1. Happy 21st Anniversary TLIG !!!

2. South Africa Mission Report

3. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus and True Life in God

4. Editors Corner - Vassula's Videos Online

Miracle of Edmonton, Canada Photos

The Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch visit begins

Happy 21st Anniversary TLIG !!!

"Celebrate annually the date of today where I brought you and so many others to come into My Heart and discover those innumerable treasures I kept for your times; keep this day in mind..." 28.11.95

December 2005

On Wednesday, December 14, 2005 we arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa. We were greeted by Winnie Williams, Father Shaun, Gracinda and the prayer group. The group told us that as they waited for us to come through customs, the police had everyone clear the path around the exit and asked everyone to be quiet just as the doors opened and Vassula walked out. The TLIG group waiting for us said they felt a divine presence and it was providential that the security asked everybody to be quiet and clear the path. As soon as the TLIG people saw Vassula enter through the doors, they shouted out loud, "Welcome Vassula." They were so kind to bring her flowers and they had chocolates as well for both of us.

Winnie and Gracinda then drove us to where we would be staying at The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Houghton. As we approached the residence, the street had beautiful tall trees on either side and they looked so majestic on the street. We were greeted by his Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim and Father Minas, a Greek Orthodox Priest. A beautiful lunch was prepared for us, fresh South African salmon. Martin who is also in the prayer group came to the residence for lunch as well. We rested a bit after lunch and then we were escorted to an event that was taking place at the Greek Orthodox Church, St. Andreas, in Krugersdorp. There the community was gathering for a thank you dinner for all the volunteers that helped during their church festival. His Eminence addressed the community and told them that Vassula is a special guest and that she will be speaking on "The Meaning of Christmas" (www.tlig.org/en/news/2005-05-01/1965/), Friday at St. Anargiris Church after vespers. He told them that she had shortly arrived from the Philippines and spoke to four hundred thousand people in one gathering (www.tlig.org/en/news/2006-07-22/1996/). He invited them all to attend.

We stayed here at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

As we were having dinner, people were coming to greet his Eminence. He would introduce Vassula as he was so enthusiastic to tell them that she had just come from the Philippines and spoke to the four hundred thousand (www.tlig.org/en/news/2006-07-22/1996/). He also told them that she speaks on Christ and has written many books (www.tlig.org/en/bibliography/bibmessages/). There was a Greek Orthodox lay theologian who came to our table with much interest and wanted to know more about Vassula. It was nice to see a Metropolitan be so approachable and down to earth with his people, especially the children. You could see they were like family. Father Dimitrios is the parish Priest of that community. The Greek-Cypriot food that was prepared was so delicious, especially the fresh strawberries and watermelon. The land is so fertile there and it makes the fruit so sweet. The strawberries were unforgettable.

On Thursday, December 15, 2005, after having a lovely breakfast at our residence, Vassula had an appointment with the Catholic Bishop of Johannesburg named Buti Thlagale, at the Cathedral of Christ the King. She explained her situation to him about the CDF and the communication that was going on between Cardinal Ratzinger (www.tlig.org/en/testimonies/churchpos/cdf2005/). She told him that she had a private meeting with him four months before Cardinal Ratzinger became Pope. She showed him a photo that was taken with the now Pope Benedict on November 22, 2004. She spoke to him about all the inter-religious work that she has done along with the Peace Award that she had been honored with (www.tlig.org/en/interreligious/goldaward/). She informed him about the Ecumenical Pilgrimages that take place every couple of years; and that in these pilgrimages a foretaste of Unity is being experienced. Vassula mentioned to him that we should not stumble on terminology when the different church hierarchies meet and speak about Unity.

The Bishop stated that he was very happy to meet Vassula in this way. Vassula went on to tell him about the establishment of the Beth Myriams worldwide. We had a photobook with us of the Beth Myriams. He asked, "How widespread is this?" Vassula explained to him that it is through the prayer groups that the people get inspired to open and run the Beth Myriams. He commented that it is so remarkable that Vassula is a lay person working for Ecumenical work. He was also so amazed that she brings clergy together. He said, "It is a breath of fresh air for us clergy." Vassula stressed that it is the Holy Spirit's work. She said, "The dialogues are good but action is what the Lord wants; a conversion of the heart." She also said, "We must be healed through the Eucharist; and by sharing the Eucharist it is the antidote to the poison of our division." She also said, "We must go ahead for the healing power of our division." The Bishop told her when he will meet the Pope next time, he will ask him, what will he be ready to give up for Unity. "Either we build dams or open the gates." The not letting go is where the problem is. Vassula herself has no worries about losing her position. He said that that is why she speaks and relays what the Lord wants from us, "She has nothing to lose." She told the Bishop when she asks the clergy to give a speech on Unity, it is informal and they speak from the heart.

