unspecified—Lamanite servants of the king, Lamanite civilians and an Amalekite woman.
At the end of the show, I scripted an opportunity for all of the sons of Mosiah to testify together, as well as Anti-Nephi-Lehi, the new head of the converted Lamanites. But again, it seemed like an imbalance of voicing. So, if you listen carefully, you may notice that during those testimonies, the orchestra plays only the melodies of testimonies offered by women earlier in the show. It is a way to end with both women and men, testifying together, which is the most powerful kind of unity and testimony. Both men and women have critical and complementary roles to play in God’s plan, and I wanted to emphasize that.
As I have studied, I have learned a lot about several women and wanted to share some insights about the following women:
Abish surely must have been a woman of great courage. Though she was just a servant girl, she had faith and acted upon that faith. We learn that she “ran forth from house to house” (Alma 19:17), inviting people to come and see for themselves. We also know that she had been a convert for many years, but had never made it known to others. It is my belief that her example of love and kindness and light prepared King Lamoni and his wife to the point that they would be receptive to Ammon’s message. The following comes from Book of Mormon Central scholars:
“Abish was remarkable for many reasons. First, she is one of only six named women in the Book of Mormon. The name Abish most likely derives from the Hebrew elements ab (“father”) and ish (“man”), and straightforwardly means “father (is a) man.” But more than just that, there appears to be a deliberate pun on her name in this passage that highlights an important doctrinal teaching. Right after Mormon wrote the name Abish (“father is a man”), he immediately follows with the detail that she had “been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father” (Alma 19:16, emphasis added).
“This could be understood as saying that Abish was converted by a vision that her earthly father had previously had, or that she had seen a vision of her earthly father perhaps after his death. Alternatively, and possibly most likely, it may signal that she herself had a vision of her Heavenly Father, or of Jesus Christ, the “Eternal Father” of heaven and earth, as He is called by Abinadi (Mosiah 15:1–4).
“Only Abish understood what was truly happening, when others were puzzled and conflicted. Because this woman was not deterred by her fears, many people heard the queen’s testimony firsthand, as she bore witness that the Redeemer of the world would be born of a woman. Abish was specifically mentioned as having played a crucial role as a spiritual midwife at the turning point of this commencement of this first Nephite missionary success among the Lamanites.”
Read more about Abish here:
https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/knowhy/why-was-abish-mentioned-by-name
King Lamoni’s wife is declared by Ammon to have more faith than he had ever seen among the Nephites. It appears that she may have been well prepared and influenced by her converted servant Abish, or perhaps her goodness drew her to appoint Abish, as “virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light” (D&C 88:40). King Lamoni’s wife had an important spiritual gift—believing the testimony of others—and through this gift, she worked in unity with her husband to convert the rest of her people. I love King Lamoni’s wife’s fervent testimony, proclaimed as Abish raises her up from an unconscious state: “Blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell!” This is a woman who knew the Savior and understood how to draw upon His power. Her testimony was the first one to be heard by the multitude which gathered. She is very likely someone who strongly influenced the mothers of the stripling warriors to model unshakeable faith in God.
King Lamoni’s father’s wife is portrayed in the Book of Mormon to have walked right in on the scene which she thought was the death of her husband. Her reactions of anger and fear are completely understandable, especially with the understanding that anger is a common part of the grieving process. We learn that King Lamoni’s father’s wife had a strong personality and a powerful ability to influence others, as the scriptures report, “Now when Aaron saw the determination of the queen … he put forth his hand and raised the king from the earth” (Alma 22:22). We also know that she was included in the “whole household” who “were converted unto the Lord” by her husband’s ministering (Alma 22:23). With her gift of determination, she must have been a powerful force for good for her people after her conversion.
Represents witnessing—may in some ways represent the Holy Ghost, but may also be a witness as Christ witnesses our pain and challenges, and as we stand as witnesses of God.
Represents giving yourself over to the will of God, letting Christ take your burdens.
Represents conversion to the Lord.
Represents building a firm foundation on Christ. Solid, grounded.
Represents the voice of the Lord, the divine feminine and traditional Lamanite culture. It is featured any time Lamanite women of faith testify.
