Alma 3: The Marks That Show Who We Follow + A Missionary Interview from the Philippines

In this episode of Another Testament of Jesus Christ Podcast, we're studying Alma 3 in the Book of Mormon and looking at the aftermath of the terrible war between the Nephites, Lamanites, and Amlicites. One of the biggest themes in Alma 3 is the idea of a mark—the Amlicites deliberately mark their foreheads to show who they have chosen to follow. We'll talk about the difference between the mark and the curse in the Book of Mormon, why the Amlicites marked themselves, and how outward symbols can represent something much deeper about our identity and allegiance. I also share some thoughts about Native American face paint and the different ways markings have been used to represent identity, belonging, protection, remembrance, and preparation for battle. But the question that really stayed with me was: What do we choose to mark ourselves with? Who do our choices show that we are following? That question led me to think about missionaries who willingly put the name of Jesus Christ on their chest every day. So at the end of this episode, I sit down with my daughter, Sister Tacoma Campbell, who is serving in the Philippines Lipa Mission. We talk about what it means to carry the Savior's name, finding strength when God asks us to do hard things, the power of change through Jesus Christ, and what the people of the Philippines have taught her about faith. Alma 3 is ultimately a chapter about agency. We choose who we follow, which voices we listen to, and little by little those choices shape who we become. Come study Alma Chapter 3 with me as we talk about the Book of Mormon, agency, identity, missionary work, and what it really means to choose Jesus Christ.