What is best for the Kingdom? The answer to that question has been the deciding factor in every important matter that has come before President Ezra Taft Benson throughout his life.

From his earliest youth, he has sought for what is best for the work of the Lord, for the kingdom of God on earth. Always he has arranged his own affairs to suite this objective.

On one of Brother Benson's trips to Russia as Secretary of Agriculture, he has a moving experience revealing the deep religious faith of the Russian people.

Secretary Benson asked to visit a Christian church in Moscow. He was taken to a Baptist church. While there he was called to the pulpit where he testified to the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ. He said: "I firmly believe in prayer. It is possible to reach out and tap the unseen power, which gives strength and anchor in time of need. Be not afraid. Keep God's commandments. Love the Lord. Love one another. Love all mankind. Truth will triumph. Time is on the side of truth."

Hearts were melted. A spirit enveloped the worshipers such as they had never felt before.

Even the entourage, including government officials and newspapermen, wept with the congregation. It was a solemn moment. 

Ezra grew up on a farm in his native state of Idaho and operated a farm there from 1923-1930. On September 10, 1926, Flora Smith Amussen and Ezra Taft Benson were married in the Salt Lake Temple.

In 1931 he became head of the Department of Agriculture Economics and Marketing for the University of Idaho and the family moved to Boise, Idaho. From 1935 to 1939 he served in the presidency of the Boise Stake becoming president in 1938

In 1943 he was appointed executive secretary of the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives which required him to more to Washington D.C. where he became the first president of the Washington, D.C. Stake. In 1953 he was named Secretary of Agriculture, in which capacity he served until 1961.

Brother Benson was called to the Council of the Twelve July 26, 1943 by President Heber J. Grant that recommended that he continue to serve in his government positions. He presided over the Council of the Twelve, beginning on December 30, 1973, for twelve years, until he was ordained and set apart as Prophet, Seer, Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday November 10, 1985. Ezra Taft Benson died Monday May 30, 1994 at age 94.