Represents humility, asking God for help.
Represents Godly sorrow/mourning.
Represent courage, bravery and valiance. The French Horn is often featured when royalty sings.
Represents emotional excitement, descent/involvement of angels.
Represents hardheartedness, is also indicative of traditional Lamanite culture.
Represents pleasure or joy.
Represents solitude, longing, and a plea for mercy.
In writing this oratorio, I knew that I wanted to include some Native American texts, as they have often been referenced in the church as “descendents of the Lamanites” and because I felt that it highlighted a bit of a cultural difference between Nephites and Lamanites. In doing so, I came across the following song from the Lakota tribe, typically sung after someone they love has passed on:
Lakota text of Wasiglaya Olowan:
Mitakola
Tokiya ilale
Nitakuye ocicile pe hey
Ceya wau we
Otehikelo hey
English translation:
My friend
Where did you go?
Your relatives are looking for you.
I come crying
This is a really difficult time.
My love for and understanding of these men has grown exponentially as I have written this oratorio. Back in 2018 when I first started writing the music, the sons of Mosiah had a different theme song at the point in the show when they were deciding to serve missions and also a different theme song for when they were in prison. However, I did not feel right about keeping either in the oratorio. As I prayed and reviewed scripture, I was struck by the frequency of the word “perhaps” in Mosiah 28:2: “That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites.” I love the word “perhaps,” how it presents a sense of hope and uncertainty—which is what I believe faith is. I also noticed for the first time the following phrase “they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever. And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days that they might go” (Mosiah 28:4-5).
It finally clicked for me that the reasons they may have felt so strongly about going to the Lamanites were: (1) They still felt afraid for their own salvation, and wanted to do more for God’s work, and (2) They knew that if God could change them, “the very vilest of sinners” then God could also change their enemies, the murderous Lamanites (Mosiah 28:4). I doubt that other righteous men at that time would have had that realization and motivation. I would guess that God had been preparing them specifically for these missions, and was able to use their bad choices and experiences to bless others. I believe He can do the same in our lives.
Another fascinating thing I learned is that Alma the Elder was in fact 72 years old when the angel appeared to his son, meaning that Alma and the sons of Mosiah may not have been as young as we may usually assume. In that respect, their conversion is even more miraculous, as they had changed their ways so much later in life. These men inspire me with their testimonies of Christ, humility, and their tireless efforts to preach the word of God throughout their lives. In this year’s Come Follow Me, I hope you will enjoy reading about them as much as I have!
During the writing process, I knew that I wanted this program to be completely true to the text, not elaborated. However, the Spirit prompted me at various times to use passages from all four of the standard works to create song lyrics. Obviously the oratorio is based on the Book of Mormon, but you’ll also hear song lyrics from:
Song 10, “Ye Shall Be His Servants,” comes from 1 Samuel 8:11-17. In this chapter, the prophet Samuel shares revelation from the Lord with the elders of Israel, in an attempt to convince them not to appoint another king. He shares the dangers and trials that result from having a king, which is highly correlated with King Mosiah’s advice to his people in Mosiah 29. Mosiah’s people listened and were blessed by this council, but Samuel’s people unfortunately did not.
Song 20, “Turn to Me,” is based on the New International Version’s translation of Psalm 25:15-17. This is a cry to God for help- to “free me from my anguish” and “release my feet from the snare.” I put these lyrics to music independent of the oratorio when I was going through a very challenging time, and it gave me a lot of comfort. I found it fitting for Aaron to express these words while in prison.
Song 21, “If God Be For Us,” comes from Romans 8:18, 31, 35-39. While in prison, Aaron and his companions Ammah and Muloki sing how “nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.” I find it fitting that these verses mention tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword as examples of things that cannot separate us from His love, as we learn from the Book of Mormon that Aaron and his brethren experienced all of these things on their missions.