After the meeting with Bishop Thlagale, Vassula addressed the inter-denominational group that consisted of clergy and religious people for two hours. It was held at the church hall of the Cathedral of Christ the King. They also had questions for her at the end. It was very fruitful. They had served refreshments and it gave people an opportunity to meet with Vassula and speak with her informally. It was a blessing that Bishop Thlagale was able to attend some of her talk considering how busy his schedule was.

After the Ecumenical meeting, Vassula had an interview to give a talk at the Catholic radio station Veritas in the city of Troyeville which lasted one hour. People at the end were able to call in and ask questions. This interview was hosted by Father Emil Blaser. They also announced that she will have her big open meeting on Sunday at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

On Friday December 16, 2005 after breakfast, we visited the Johannesburg Zoo. It was lovely to see these beautiful animals - elephants, zebras, rare red birds called Christmas birds, lions, cheetahs, apes, etc. We then went to Bedfordview and met a lovely couple named Nikos and Anastasia Giokas. They have relatives here in New York and we were so pleased to have met them. Afterwards, we went for a tour of the Greek Center called SAHETI. They have a school for one thousand kids ranging from pre-school to high school. They have an athletic field, radio station, banquet center, swimming pool and a church called the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. There are approximately thirty thousand Greeks and Cypriots living in South Africa and there are seven churches.

That evening, we attended the vespers for the feast of Saint Dionysius (who is from Zakynthos, Greece) at the Church of Saint Anargiri in Triomf, (which means Unmercenaris, without pay). At the end of the service they had presented Vassula with a beautiful gift from Mt. Athos that was a text of the life of the Saint Dionysius (www.goarch.org/en/chapel/saints.asp?contentid=342).

After vespers, the choir sang Greek Christmas carols followed by Vassula who spoke to the one hundred and fifty people who gathered in the church hall. She spoke to them about the meaning of Christmas (www.tlig.org/en/news/2005-05-01/1965/) and how this mission of True Life in God began (www.tlig.org/en/background/). She spoke to them on repentance, unceasing prayer and the intimacy of our Lord. It was so wonderful to hear how Father Ioannis, the Greek Orthodox priest was well acquainted with Vassula in Nairobi from years ago. One man named Taki commented at the end and he said, "It is impressive to hear her speak like an Evangelist and yet she is Orthodox. "He also said, "It was so refreshing to hear her speak like this and yet is still in the church and has not left the church." Vassula said, "Even if they close the doors on me I will climb through the windows." They were all so pleased to hear her say this and chuckled.

I had taken some video footage and interviewed the people. One man named George who helps in the altar, had told me when Vassula visited South Africa on a previous visit he saw the face of Jesus on her face. He said, "I will never forget it." He is dedicated to reading the writings of True life in God and that it has brought him closer in his spiritual walk with God. Another young girl named Katerina said, "This will change my life and my family's life from this day on." She was so thankful that Vassula came and shared the message with them. Another man named Peter said, "I liked very much what she had to say about Unity, unlike some of my co-patriots who don't want Unity. I believe the Church should be one." He too said, "It was very refreshing." They had a wonderful spread of refreshments and food. The warm hospitality of the Greek people was much appreciated.

Outside of the hall, they had set up tables for the TLIG books to be available both in English and in Greek. The weather was so mild and the beautiful trees and flowers you just could not help but feel like you were in Greece and yet it was South Africa. In a message dated November 30, 1998 the Lord says this about refreshing, "My prophets are those who by grace are nourished directly from My Mouth and by placing My Word directly into their mouth; they come to all of you still dripping with heavenly dew and their words fall on you like refreshing rain..." The word refreshing was a common word that the people were saying.

Monastery of St. Nektarios

On Saturday, December 17, 2005, which is the feast for Daniel the Prophet, we left very early in the morning to attend the liturgy for the opening of the first Greek Orthodox Monastery named Saint Nektarios/Saint Nicholas in Hartebeestpoort Dam. It was approximately 1 1/2 hrs from Johannesburg. After the service, they had a reception. Vassula and I were sitting outside eating and a lady came up and asked George (who was sitting with us) if he knew any information of the lady "Vassula" and where she would be speaking tomorrow on Sunday. George said, "This is her" as he pointed to her. The lady was so happy and started to converse with Vassula. The lady had told her about her son, approximately 30 years old, who was murdered in Johannesburg for his cell phone. She was still wearing black clothing because she was in mourning. We gave her some of the writings from True Life in God to read and she appreciated it very much.

