And the rains came down.......

AND THE RAINS CAME DOWN AND THE FLOODS CAME UP, AND THE RAINS CAME
DOWN AND THE FLOODS CAME UP, The RAINS CAME DOWN AND THE FLOODS CAME
UP AND ELDER DEARDEN WASN'T WASHED AWAY!

HOLY COW!




It has been a wild week! First off...I was transferred to Congaree
which is about 10 miles south of where I used to live...ain't to far
at all.

Well, on Friday evening, President Turner decided to lock the mission
down because of the impending storm, there was an expected 16' inches
of rain over the weekend. We were then called by our leaders and told
that we needed to evacuate our apartment because they expected it to
flood pretty bad. The unfortunate part was that we only had 20 minutes
to pack as much as we could and get out. President wanted us all off
the roads by 7pm that night and we didn't get to start packing until
6pm. We were told to find another missionary apartment to stay at. I
chose the APs place because they have an extra bedroom. Anyways, I
packed as much as I could, I was able to get all my sentimental
objects and enough clothes for a few days.

Anyways, I'm back in Irmo with the APs again for the weekend. We were
able to watch conference at the Irmo building, because the APs had
permission to drive their truck. I really loved the first session
Saturday morning! That day continued well with nothing really
happening except for conference, because after conference we had to be
back in our apartment for the rest of the night.

Waking up Sunday morning our ZLs called us and told us that their
apartment had flooded! They had 1.5 feet of water in their apartment,
they didn't realize it until it was too late when they woke up, they
lost everything that was on the floor, including scriptures and
anything cloth based. They gathered up everything they could and
evacuated to a nearby senior couple. They are fine, they just lots a
lot of possessions.

Meanwhile we were safe, dry, and warm with the APs in their apartment,
assuming our apartment in Congaree was filled with water and possibly
mud and whatever else comes with a flood.

They closed down the Irmo building due to many roads in the ward being
washed away and people being stranded, so we couldn't watch General
Conference there. However the Mechams live in the same Apartment
complex, so we went to their place, and they threw a huge breakfast
party, we had like 8 missionaries and we all stayed there to watch
conference on their computer. It was great, I love the Mechams, great
people!!!! Sister Mecham looked online for us to see what was
happening around the state, and we discovered there were already 5
dead from a building collapsing and many people were stranded. We were
quite shocked to hear about the disaster that was happening
everywhere.

Unfortunately after the Morning session was over we were informed by
people knocking on doors that the water was contaminated due to the
floods washing harmful stuff into our water system. So if we drink
water from the tap we need to boil it first. We were lucky to have a
case of water bottles in our car.

Well, Sunday night came and we ate dinner with the Nolans, who lived
nearby also. As we were leaving we were informed that the state had
issued a state of emergency and there was a curfew for when you can be
on the road, I think it is 6pm. So everything is shut down after 6 to
prevent crazy people from stealing stuff.

I was informed this morning that the roads that would take us back to
Congaree are closed down and flooded. So I don't know when I will be
getting back.

All I know is that this was the strangest conference weekend ever!

Btw, I found a picture of my trainer in a members home, (Former Elder)
Cole Davis! It was really funny to realize that he served here in the
same area. This member does really cool ceramics and has invited us
over sometime to paint and do some fun stuff.

I really like my new comp, Elder Pace. Here is a pic of us at the
members home who has the ceramics.

Thanks for your prayers! Pray for South Carolina, it is a disaster
here! However this will open MANY DOORs for service!

I know the Lord is always in Charge!

Elder Dearden

My new Companion, Elder Pace

Picture of my trainer, Elder Davis, in the ceramic shop.

Watching conference at the Mechams

Breakfast

Moving Forward!

Pvt Alexander

People!

First off, I'm being transferred. I am super sad that I am leaving this area, it was such a short time! I especially going to miss the
Military Branch at Fort Jackson!

Remember me telling about Pvt Alexander? If not, look back a few weeks
in my letters and you will read about her. Anyways, she is getting
baptized next week! Unfortunately I won't be there, but I did take a selfie with her real quick, it's an awkward one, but it works.

I often wondered why Fort Jackson is so amazing, why the soldiers are so quick to baptism...

Here is a time lapse video of us setting up the Baptismal Font at Fork Jackson!