Song 9, “Instruments in Thy Hand,” references Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, regarding God being “on our right hand and left hand” and “my angels round about to bear you up.” I was working on my temple shift folding temple laundry one day when this scripture came powerfully into my mind to replace other lyrics I had written for song 9. I feel it is especially meaningful because the Book of Mormon mentions that when Ammon and his brethren separate, it says “every man alone.” I cannot imagine how terrifying that would have been to go all by yourself to a city full of people who want to kill you. This insight from the Spirit taught me that they were truly not alone; the Lord and His angels were with them.
This is the first line sung in the entire show, by a Woman of Faith at King Benjamin’s tower. It appears throughout the show, such as when the people are fasting and praying that Alma the Younger can awake, when King Lamoni hears the gospel for the first time, when the servants of King Lamoni see him rise and fall again to the earth, and when King Lamoni’s wife arises from her unconscious state. In the Book of Mormon, the phrase “have mercy” shows up nine times- two times in Isaiah passages and the other seven are all quoted by people in this oratorio. Many have sung in choirs a song called “Kyrie Eleison.” It has been set to many different tunes, but it means “Lord, have mercy.” Are we not all in desperate need for the Lord’s mercy? I hope you can call out and find that “the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name “(Helaman 3:27).
When I first started trying to write lyrics for Alma the Elder to sing, I had to go back in his history and learn more about him. I noticed this phrase “None could deliver them but the Lord their God” in Mosiah 23:23 when Alma the Elder’s people are in bondage. It showed up again in Mosiah 24:21 after his people were redeemed out of bondage. Then, a similar version of the phrase is quoted by the Angel to Alma the Elder’s son. “Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them (Mosiah 27:16, emphasis added). It appears that Alma the Elder knew it, the angel knew it, and did Alma the Younger learn this lesson?
In Alma the Younger’s teachings he shares the following regarding his fathers, “They were in captivity, and again the Lord did deliver them out of bondage by the power of his word… And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren.. have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? (Alma 5:5-6). You’ll also find in Alma 29:11 Alma the Younger’s testimony that he does remember the captivity of his fathers, and then teaches his son the same in Alma 36:2 and 29.
I love these repetitions because I can see that Alma the Younger truly learned the lesson the angel was trying to teach him. Do we follow promptings from the Lord this sincerely? I also feel that God has taught me the power of remembering the captivity of my ancestors, both in the Book of Mormon, Saints, and in family history accounts. There is so much we can learn about the Lord and his mercy in such accounts. In our trials, truly, “none can deliver us except it be the Lord.”
When writing the lyrics for Alma the Elder and his wife’s testimony of Christ, I thought about how Abinadi would have been their prophet, the one who had converted Alma the Elder and helped him to come to know the Savior. Surely it would be Abinadi’s words that would be quoted around the house and in worship services. My eyes caught this beautiful passage from Abinadi and I knew it was the one to use.
Several months later, during my own Book of Mormon study, I was shocked to find that Alma the Younger uses these words verbatim when teaching his son Shiblon in Alma 38:9. The Spirit witnessed to me that indeed, Alma the Elder had loved and quoted these words, had taught them to his son, who taught them to his son also. What a beautiful testament to the power that comes when parents share their testimonies of Christ with their children.
I would like to give a special thank you to many people who made this work possible:
O have mercy
O have mercy
And apply the atoning blood of Christ
That we may receive forgiveness of our sins
That our hearts may be purified
For we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God
The Son of God (The Son of God)
Converted unto the Lord
Converted unto His word
Converted, we have no desire for sin
We have been reborn in Him
Converted unto the Lord
Converted, our peace is restored
Converted, we will praise His name forever
We will be His children ever
Converted
There should be no pride or haughtiness to disturb our peace
Esteem your neighbor as yourself
Each of us must labor and work
Each of us must not persecute
That we may abound in the grace of God.
Brothers and sisters, good day to all
I come bringing tidings of cheer
The God who created us is patient and generous
So why do we need to fear
He created this world and then gave it to us
He trusts all of our decisions
We are capable and smart
See the riches in our carts
So why follow these old men?
Sin a little
Lie a little
There is no harm in this
Fill your belly
Let’s be merry
All will be well with us.