St. Nektarios of Aegina

St. Nektarios of Aegina, one of the most widely known of Greek Orthodox Saints, was born on October 1st, 1846 in Silyvria, in Asia Minor (now occupied by Turkey). Called Wonder-Worker, his feast day is November 6.

After his death in 1920, a beautiful fragrance was emitted by his holy body, filling the room. Many came to venerate his holy relics prior to his burial. With amazement, people noted a fragrant fluid that drenched his hair and beard. Even after 5 months, when the nuns of the convent opened the saint's grave to build a marble tomb, they found the saint intact in every respect and emitted a wonderful heavenly fragrance. Similarly three years later, the holy relics were still whole and radiating the same heavenly fragrance.

Liturgy at the monastery of St. Nektarios

After that another lady heard that we had given some material. She too asked, "Do you have anything for me to read?" So I gave her some of the writings as well. It made me think of how the Holy Spirit led them to us because they were both in need to be comforted and thirsty for the Lord. Vassula had also met a Greek Orthodox Priest, Father Chrysostomos, and shared with him the Ecumenical work that she is doing. She showed him photos of many clergy from the Pilgrimages and different leaders that she has spoken with - especially, the photo she had taken with Cardinal Ratzinger four months before he became Pope. He was impressed and blessed her good works.

Vassula showing Father Chrysostomos photos

On Sunday, December 18, 2005 we attended the Greek Orthodox Liturgy at Pandanessa which means "The Queen of Queens," dedicated to the Theotokos, the ever Virgin Mary. After the liturgy was over, people who recognized Vassula came to our pews to greet her. They were so happy to see her. One lady that realized who she was became so interested that she took some of the books that I had on me. It was interesting to see the Holy Spirit working in such subtle ways and how these divine inspirations were being spread to the people that wanted them and had an open heart to receive them. We then had lunch plans elsewhere until a man named Mr. Englezakis invited us to his house for lunch. So we altered our plans and went to his house. He had just had his wife's memorial service. The family was so gracious to have us. They had a big banquet of food spread outside. They have a big family and they even had said that most of them were missing. So you could only imagine when the rest of the clan is there. It was interesting to see Vassula witnessing to them about the Lord during lunch. They were very interested and they asked her questions. We had with us the Beth Myriam photobook that showed the houses for the poor. One of the girls told us of a tragedy that had incurred in the family. It was a house of mourning that we went to; I believe the Holy Spirit led us there to give them hope and comfort.

After lunch at the Englezakis family, Vassula's big meeting was at four thirty in the afternoon at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Her audience was approximately one thousand people. Father Shaun introduced her to the people. She also spoke to them on the meaning of Christmas since it was about one week before Christmas. She spoke on Repentance, Intimacy of the Lord, and other topics. She ended with a beautiful healing prayer for the people. After the meeting was over and we went into the back room there were ladies that drove all the way from Soweto to come and see her. They arrived very late but fortunately they were able to have a few words with her backstage.

On Monday, December 19th, Vasssula had a morning appointment for an interview with Mr. Jose Luis da Silva, a Portuguese journalist from Madeira for a newspaper called "Diario de Noticias." Later that evening Vassula was invited to do an interview at the Pan Hellenic studio in Bedfordview. The subject was "The Meaning of Christmas." Maria, who was doing the interview, mentioned to Vassula that there were all kind of rumors going around that she doesn't preach about Christ. It was obvious that the spirit of confusion was at work to confuse the people. There is a beautiful article on the Jezebel spirit that speaks about these negative and false spirits that roam around when prophecy is spoken (www.tlig.org/en/spirituality/letters/jezebel/). The interview went very well and in between the radio program, they were playing songs of a Greek CD that was produced by the prayer group of Rhodes.

Vassula with Mr. Costa who drove us north to Michael Toulos game farm

On Tuesday, December 20, 2005 Mr. Costa, who was so gracious, drove us up north to one of the game farms near Kruger Park. It was approximately six hours away. The drive was so beautiful to see the natural landscape of Africa. It was endearing to see the monkeys along the roadside. Mr. Michael Toulou owns the game farm that is in the wild and offered us hospitality. He took us on his range rover and drove us throughout the farm. He had all kinds of animals such as the beautiful giraffe that we saw standing so majestically in between the trees, the wild bore, elans, ostrich, etc. He had sheep and goats as well. I took a walk with Mr. Costa and said to him (as I saw the sheep sitting innocently in the stillness of the night and felt as if we were in the spirit of Christmas), "This is what it must have felt like when the sheep were gathered awaiting for the birth of our Lord." Returning from the walk, the others said the same thing at the table about the sheep awaiting for the Lord on Christmas Eve. I felt that was a confirmation from the Holy Spirit.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2005, we drove back from the wild game farm. Our flight was the same day. It was a beautiful last day before we departed from South Africa. The prayer group of South Africa did a wonderful job arranging all the venues. It will be memorable for all the people we met, especially those that opened their homes and were generous with their time. The Lord provided gracious and kind people, especially Metropolitan Seraphim who invited and hosted us. May God bless them all!!

