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Christian Mystic Shares Visions and Messages in ‘Heaven is Real, But So is Hell,’ page 2

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A. Larry Ross Communications Julie Shutley 972.267.1111 [email protected]

Christian Author Shares Visions and Messages in ‘Heaven is Real, But So is Hell’ Author Vassula Ryden reveals the supernatural battle between good

and evil, and addresses big questions about life and the afterlife

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 16, 2013 – Vassula Ryden has seen the supernatural world, experienced the hidden forces that affect every moment of our lives, and regularly hears direct prophetic messages in prayer that help her put these images in context for others. In her new book, “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell: An Eyewitness Account of What is to Come,” which releases March 16, Ryden shares details regarding her God-given prophecies to help address long-asked questions about the meaning of life, what Heaven and hell are like, the character of God and the End of Times. “The answers to many of life’s questions can only be discovered by seeing them from a different perspective, like turning over the backside of a tapestry to see how all the tangled threads create an elegant image,” said Ryden. “And, from my earliest days, mystical experiences have enabled me to see from that perspective.” In “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell,” Ryden shares insights about life’s questions, including:

• Where do people go when they die? • Are we living in the last days? • Does everything happen for a reason? • Is there a heaven and hell? • Can dreams or premonitions tell us the future? • What is God like? • What is hell like?

Ryden’s experiences with the supernatural world began when she was a young child. At that time she didn’t know quite what to make of her ability to see visions of those who had died, or dreams about things to come, but in late 1985 she was seized by a vision of God asking her to become a messenger to share important messages for our times.

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Christian Mystic Shares Visions and Messages in ‘Heaven is Real, But So is Hell,’ page 2

Since that time she has heard “locutions” from God the Father, Jesus Christ and her guardian angel. She was given visions of Heaven and ell. In the vision of Hell she heard the devil threatening to lead this generation to destruction. “If you met me on the street, you would never suspect this,” admits Ryden. “I look and act much like everyone else. I’m not a nun or a recluse or a gypsy fortune teller. I’m just like you, yet I see a world – a dimension – far beyond you and me.” In the book, “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell,” Ryden begins by detailing her background of growing up in Egypt and the events of her childhood, which foreshadow the revelations that would take place later in life. She describes how she receives the “locutions” in a special handwriting, which is only possible for her to use when receiving spiritual messages. The book primarily focuses on the messages she has received, what they meant to her and what they mean for the world today. In addition, she shares about the fight between good and evil that happens around us every day. Ryden has received messages about the future, “The Day of the Lord,” and has even had premonitions about events such as September 11, 2001; the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004; and the fall of Communism in the former Soviet Union. Still it is not a message of doom, which Ryden believes she is to share, but one of redemption, reconciliation and love. Ryden’s specific call from Christ is to help unite the divided branches of the Christian church according to His guidance. Ryden was born in 1942 to Greek parents and grew up in Egypt until her teen years, when her family moved to Switzerland due to war and unrest. She now resides in Greece with her husband, but has lived throughout the world due to her husband’s consulting work with the government, including countries in Africa and in Southeast Asia. Ryden has two sons. Since the messages of True Life in God were first published in book form in 1991, Ryden has witnessed to hundreds of thousands of people in 79 countries over the last 27 years. For more information visit http://www.Heaven-Is-Real.com.

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Note to Editors: For more information about “Heaven is For Real, But So is Hell” and Vassula Ryden, please visit www.Heaven-Is-Real.com. To arrange an interview with Ryden, please contact Julie Shutley at 972.267.1111 or via e-mail at [email protected].

HEAVEN IS REAL BUT SO IS HELL | VASSULA RYDEN

HEAVEN IS REAL BUT SO IS HELL AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF WHAT IS TO COME

Vassula Ryden, author of “Heaven is Real But So is Hell: An Eyewitness Account of What is to Come,” is a Greek Orthodox Christian speaker and author who is known worldwide. Born of Greek parents, Ryden grew up in Egypt, until her family moved to Switzerland when she was a teenager. Then in 1985, while she was living in Bangladesh, she had a spiritual encounter that changed her life, as well as many others. Ryden was working on a grocery list when she felt the presence of an angel. “My hand was taken as if by an invisible hand, and I let it go because I felt he wanted me to write something,” she says.

At the time of the encounter, she had no relationship with God and hadn’t received any religious training. Soon after that encounter, God allowed Ryden to experience a painful purification process. After experiencing this dark and lonely time when she did not hear from God, she made the decision to fully surrender to Him and put God first in her life. Since then, she has had thousands of similar experiences, transcribing “messages” from God in a different style than her normal handwriting. The messages have been compiled in books, videos and other materials, which are promoted and distributed under the title, 'True Life in God' after Vassula was told by God in 1987, I have chosen you as a blank canvas to fill it up only with My Work which I will name: "True Life in God.”