Sin a Little (Sin a little)
Lie a Little (Lie a little)
There is no harm in this (There’s no harm in this)
Fill your belly (Fill your belly)
Let’s be merry (Let’s be merry)
All will be well with us.
Repent and come unto the Lord
For his arm is stretched out still!
Lord have mercy
O have mercy on my son!
What more could I do for him?
What have I left undone?
Every word that he speaks pierces my soul
He fights against all that is good
Tearing down all we build
Precious children of God he has pulled from the fold
And he’s my child
He’s my precious child
And he’s yours
I was once a wicked man
Perhaps he thinks I understand
But there’s been a mighty change in me
My Savior’s come and set me free
I am a new man
And the joy that I feel
Is discernible and real
If he could feel,
If he could only feel
O God, open his eyes
Soften his heart
Help him to realize
The mercy through the gift of thy Son
Let Thy Son save my son
None can deliver Him
Except it be the Lord!
Alma, arise and stand forth
Alma arise and stand
Why persecutest thou
The church of God?
Behold, the Lord hath heard the
Prayers of thy father Alma
He has prayed with much faith
Concerning thee
That thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth. Therefore for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
Can ye dispute the pow’r of God?
Doth not my voice shake the earth?
Can ye not also behold
I am sent from God?
Go and remember the captivity of thy fathers
And remember how great things the Lord has done for them!
None could deliver them except it be the Lord!
If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed,
Seek no more to destroy the church of God.
Brothers, brothers
We cannot deny what we’ve seen
Brothers, brothers.
Tis surely the pow’r of heaven!
Break forth into joy, sing together
For the Lord hath comforted His people
He hath redeemed my son!
The Lord hath made bare his holy arm
And the ends of the earth shall see
The salvation of our God!
He is the light and the life of the world
A light that is endless (A light that is endless)
That can never be darkened (That can never be darkened)
A life which is endless
That there can be no more death
Jesus, the Son of God
O have mercy (O have mercy)
And open the mouth of Alma that he might speak, (That he might speak)
That his limbs might receive their strength, that we might see (That his limbs might receive their strength, that they might see)
That we might see and know the goodness and glory of God
O have mercy (On my son)
Be of good comfort, Father
Hear of the Lord’s deliverance
This son of yours is a new creature in Christ
I was in a fallen state
In the darkest abyss
And my soul was racked with all my sins
Then I called out to my Redeemer
Pained no more!
The Lord has snatched my soul
I’m redeemed and I am whole
Born of God, filled with light
Because I know Christ
I have repented of my sins
Freed from the bonds that I was in
And I have been born of the Spirit
I am pained no more
I had rejected my Redeemer
Denied what was spoken by our fathers
And now, I am sure that He will come
I am pained no more
He was once a wicked man (The Lord has snatched my soul)
And now at last he understands
For there’s been a mighty change in him (I’m redeemed)
The Savior’s come and ransomed him
He is a new man! (and I am whole)
And the joy that I feel (Born of God)
Is discernible and real (Filled with light)
Now he can feel, (Because I know Christ)
Now he can truly feel!
The Lord opened his eyes (I have repented of my sins)
Softened his heart (Freed from the bonds that I was in)
And now I realize
Thy mercy through the gift of Thy Son (And I have been born of the Spirit)
Now my Son (I am pained no more)
Is Thy son!
None could deliver him (None could deliver me )
Except it be the Lord! (Except it be the Lord!)
Brothers, sometimes I cannot help but fear
That it’s too late, that I can’t be forgiven
The anguish from my sins is still right here
I fear that I shall be cast off forever
Though we have strived to repair all our injuries
Traveling through the land preaching Jesus
We have been the very vilest of sinners
Somehow God’s infinite mercy has spared us
I need to know why.
Why did he choose me?
Why did he save me
After all that I’ve done
I can’t let it be.
Perhaps I was saved so that I’d do something good
Perhaps I was saved so I’d do what no one would
Perhaps because I have walked this path
Have felt Satan’s fiery wrath
I have the faith perhaps
Perhaps my taste of torment gives me strength
To go out and rescue souls at any length
Perhaps the Lord knows I cannot bear if
One of His children should perish
I have the strength perhaps
Perhaps we might bring them to know of Jesus’ words,
Perhaps, we’ll convince them to lay down all their swords,
Perhaps they might also rejoice in the Lord
And our peace with them would be restored
They’d be converted
To the Lord!