After 12 weeks there I came to a conclusion that it is their humility.
They go through a rough time during Basic Training. They are humbled
through their experiences and the environment is a perfect chance to
learn how to rely on the Savior. Truly the Lord is deeply involved in
the lives of the Soldiers who Defend the "Promised Land!" I am going
to be forever grateful for the soldiers and individuals who put their
lives on the line to protect this amazing country! My patriotism grew
immensely as I had the privilege to observe the Soldiers at the base.
I love this country, I know the Lord does too. This land is the
promised land for the seed of Joseph!

I don't know where I am being transferred, but I will  find out Wednesday,
I'm going to still be a district leader where I am going, so that is
cool.

Today for P-day we went to the State Capital, it was really cool, so
much history there! I also went to this cool water fountain that over looks the city. I have pics of all that. I also took a picture with a giant chicken, it is the mascot for the "South Carolina Game Cocks."
I'm lookin forward to the future, but I'm anxious! I can't believe it is going to be General Conference this weekend! I am so excited for whoever the next apostles will be! I'm casting my speculation on Elder
Lynn G Robbins, he's one of my favorites. He gave the talk a year ago about "which way do you face?". https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/which-way-do-you-face?lang=eng 

But I know the Lord is in Charge and He will call who He has Chosen!

It was sad to say goodbye to some friends here in Dutch Fork, although I didn't get to know them as well as I did people it past areas it was
still hard to say goodbye.

I guess I will tell ya'll next week where I'm at!

Moving forward!

Elder Dearden

Dutch Fork District

Funny Fort Jackson District

Elder and Sister Letham - Mission Office

Elder and Sister Nolas - Mission Office

Elder and Sister Mecham

A Crazy-Busy Sunday!

South Carolina Columbia Mission Seal

Family and People!

I am doing fantastic! Yesterday was a crazy busy day for us. It
started with Fort Jackson, we had another baptism, Pvt Carter was
Baptized and Confirmed. I will have a pic next week of that. After
Fort Jackson I had to go over to Lexington to meet up with President
Turner to play the piano at the ward he was speaking in. It was really
fun being there. The music went great, and after I played is when
President spoke.  He started with a little joke saying, "That arrangement of Come, Come, ye Saints, is my favorite. So I exercised unrighteous dominion and
forced Elder Dearden to learn it, now I drag him around the mission
with me for others to listen to it, it's great the things you can do
as a mission President...." Everyone Laughed, I thought that was
pretty funny too.

But then after that we went back to Irmo for our regular ward. So I
got to attend 3 wards in one day haha.

Last week was Zone Conference. It was really good. President Turner
talked about the conversion process, focusing on the account of Alma
the Younger. It opened my mind a lot to how one becomes converted. He
talked about how after Alma was converted, he had such a powerful
desire to share it will everyone. If we are truly converted, then
missionary work happens naturally. He also talked about how Faith is a
principle of power and how we use Faith to cause things to happen.

This next week is transfers. I find out Saturday what is happening, if
anything.

I ain't got to much to say this week, life is going great.

Elder Dearden

Quiet Week.....at the Zoo

Family and people,

Life is going great. Fort Jackson has been a bit quiet, not to many new people coming in, except for yesterday we had a ton of new people. We have at least one person who should be baptized next week.

My regular area in Irmo (Dutch Fork Ward) is going great. Met some really cool families last week and we are really excited to be working with them, both are member referred families. 

Last week we tried going to downtown Columbia....however we didn't really think that through because it was labor day...everything was closed.

However, today we went to the Zoo! It was really fun, the weather here has been amazing! Yesterday it was in the 70s! I am so happy about that! I'm crossing my fingers that the humid summer is over! I love the fall and springs here, so I'm happy about the weather transition. 

Next Sunday I'm supposed to go with President Turner to another ward to play the piano, I'm excited about that. Also this week is Zone Conference, which is always really cool. 

I don't really have any great stories or anything this week, just a regular week.

I hope ya'lls week goes great!

Elder Dearden

Music and Marching

Well Life is still going good!

Yesterday was rather odd, it was the first week that we went without a
baptism at Fort Jackson. However, there is a soldier that is planning
on getting baptized. We are just hoping to have it happen later this
week, when his family comes out for graduation.

So last week was super great because I got to go to one of the
graduation ceremonies (On Thursday) for the soldiers going through
Basic Training. It was really cool, they had a band that sounded
fantastic, I was really impressed with them. My favorite though was
watching the soldiers march in formation for inspection by an officer. (See attached video)
I also took a pic by a tank.

