We are fortunate to have an actual transcript of the sermon of Alma to the Gideonites. Alma feels inspired to emphasize the future ministry of Jesus Christ in America, but he begins by explaining why he had not visited them earlier.
Alma confesses that he has come with the hope that the people in Gideon had not apostatized but were rejoicing in the fulness of the gospel. Alma then reveals that he has received a manifestation from the Lord that his hopes were not in vain.