My sons
Are you sure
Are you quite determined in your quest?
I know that you are the best that this kingdom could have
And yet, you refuse
I know your hearts are good
You want to help
And in that, I am proud of you
I know that God could work a miracle through you
But why not here, but why not here?
O Father
We know
That thou wants us to stay
This kingdom is a heavy weight for you to carry
But we know
God provides a way
And it is He that calls us far away
It is He
You know what we were, you know what we are
You know what we’ve done and who we’ve become
Through God’s grace, even the vilest of sinners can change
You know what we know, you know what it means to us
This gospel must ring in every ear
Oh how can we fear when God is the One
Calling us to go?
It is He.
My sons
You are quite determined in your wish
To go and preach the word
Godspeed my sons
Godspeed my sons
I pray His hand be o’er you always!
Thou wilt all be delivered
The Lord has promised me you’ll be safe
You’ll be safe
Go with God, my sons.
Godspeed my sons
O Lord grant us a portion of Thy Spirit
To go with us and abide with us
That we might be instruments
In Thy hand to bring our brethren to the truth.
O Lord God we thank Thee for Thy mercy
And we trust Thy promises
Raise us up to show Thy love
Grant that we might know and teach thy holy Word.
I will be on your right hand and your left hand
And my Spirit shall be in your hearts
I will go before your face
With mine angels round about to bear you up
With mine angels round about to bear you up
Make us instruments in Thy hand Lord
Always.
Is it Thy desire to dwell in this land among our people, the Lamanites?
Yea, I desire to dwell among this people, perhaps until the day I die.
Loose his bands, I would that this Nephite should take one of my daughters to wife
Nay, but I will be thy servant.
He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself,
For his chariots, and to be his horsemen
And he will take your daughters to be ointment makers,
And to be cooks, and to be bakers.
And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards,
And put them to his work.
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
Scatter, make them flee, destroy them
Plunder, hear them plead, they suffer
Hit them with your stones
Take back what he stole
We will not have Him to be our ruler
Now the king will slay us
As he has our brethren
Because flocks were scattered
By these wicked men
Ohhh! They are scattered.
Already scattered
Now the king will slay us
We shall surely die.
My brethren, be of good cheer
Let us go in search of the flocks and we will gather them here
We will preserve them unto the king
And he will not slay us
Be of good cheer
Encircle the flocks round about
That they flee not and I go contend with these men.
We will preserve them unto the king
And he will not slay us
Be of good cheer!
Plunder, hear them plead, (Destroy them!)
Make them flee, Scatter! (Take back what he stole)
Take back what he stole (They suffer)
Hit the Nephite (We will not have Him)
Hit him with your stones (To be our ruler)
(Come!)
Plunder, hear them plead, (Destroy them!)
Make them flee, Scatter! (Take back what he stole)
Take back what he stole (They suffer)
Hit the Nephite (We will not have Him)
Hit him with your stones (To be our ruler)
Surely, this is more than a man
Is not this the Great Spirit who doth
Send great punishments
Upon this people,
Because of their murders?
We know not, but this much we know
That he cannot be slain by the enemies
Of the king
Because of his great strength!
He cannot be slain!
Now I know this is the Great Spirit
And he has come down at this time
To preserve your lives
that I might not slay you
Where is this man that has such great power?
Behold, he is feeding thy horses.
Rabbanah, the king desireth thee to stay.
What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king?
What desirest thou of me?
Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?
I am not.
How knowest thou my thoughts?
Tell me concerning these things
And by what power ye slew and smote off the arms
If thou wilt tell me concerning these things,
Whatsoever thou desirest I will give unto thee
Wilt thou hearken unto my words?
Yea, I will believe all thy words
Believest thou that there is a God?
I do not know what that meaneth
Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?
Yea
Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God
Created all things in heaven and earth?
Yea I believe, but I do not know the heavens.
