“The persecution and affliction came from within the church (Helaman 3:34), but the formula to turn these negative conditions into a growth pattern is given to us by Mormon. The first step of the three-step formula is to ‘fast and pray often’ (v. 35). … The second step of the formula is to become stronger in humility (v. 35). … The third step of the formula is to become ‘firmer in the faith of Christ’ (v. 35). … Through the above formula, the people’s hearts were purified and sanctified. … Thus the persecutions and the afflictions, although difficult to endure, brought them to rely on the Lord … and helped them become firmer in their conviction” (Nyman, Record of Helaman, 269–70).