The Book of Mormon indicates that in the latter days, the descendants of the Lamanite people would "come to the knowledge of their Redeemer." This is a prophecy that speaks to the spiritual awakening and renewal of the Lamanites. In other words, it's an inspiring prediction about these people regaining their spiritual grounding and recognizing Jesus Christ as their Savior.1
Early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were enthusiastic to fulfill this prophecy. They recognized Native Americans as descendants of the Lamanites, who were seen as God's covenant people according to the narratives in the Book of Mormon. Thus, sharing the Book of Mormon, which they believed to be the record of their ancestors, with Native Americans was seen as a significant missionary mandate. This represented a very direct, personal link to the divine which they were eager to share.2
Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Church, received clear direction through revelation to send missionaries to the Lamanites. In October 1830, Joseph Smith called Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Ziba Peterson, and Peter Whitmer Jr. to serve on a mission with the primary goal of preaching to the Lamanites, the ancestors of the Native Americans. This was quite an important task as these missionaries undertook a 1,500-mile journey to the western frontier of the United States, preaching from New York to Missouri.3