The heavens is a place where God and all his holy angels dwell
And there he looketh down upon his children
And he knows all the thoughts and the intents of every human heart
For he created each one by his hand
I believe all these things which thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God?
I am a man, created in His image
And it he who called me here to teach
It is He
And he grants me a portion of His Spirit
Which giveth me knowledge and also pow’r
That I might be an instrument
In His hand to bring this people to the truth.
O Lord, have mercy;
Upon me and my people
Mitakola
Tokiya ilale
Nitakuye ki ocicile pe hey
Ceya wau we
Otehikelo hey
I have been told
That thou art a prophet
Of a holy God
That thou has pow’r
to do many mighty works
in his name
If this is so,
Wilt thou go
Unto my husband?
Two days and two nights
He has lain upon his bed
Cold and unmoving
Some say he is dead
But to me
He seems yet alive!
If this is so
Wilt thou go
Unto my husband?
Dear queen, King Lamoni is not dead
But, he sleepeth in God instead
And on the morrow he shall rise again
Therefore, do not bury him
Believest thou this?
No witness, I have had no witness
Save thy word
And of those who serve
Nevertheless
I believe
That it shall be
According as thou said
Yea, I do believe
I believe
Blessed art thou
Because of thy exceeding faith
Never have I seen such faith among the Nephites
Blessed be the name of God,
and blessed art thou.
For as sure as thou livest,
I have seen my Redeemer;
He shall come forth,
He shall redeem
All who believe on his name.
O Lord God, I thank thee for thy mercy
O have mercy!
Lord have mercy
O have mercy upon us!
It happened so long ago
A vision remarkable
But still I can feel Him
I tried to tell of Him
But my mouth was closed
Trusting His promises
Years and years of silence, just
Waiting upon the Lord
Waiting upon His word
Trying to show through kindness alone
The love I have known
Finally they can see
At last He set them free
For Father is a man
He shall come down again
To take upon him all of our suffering
And save us from sin
Now darkness flees away
For his love lights the way
Waiting upon the Lord
He does fulfill His word
Now is my moment to let them behold it;
This wonder of God!
All of these years
And all of this time
The time is now for me to speak
Waiting upon the Lord
He does fulfill His word
Just wait upon the Lord!
Come and see the wonders of God!
For King Lamoni and his queen
Have fallen down
Upon the earth
With all of their servants
Let us go to the house of the king
Let us behold and verify
The marvelous scene
What could this mean?
Come, let us see it!
He is a Nephite!
Perhaps a great evil has come upon them, or upon our dear king and his house
Because he has suffered this Nephite to tarry as none of our people allow
No of a truth the reason is quite plain
The king is cursed for the servants he slayed
Who could not preserve all of his flocks
Who is this man that hath such great pow’r?
The Nephite must be the Great Spirit
He was sent by the Great Spirit
Or he is a monster sent by the Nephites to torment us
Sent to afflict us because of our iniquities
The same Great Spirit who has always attended the Nephites
The same Great Spirit who destroyed our people!
Nooooo
O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell.
Blessed God, have mercy on this people!
Ahhhhhh
I do believe (I do believe)
Ahhhhh
Come let me tell you of heav’n
We have spoken with angels
We have no desire to sin
We have been reborn in Him
Ahhhhhh
Converted unto the Lord
Converted, we lay down our swords
Converted, we have no desire for sin
We have been reborn in Him!
Converted unto the Lord
Converted, our peace is restored
Converted, we will praise His name forever
We will be His children ever
Converted.
What is this that thou hast testified? Why do not angels appear unto us?
Are not this people as good as thy people?
“Except we repent we perish.”
How knowest thou of our thoughts and intents?
How knowest thou we have cause to repent?
We believe that God will save all men.
Believest thou that the Son of God
Shall come to earth to redeem mankind?
We do not believe in these foolish traditions
How can you know of things to come?
We do not believe that thy fathers and ours could have known that God would have a son!
We do assemble ourselves to worship.
How knowest thou that we are not righteous?
Cast him out, this fool has told us lies!
No other, there is no other
Way or means
Whereby man can be saved
only in and through
Jesus Christ
Through His suffering
And atonement of His blood
He will die for us.
