When President Ezra Taft Benson learned that a stake Relief Society's homemaking fair had as its theme one of his favorite subjects - the Book of Mormon - he and Sister Benson decided to attend the event.

The BYU 11th Stake's Relief Society homemaking fair's theme was taken from President Benson's opening address at the October 1988 general conference, in which he urged members to "flood the earth" with the Book of Mormon.Stake Relief Society Pres. Susan Easton Black said, "We, as women of the BYU 11th Stake, decided we would do what President Benson asked. We wanted to follow the prophet and thought that this homemaking fair would be one way that we could do that."

Each of the stake's 13 wards set up displays of items made in relation to teachings from the Book of Mormon. Originally, stake leaders planned to send samples of the items to President Benson's office, but ward representatives had the honor of presenting the samples to him and Sister Benson in person when they attended the fair.

One ward gave them a child's "quiet book" that depicts scenes from the Book of Mormon. Other wards made puppets, flannel board stories and games - including a computer game - to teach children Book of Mormon stories.

Many sisters used their talents to create wall hangings, quilts, pictures, and calligraphic and cross-stitched scriptural quotations to beautify the home. Other wards developed family home evening packets and ideas and motivational charts for studying the Book of Mormon.

Two original musical numbers were presented, one titled "Flood the Earth" and the other "Longing to Know." The latter number was based on President Benson's quote, "In many cases a little child has led a parent to the Lord through the Book of Mormon."

Lisa Gregory, BYU 11th Stake's homemaking counselor, told President Benson, "We want you to know that we support your command to `flood the earth with the Book of Mormon.' I know each of us will do just that and this will not be the end of our efforts, but we will continue to do original works with our talents to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon. And we dearly love you."

President Benson spoke briefly to the women assembled, saying he would never forget the outpouring of the love from the stake's Relief Society sisters. "God loves you," he told them. "You are the salt of the earth."

Sister Black said, "We know the Book of Mormon is indeed the word of God. We pledge to the Lord and to our prophet that we will indeed flood our lives and our homes and share this great work with those we meet."