Two Works, One Spirit
by TLIG Lebanon

He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but he that seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7:18)

I - THE SACRED HEART, ACKNOWLEDGING GOD IS A VIRTUE, AND HUMAN WEAKNESS:

St. Teresa:

"Come and rest on my heart, you will find your peace of mind." (My Sky)

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"...let Me tell you: My Sacred Heart is your heaven; creation, My Sacred Heart, that so many of you deny and refuse, is your Heaven; your Paradise, your Kingdom; your Inheritance, your Place-of-Rest for Eternity;" March 25, 1996

St. Teresa:

"Yes, I need a heart that burns with tenderness,
A heart on which I can always lean, without anything in return,
A heart that loves everything about me, even my weakness,
Without ever leaving me, by day or by night."
(Even though I had committed every possible crime)

God the Father according to True Life in God:

"...many of you believe I am a God who is quick to anger and so fear Me, you fear to approach Me, others believe I am beyond reach and only enjoying My Glory, never caring for you, and My Eyes turned only upon My devoted ones, thus making an image of a God full of predilection; did you not know that the weaker and the more wretched you are, the more I seek you and love you?

I am Holy, but I also want you to understand that I desire to become intimate with you and have Me as your Holy Companion." March 18, 1987

"My child, lean now on the same Heart which My Son, Jesus Christ, is nearest to  and remember: I will cultivate this generation and I will make them understand that immortality is found in being kin to the Triune God;" November 28, 1998

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"I chose you because you are weak, and your weakness charms Me." March 19, 1987

"I will tell you then; I love you because you are helpless, wretched, and guilty. children are My weakness, I love them because they let Me form them "

Our Holy Mother according to True Life in God:

"...come to the Lord, do not fear to show Him your weaknesses." November 29, 1989

St. Teresa:

"No, You couldnt find a spotless creature
Among lightning flashes, You gave us your Law
And in Your Sacred Heart, O Jesus I hide
No, I do not tremble, because my virtue is You."
(Even though I had committed every possible crime)

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"to have acknowledged Me, My child, was indeed the perfect virtue and the light of your soul;" November 28, 1995

"I love to take you thrusting you in the depths of My Heart and hide you there, all for Myself" March 3, 1987

"...blessed by Me, Vassula, enter in My Heart, let Me Hide you in there, rest, come, come to your Father." October 2, 1987

"I am only waiting to be gracious to you, I am only waiting to hide you in My Sacred Heart forever, where you will find True Peace " October 1, 1990

Our Holy Mother according to True Life in God:

"He is meek and humble, come and acknowledge Him as your God, for acknowledging Him is the perfect virtue;" September 22, 1989

II - SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE AND HEART TO HEART DIALOGUE:

St. Teresa:

"To Lovers, solitude is a must
A heart to heart that lasts day and night"
(To live on love)

"I can get everything when in the mystery
I talk heart to heart with my divine king."
(My own Sky)

God the Father in True Life in God:

"see, My beloved one, how I desired to draw you to Me as a lover who draws his loved one in privacy." September 25, 1997

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"Like a young man marrying a virgin, I have offered you My Heart and asked for yours. It is I, Jesus, who formed you and wed you and as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so am I rejoicing now in your poverty and your weakness. I pursued you like a lover pursues his maiden, I went in all directions seeking by what means I could make you Mine and now that you are Mine I will keep you." July 4, 1990

III - HOLY MARY:

St. Teresa:

"Let me tender Mother rest under your veil"
(My song today)

Our Holy Mother according to True Life in God:

"I love you and believe Me, My Cape is large enough to hide you all inside it!" November 29, 1989

St. Teresa:

"You love us, Mary, as Jesus loves us"
(You love us, Mary)

Our Holy Mother according to True Life in God:

"Vassula, daughter of Mine, Jesus loves you. I love you. Blessed one, Jesus and I will help you now. Pray to attain His favour." January 18, 1988

IV - SUFFERING AND THE CROSS:

St. Teresa:

