Pato Banton at Corazon

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!