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Apocalypse How?

Paranormal Humbug
By: Dustin Pari

“There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow. There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago”-such are the lines to a very popular Christmas carol which has been playing on the radio in my static filled mind for some time. Either the record is skipping or the Disc Jockey is trying to get my attention- thus this writing was born, perhaps with less pomp and circumstance than the Baby Jesus, but, born none the less. 

Much has happened since I last made an appearance on television screens across the globe, most of it good, some of it bad, none of it ugly; thankfully.
For those who came in late, my last newly filmed appearance for any of the Ghost Hunter shows aired in February of 2010- quite some time ago indeed. For more information you will have to consult the Ghost of Christmas Past; I am sure he will be along once he finishes up at Old Fezziwig’s. 

As to why I went the way of ole Jacob Marley and checked out from the happening scene, well, there are multiple layers to that answer- kind of like a big chocolate cake- delicious and sweet, and better with milk, so pour yourself a tall glass and I will indulge you.
First off, I feel it is important to clear up a few misconceptions. There exists neither ill will nor any hardships between myself and the Ghost Hunters or Ghost Hunters International cast members. I stay in touch with many of them regularly and appear at events with them quite often.
There was also no issue between Pilgrim Films, the production company by whom I was employed during my tenure on both programs, and myself. They have since asked me back to the program on two occasions, but neither of which worked with my current schedule and plans at the time being, but I do appreciate the offer. 

So, why did I take my leave? Well, back in the high school guidance counselor’s office when everyone was picking a career out of a hat, I was content in the thought that life would take me where I needed to be. I would attend College, but with no specific plans or majors. I knew one thing for certain; I wanted to someday be a Husband and a Father. The role of caring and providing for the ones you love isn’t to be taken lightly, and as it came to pass, in order to fulfill both of these self-forecasted prophecies, I would have to take leaves of absence from my career in television to achieve both of them. People seem to think it was a tough choice to make, but it really was not. I have walked away from two programs, and both choices were made to at first start my family, and then to spend more time with my family. 

Traveling was a blessing as I did have the good fortune to not only see much of what the World has to offer, but also to view various societies and reflect upon the importance each one places upon values I see as integral to the healthy state of one’s self; the relationship with ones’ family and peers, and above that, their relationship with God.
It was during these times that I traveled, observed, and then sat in my hotel room pondering, that it finally came to me, that which had eluded me so long ago in the guidance counselor’s office. What I was to be was never in the hat of jobs, for I was to be someone to speak to others about their own values, their own relationships, their own view of themselves and their relationship with their Creator. Hence, The Patch Ministry was born. (Website www.thepatch.com will be up soon!)
With the help of a few close friends I have been able to develop this non-profit, non-denominational Christian ministry, through which we try to help others find the answers they seek, and guide them to living fuller and richer lives, by teaching sacrifice and selflessness in accordance to the teachings of Christ.

So there you have it- several layers thick, and chock full of awesomeness, that is why I left the Ghost Hunter television programs.
Many of you have written asking what I think of various paranormal programs out there, about investigators, their tactics and “sketchy evidence”.

I am an honest man; I pride myself in that above many other things. However I also carry myself as a person of grace and dignity. I do enjoy the occasional tongue-in-cheek jab at this one or that one at times, but all is done in a good light-hearted manner with those whom I consider my friends.
I am not someone who feels the need to quench a seemingly insatiable thirst for the spotlight by routinely dragging another’s name down, and senselessly attacking those who are of current magazine rack notoriety, just so that people are mentioning my name.
Those who seek to gain fame and fortune through resentful comments and hurtful actions will get theirs in the just time; I am not one tot judge, nor to care.
However, as a person of integrity and honesty, I will say that I am disappointed to see some of the smoke and mirror tactics used on various programs by investigators in an attempt to persuade viewers that something is of the spirit world that truly is not.

My personal disclaimer that many have heard at countless events is that “Different investigators use different equipment and techniques, and they may subscribe to different theories.”
So take what is they present to you as you will. I personally stand behind anything I have ever brought forth as evidence of the spiritual realm that I have documented.
Television shows are just that; shows- many are purely for entertainment, and some are made in an attempt at discovery. Regardless of which ones you watch, I always maintain that you should view them skeptically and with a scrupulous mind for what is reality and what is mere fantasy.
The paranormal field itself is made of many great people; some of the greatest, which have the most to contribute to this field, may never be on a television show and may never have their team name be an iconic T-Shirt. Regardless, they are out there, and they are doing great work, making excellent strides, and helping people in need. So just because you may not have heard their name announced in a huge auditorium, nor have you seen them on the flat screen in your living room, this does not mean that they are not the real deal. Remember, hero worship is for the eyes of children; men and women should have no false idols. 

Many have also asked me how I handle questions of my faith in regards to my work in the paranormal. I know the verses they will cite and the books they have been taken from, and it is in that manner that I can say I do not practice anything forbidden by God. I do not partake in any conjuring, I do not dabble in necromancy, nor do I rely on familiar spirits.
I simply document what is there, if it is there at all.
My main reason for working in this field for so long was to show others, despite religious differences, that the spirit world is indeed a reality. I have always maintained the hope that by doing this, people would see that there is more to life than the material world and the promotion of oneself above all else. I truly believe that with this knowledge and realization, that mankind would treat each other with a lot more respect and dignity- something we all should have, and something we are in dire need of. 

Still there are those who protest a religious person who has worked in the paranormal, and it is in that light by which I would also like to remind such naysayers that the Bible is a book written on and about love, and when you start slinging hate and fictitious accounts, while labeling yourself a “Christian”, well… you do all of us whom understand and profess the true message a great disservice. 

There is much written in the Bible, (and some books left out of it for political reasons of the times) that speak to an unseen spiritual realm which encompasses us, and the great battle that takes place within. In those times that that realm edges closer to this one, I take note.
Jesus himself gave the charge to us, amongst other things, to cast out demons in his name. If I am not allowed to look into the spiritual realm, if I cannot arm myself with the knowledge of what is demonic and what is a mere malfunction of ones’ senses, how am I to help in that which He has asked?

Staying with our earlier theme of spooky yuletide stories, we come full circle and throw open the shutters and ask the young boy in the street, “What day is it Lad?”- but, instead of leaving you with a fine Christmas Goose, I will offer you this from Mister Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol”- the scene is where The Ghost of Christmas Present addresses the animal like children hiding behind the folds of his robe: 

“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it.' cried the Spirit, stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye. Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse. And abide the end.”
Beware the boy…. beware the boy indeed my friends.
I thank you for your continued friendship and support, and for submitting the questions which enabled me to flush out the skeleton of this piece.
God Bless you this holiday season and a Merry Christmas to all!
Sincerely, D. Pari