Today I am going to the Fort Jackson Museum and then to the State
House. It should be pretty cool.

Yesterday President Turner came to our sacrament services. It is
always great to see him. I guess because we are in Columbia we see him
a lot. I have realized that I still don't have a picture of me with
him! I need to fix that! I will be going with President Turner to the
Lexington area on the 20th to play the piano solo for that ward. Last
week was really great playing the piano during MLC.

I had an interesting experience, before playing the piece, I prayed
that the Holy Ghost would carry the message of the song to the hearts
of those who heard it. When I played the song I felt as if it wasn't
even me playing. It was as if I was overcome by some warm feeling and
I just listened to what was being played. Afterwards I had lots of
people explain to me that they felt a strong 'calming' fall into the
room when I played.

I had never thought of praying over a musical piece before, but now I
have realized that there is a special power that can accompany music
when we present it to the Lord before we play. I am very grateful for
that experience to feel the power of the Holy Ghost influence the
feelings of the song, 'come, come, ye saints'. I see music from a
different perspective now.

I hope ya'll have a fantastic week!

Elder Dearden

Mormon Mom Van

Yesterday Pvt Spoerke was baptized and confirmed! It was a great day,  it was a little on the rainy side when the baptism took place, but all
went well!

Last week when President came to my DDM he had a lot of great things to share with us. He taught  us how Faith is a Principle of Power and
how we can apply that into our missionary efforts.

Afterwards we talked for a bit and he has asked me to play a musical
piece during the Mission Leadership council tomorrow. He also has
invited me to come with him to a ward (idk where yet) somewhere in
South Carolina to play a Piano solo after he speaks. He said, "We will
teach the people here in South Carolina why music is important, so
you're coming with me to this ward."

The piece he gave me is an improvisation of "Come, Come, Ye Saints".
It is really simple yet can be played with a lot of emotion, so I am
excited to play it.

I can't believe that September is tomorrow! CRAZY! Amazing how time moves!

This week should be fun, I am excited for whatever comes.

I got a new van last week! It only had 7 miles on it when I picked it
up! Brand new!  It's funny because we call it, "The Mormon Mom van".

Anyways, Life is good!

I hope ya'll have a great week!

Elder Dearden

I Few Quotes I Really Like....

 Family and friends

I had a great week. I hope ya'll don't get tired of me saying we
baptized again at Fort Jackson! It has became a weekly highlight to go
teach and baptize at fort Jackson every week!
Yesterday pvt Swartz was baptized and confirmed.

I also have pics of the baptisms from the past two weeks. I sent them
to my mom so I assume she will post them on the blog.

I'm a little anxious because just a few minutes ago President Turner
called me and told me that he will be attending my District meeting
tomorrow! Lots of pressure!
But I am also excited, I love President Turner, he always has amazing
direction and counsel to give.

I have been reading a book called, "The essential Nibley". It is like
a mini summary of Hugh Nibley's writings. He has some quotes that I
really like.

The first one:
"The test of this life is not for knowledge; it is not for
intelligence, or for courage, or for anything like that. That would be
a huge joke...we would all flunk those tests terribly."

My mind has really been dwelling on this next one:
"Who is righteous? Anyone who is repenting. No matter how bad he has
been, if he is repenting, he is a righteous man."

I really like that last quote, it puts life into perspective. That is
why we have the sacrament each week, we should constantly be
repenting. Our standing before Heavenly Father will always be that we
are a "fallen angel". However, it is only through Christ that we can
be redeemed from the fall, so that we can return the our Heavenly
Father and be found spotless before Him. We can only know Christ if we
repent. If we don't repent, he will say, "Depart, I never knew you".

So if we want to feel good about ourselves, we cannot take in any
amount of success because of our knowledge, intelligence, or courage
or anything like that. Because if we are not repenting all of those
things are nothing, they will do us no good. The only good we can do for
ourselves in this life is to repent and repent some more. Everything
else is dependent on our repentance.

I have a renewed effort to make sure that I am always repenting, and
the meaning and purpose of my calling as a missionary has expanded as
I realized I am "called to preach repentance to this people".

Anyways, I am excited for this week, it will be interesting and fun I'm sure!

Elder Dearden

This is from Yesterdays baptism of PVT Swartz

Last Week

Last Week

Also, here are some pictures of the neighborhoods I am serving in.