Do you believe?
My eyes are ever on the Lord
For only He will release my feet
From the snare
Turn to me
And be gracious unto me
Turn to me
For I am lonely and afflicted
The troubles of my heart have multiplied
Free me from my anguish
Free me from my anguish
Turn to me
And be gracious unto me
For I am lonely and afflicted
Am lonely and afflicted
Turn to me!
The troubles of my heart have multiplied
Free me from my anguish
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Our God is for us.
Our present suff’rings cannot be compared with
The glory coming
With patience, wait and see!
We wait upon the Lord.
For who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, distress, or persecution,
Famine, or nakedness,
Peril, or sword?
Nay, in all these things
We are more than conquerors
Through Him that loved us.
Him that still loves us
Our Savior Jesus
We can do all things through Christ
Nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ (Nothing can separate us from His love)
Neither death, nor life,
Angels, nor principalities,
Not powers, nor present things,
Nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any creature (If God be for us, who can be against us?)
Can separate us (In His strength, we can do all things)
Separate us
Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus (We can do all things through Christ)
Nothing can separate us from His love (Nothing can separate us from His love)
I have been somewhat
Troubled in mind
Because of the greatness of thy brother’s words
And I desire to know why he
Has not come up out of Middoni with thee
The Spirit called him another way
What is this Spirit?
Believest thou that there is a God?
If thou sayest there is, I will believe
Yea
Assuredly as thou lives there is a God,
Who created all things in heaven and earth.
Yea I believe, wilt thou tell me concerning these things?
O Aaron
What shall I do that I may have this eternal life?
What shall I do that I may have this wicked spirit rooted out
And receive his Spirit, His Holy Spirit
That I may be filled with joy,
I will give all I possess,
I will even forsake my kingdom,
Bow down
Repent of all your sins,
If you repent of all your sins
And will bow down
Call upon God,
Believing, believing
Then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
O God,
Aaron hath told me that there is a God;
And if there is a God,
And if thou art God,
Wilt thou make thyself known unto me,
And I will give away all my sins
To know thee, and be saved at the last day.
Mitakola
Tokiya ilale
Tokiya ilale
Tokiya
What is this evil?
Who has done this?
Ohhhh
Let us kill them, lest they kill us too!
Then call the people
These men must die
Ohhh
Before evil falls upon us too.
Stand
O that I were an angel
And could have the wish of mine heart
That I might go forth and speak
With the trump of God!
I would declare unto each soul
As with the voice of thunder
Repentance and the plan
Of redemption
I do remember the captivity of my fathers
I remember how great things the Lord has done for me
None can deliver us except it be the Lord
I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it.
I do not glory of myself, but this is my glory,
That perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God
To bring some soul to repentance;
This is my joy.
This is my joy!
This is my joy!
Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Himni!
Alma!
Alma!
My friends!
Could we have supposed
when we started out
That the Lord would grant us such great blessings?
Could we have supposed
when we started out
How great reason we would have to rejoice?
For our brethren were in darkness
Even in the darkest abyss
Strangers to God
Racked with hatred
Encircled by destruction
And now
They can see the marvelous light of God
Thousands of them do now rejoice
God has loosed them
From the chains of death and hell
And they do sing redeeming love
Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting.
I do not boast in my own strength,
nor in my own wisdom;
But I will boast of my God
I will rejoice in my God.
Yea, I know that I am nothing;
as to my strength I am weak;
I will not boast of myself,
but I will boast of my God
In His strength, I can do all things!
In His strength, I can do all things!
In His strength
Ahhhh
Let us glory
We will glory in the Lord
We will rejoice
For our joy is full
Who can glory too much in the Lord
Who can say too much
Of his power and mercy?
In His strength we can do all things
In His strength we can do all things
This is my joy!
This is my joy!
Now if this is boasting
Even so will I boast
This is my life
And my light,
My joy and my salvation.
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ
Neither death, nor life,
Angels, nor principalities,
not powers, nor present things,
nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any creature
Can separate us
Separate us
Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus
Nothing can separate us from His love
Amen!