"I drank at length from the chalice of tears,
I shared your cup of sorrows
And I understood that suffering has a certain charm
That through the Cross, we can save sinners.
Its through the cross that my grown soul
Witnessed the opening of a new horizon
Under the rays of Your blessed face
My feeble heart was elevated high up."
(Song of gratitude from the fiancie of Jisus)

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"Vassula, allow yourself to suffer; all My chosen souls suffered. By suffering, your soul is purified. Like gold is purified in fire, so is the soul." February 19, 1987

"Do not hesitate then to embrace My Cross, let your arms grasp My Cross with fervour and It will lead you into the Path of Life." May 23, 1990

St. Teresa:

"You hid me forever in Your Face,
Divine Jesus, deign and listen to my voice
I come to sing the inexpressible grace
Of having suffered from bearing the Cross"
(Song of gratitude from the fiancie of Jesus)

"For You my divine little brother I am happy to suffer
My only joy on this earth is to be able to rejoice you"
(My joy)

Vassula to Jesus in True Life in God:

"Suffering has become my daily bread, but what an honour to share it with You." October 21, 1992

V - GOD IS LOVE AND DELIGHT:

St. Teresa:

"To live on love, is to live of your life,
Glorious king, delight of the chosen ones."
(To live on love)

God the father according to True Life in God:

"Who desires Me? let him come to Me and I shall be his delight as he too will be My delight, My garden, and My heaven;" June 5, 1997

"Near Me you will feel My Love, My Peace and this harmony of Heaven that I have with My Angels can be yours too if you come nearer to Me. I love you all with an eternal love, a love you are unable to understand on earth. Come and I shall show you, if you are willing, what True Life in God means. I tell you solemnly that anyone who lives in Love lives in Me, your God, and I live in him." October 2, 1989

VI - THE REAL PRESENCE IN THE EUCHARIST:

St. Teresa:

"You live for me, hidden in a host
Id like to hide for You, O Jesus!"
(To live on love)

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"Rejection you will never have from Me. Every time you come to receive Me, My Sacred Heart rebounds with joy. I have made Myself ever so tiny in the little white Host." September 29, 1989

"I am the Prisoner of Love behind each Tabernacle, waiting and hoping to see you come." September 29, 1989

VII - GOD TEACHES US TO STAY SMALL:

St. Teresa:

"My joy is to stay small so that when I fall on my way
I can get up quite fast and Jesus would take me by my hand"
(My joy)

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"remain small so that I may easily lift you to My Breast and press you on My cheek." July 21, 1992

"Love is near you. Stay small so that My Spirit can grow in you. I am the Truth, the Life and the Way. Glorify Me by loving Me." July 29, 1989

"Beloved, stay small so that you may easily creep into My Sacred Heart. Love loves you." October 10, 1989

"stay small so that My Power occupies every part of you; die to your self daily and be nothing so that I may be everything." October 23, 1989

"Remain small so that everyone around you may notice My Greatness... Do all you can and I will do the rest." July 19, 1994

VIII - LIFT YOUR EYES TO HEAVEN:

St. Teresa:

"Lift your eyes to the Holy Country,
And you will see on thrones of honor
A loved Father, a dear Mother
To whom you owe your tremendous joy."
(Song of gratitude from the fiancie of Jesus)

Jesus according to True Life in God:

"Lift then your eyes to Me and find True Peace in My Presence." May 23, 1990

TLIG Lebanon, 2006

Have you seen any of the Vassula Videos online?

You can start by clicking: ON THIS LINK

The next video (below) takes a little bit of effort to see. The way I was able to see it was after a few seconds.

Start to click on the arrow and the pause button (which is two straight lines) so that the film advances almost a frame at a time.

Watch Vassula's face. It is very clear that Jesus' face is there. It is quite remarkable.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXNziXO0N7A

If you have uploaded videos to the internet please drop us an email and let us know where they are.

Do you have video editing experience?

We would like to organize edited clips with the www.tlig.org address embedded in them. Contact e-news@tlig.org to find out how you can help.

Miracle of Edmonton, Canada Photos

During Vassula’s recent trip to Canada a woman with a cell phone camera snapped these pictures from the front row.

Have a look and be sure to send the link to all of your friends:

http://www.tlig.org/en/spirituality/miracles/Edmonton-miracle2006/

The Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch Visit Begins in Turkey.

Let all readers of TLIG pray for both the Ecumenical Patriarch His All Holiness Bartholomew and Pope Benedict XVI. May they make unity Lord !!! Open the hearts of all Christians to be one under your name amen. You can follow news about this historic visit on the Ecumenical Patriarchate website here: http://www.patriarchate.org/press/articles.php?id=66