Mission 
| Agape Music Ministry |
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I was introduced to the Agape community in the early 1990's. The first thing that I noticed was the extraordinary music that Rickie Byars was co-creating with Rev. Michael Beckwith. The second thing that I noticed was the beautiful blend of artistic creativity and spiritual awakening that fed back between each other. Finally I had found a spiritual path that didn't limit what I already understood to be true. As an improvising musician, I knew that the "impossible" happened all the time - where the same outlandish musical idea would appear to multiple people at the same time. There was never any explaining it, there was barely an acknowledgment of it, because it was beyond what could be commented on. So, I found my spiritual home, and have been there ever since. I've been honored to grow musically and spiritually in the same place. I've had the amazing opportunity to play with some of the greatest musicians, in a context where we are all reaching for the same level of peace and consciousness. I've had the honor of working closely with Rickie Byars-Beckwith, who is among the best musicians I have ever met. She and I have worked so closely together for so many years, we almost know how the conversation concludes before we even begin. And yet we are both constantly surprised with what comes out. We can't stop laughing when we have our telephone conversations. Love her. The Rev. Michael Beckwith has been my spiritual teacher for this time as well. I'm convinced that he is one of those anointed people, who was placed here in an unequivical way. The Universe said, "OK, we need Beckwith, and we're putting him here at this time, so he can demonstrate what it means to be 'in the world, but not of it.'" I have grown spiritually and personally through the classes and the weekly teachings from the Rev, and it has been the ride of a lifetime. In life, as in music, we need a context for our creativity. A reason to be. A sense of purpose and a place to put our heart-ful action. I found it at Agape, and I'm totally grateful for that. Peace and love, Ben Dowling |
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