Lamoni
In the Book of Mormon, Lamoni is a Lamanite king who is converted through the missionary efforts of Ammon. His compelling story is found in Alma 17–22, 24. His conversion includes a miraculous spiritual experience that debilitates him for two days. Believing he is dead, the Lamanites want to prepare him for burial, but the queen calls Ammon to her and Ammon "knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God."
Ammon told her the king would arise the next day, and when he did, he exclaimed, "Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou. For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit."[1]
After he is revived again, he establishes a church in the land. The record states, "thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them."[2]
King Lamoni is king of the Lamanite-controlled land of Ishamel. His father, Laman, is king over all the Lamanites. Lamoni wants Ammon to meet his father, and when they later meet him as they are traveling, Laman requires Lamoni to kill Ammon. When he refuses, Laman attempts to kill Lamoni, but Ammon protects him. Laman grants Lamoni power to govern his land without interference.
Lamoni's people, along with other converted Lamanites ruled by his father, become the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and later the people of Ammon or the Ammonites.
