
Picture of the concert poster--appropriately Pato’s head is
enveloped in light from my flash.
!

Suzanne, Pato, and me after the concert

"WORDS OF CHRIST"

The "Words of Christ" is an audio CD
featuring over 100 minutes of
soul-touching lessons from Jesus Christ
as revealed in the Fifth Epochal
Revelation, The Urantia Book. These
inspiring teachings of the Master are
accompanied by the beautiful music of
Clyde JJ Forde and narrated by
International recording artist, Pato
Banton." |
"DESTINATION
PARADISE"
"Destination Paradise" is my latest full
length CD (8-8-08) recorded to celebrate
IC08.
“Destination Paradise turns a new page
in Pato’s musical evolution on this new
CD that shows maturity, passion &
versatility on these crucial recordings
that has something for everyone.” |
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WITH five known Urantia Book
readers in the audience of 300 souls on Monday night, April 6, 2009,
reggae artist Pato Banton ministered to the spiritual hunger of all
those present.
I was there with my wife, Suzanne, waiting in
line at 8:50 in a cold wind. When the sound check was finished, the
growing crowd made its way into Corazon at 401 S. Guadalupe. This
venue is a newly refurbished and re-opened spot that advertises
“Lunch Dinner Nightlife” on its marqee. I don’t know about the lunch
or dinner, but the nightlife on this early April evening was without
rival.
Pato’s band was a new one for this tour. Only the
musician behind the drum kit remains from Mystic Roots. These guys
were definitely up to the task of backing up Mr. Banton. With a set
lasting almost two hours, Pato sprinkled in wisdom from our beloved
revelation, making conscious contact with one Urantian, Steven
Marble, when singing his song “Destination Paradise” and the lyrics
about truth, beauty and goodness. Pato quoted the Urantia Book
liberally and mentioned his own spiritual journey, with help from
our Father’s hand in his life, in song and spoken word.
The positive vibrations came to a culmination
after Pato’s musical session was finished. He made his normal
invitation for the after-concert prayer circle to be held outside.
Fully 45 people came out, joined hands, and took turns giving thanks
and praying for whatever the spirit led them to. Being outside and
sweaty from dancing, it felt good to be in the cold, fresh, night
air.
After the prayers had been offered, Pato spoke
about our decisions, saying, “Decisions, decisions,
decisions…..never forget that every ten minutes or so, we make a
decision that affects ourselves and those around us. It is with
these decisions that we grow in character.” Through our moral
decisions, we define our spiritual growth. I met Steven, Linda, and
Barbara briefly after the circle. They are members of the Santa Fe
Urantia Society.
About a half hour after the prayer circle, Pato
made his way back into Corazon (Spanish for “heart”) where Suzanne
and I were waiting to meet up with him. I have been attempting to
help Pato financially on his ministry tour, so we had been in
contact with Pato, Fred Harris, and Saskia Raevouri to help
facilitate that. Suzanne and I had spoken to Pato Monday before the
show trying to set up a meeting for dinner before his show. Our work
schedules prevented us from doing that, and we were looking forward
to seeing Pato afterwards.
When he made his way over to where we were, we
shook hands, and I asked him if he knew who I was. Pato did not
recognize me from our short meeting after his prayer circle in
Albuquerque in late February. When he realized who we were, hugs and
laughter went all around. We spoke about his struggles with his
ministry tour and about his receipt of the check from
Mind, Body, and Spirit through Fred Harris. He told me he
was able to order the production of 500 of his new "Words of Christ
II" CD’s, due to that infusion of money.
We also spoke about the fact that we knew that
the heavenly hosts, midwayers, angels, and other various ministering
beings are aware of the situation, and we could trust that the
resources would be there if it was the Father’s will.
Shortly thereafter, we parted ways.
Suzanne and I could not resist going back to the
dance floor and dancing to some more great music. Corazon had a DJ
spinning some great dance-hall reggae. In all, a great experience.
However, I had a 7:30 a.m. meeting later, so the 3 ½ hours of sleep
were not quite long enough to have us rested for the next day’s
responsibilities. But sometimes, it’s ok to live like a college kid.
One Love Always, from and to the Most High,
Living God, the Creator of all things and beings.
Forward Ever, Backward Never
As we journey towards Light & Life!
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