Samuel the Lamanite was a Book of Mormon prophet sent to the Nephites around 5 B.C. by the Lord to teach and warn the Nephites just before the Savior's birth. The account is recorded in the Book of Helaman, chapters 13-16.
It is significant that for the specific announcement of the coming of Jesus Christ to the American Continent, Samuel, a Lamanite prophet, was chosen. This introduced a change between peoples considered to be generally "righteous" (the Nephites, who previously prevailed in having prophets, seers and revelators, but who now had become wicked) to the Lamanites who now kept the commandments.
Samuel began preaching in the land of Zarahemla. He first preached repentance for many days but was eventually rejected by the populace. As he was preparing to return to his home, the Lord told him to return to the city and prophesy to the people there. He returned to Zarahemla but the people would not let him into the city.
In order to obey the Lord's instructions to him, Samuel climbed up on a city wall and prophesied of many things. He stated that in five years there would be a night with no darkness—the night before the appearance of the Son of God. A new star would appear along with other heavenly wonders. Those that believed would have everlasting life. Samuel continued prophesying about a death that would occur—the death of the Savior.
Many who heard Samuel's words were angry with him and tried to kill him with stones and arrows, but he was protected from harm by the Spirit of the Lord. Because weapons were not harming Samuel, the people sent their captains to bind him, accusing him of having a devil. However, as he was approached, Samuel jumped down from the wall, left Nephite lands and began to preach and prophesy among the Lamanites. Samuel was never again to preach among the Nephites.
The story of Samuel the Lamanite's great obedience to the Lord is one of the most revered and loved in Mormon culture.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CANDIANNE AND HER TREASURE FOR THE FTF!