Ryden also has what she calls “interior visions” of heaven and the future and has foreseen three important events, which came to fruition:

• the destruction of the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001; • the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004; and • the fall of Communism in the former Soviet Union.

But such “doomsday” prophecies are not the focus of her ministry. God’s messages to Ryden emphasize His love and desire that all people have an intimate relationship with Him. They also stress the need for unity among Christian denominations. Although she is Greek Orthodox, Ryden has a large Catholic following. She has cordial relations with many Vatican officials and presented a copy of “True Life in God” to Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. Ryden lives in Greece with her husband, but she is a frequent traveler, having spoken in 79 countries.

BIO



Supernatural world: Vassula Ryden has experienced first-hand accounts of the supernatural world of God and His angels and of Satan and his demons. She is able to speak on what she has seen and encountered, as well as the supernatural forces surrounding every individual.

Life’s most pressing questions: Vassula Ryden’s encounters have provided her with answers to life’s biggest questions, which humankind has been asking since the beginning of time. Because of this, she is able to share this knowledge, answering questions such, “What is God like?” “Why does God allow such suffering in this world?” and “Does everything happen for a reason?”

End of Times: Amidst many recent eschatological predictions, “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell” offers a different perspective on “The Day of the Lord” and what judgment will entail for both believers and non-believers. Vassula Ryden can provide insight into what God has revealed to her about this.

The Return of Jesus: While no one knows the time or date, the Lord continues to remind us not to “fall asleep,” but to be ready and be on the watch. Ryden can address this topic and what God has said about Jesus’ return. Heaven and Hell: In “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell,” Vassula Ryden shares her first-hand experience about God’s dwelling place. She also can give a first-hand account of Hell. Question of evil: Vassula Ryden addresses her visions and experiences concerning the devil and his demons, as well as the unseen, but very real, spiritual battle happening on earth.

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW TOPICS


Church Unity: Against a backdrop of divisions in the Church, such as the celebration of Easter on two separate dates most years, God asked Vassula Ryden to be his servant and help unite the Church, giving her a vision of three iron bars that all must bend. Ryden can expand on her vision and provide further insight as to why unity is vital for the Church.

Prophecies: Vassula Ryden has been given the gift of prophecy and has predicted many events, such as the Sept. 11 attacks and the tsunami in Asia, long before they unfolded. She has also seen a very vivid prophecy about the future of the world, including a message about a hurricane of fire that will destroy three-fourths of the earth’s surface. Miracles: While sharing her story with people around the world, Vassula Ryden has been a part of many miracles. God has worked through her to heal people she has encountered along her journey, including a boy with rheumatoid arthritis, a Lebanese woman with water in her lungs and a lady in Denmark with cancer on the palette of her mouth.



TITLE “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell:

An Eyewitness Account of What is to Come”

SYNOPSIS From a young age, Vassula Ryden has seen the supernatural world and experienced the hidden forces that affect every moment of our lives, regularly hearing direct messages from God that put these images in context. Now, through her new book, “Heaven is Real, But so is Hell,” Ryden is sharing details about these encounters, addressing questions about life and death including the nature of Heaven and hell, the character of God and the End of Times. Throughout her life, Ryden has experienced what she calls “interior visions” of heaven and the future and has received prophecies about three important events, which came to fruition:

• destruction of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001; • Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 • fall of Communism in the former Soviet Union

But such doomsday prophecies are not the focus of what Ryden believes God wants her to share. Instead, through her book, Ryden seeks to deliver a message emphasizing God’s love and His desire that all people have an intimate relationship with Him. In addition, she stresses the desire of Christ for unity among Christian denominations.

AUTHOR Vassula Ryden is a Greek Orthodox Christian mystic with a worldwide following. In 1985, while she was living in Bangladesh, she had a spiritual encounter that changed her life. While working on a grocery list, she felt the presence of an angel. “My hand was taken as if by an invisible hand, and I let it go because I felt he wanted me to write something,” she says.

Since then, she has had thousands of similar experiences, transcribing messages from God in a different style than her normal handwriting. The “True Life in God” messages have been compiled in books, videos and other materials.

PUBLISHER Alexian Publishing, Inc.

WEBSITE www.HeavenIsRealBook.com www.tlig.org

RELEASE DATE ISBN

March 16, 2013 978-0-983009-0-6

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/jesusisreturning www.Facebook.com/TrueLifeInGod

MSRP PAGES

$24.95 224 TWITTER www.Twitter.com/VassulaRyden

SIZE 6”x9”

FACT SHEET



1. How did your angel and God first appear to you?

2. How do you know God is speaking to you?

3. Could you talk to us about the different style of handwriting that occurs when God is speaking to you?

4. What messages have you heard that have a direct impact on people’s lives today?

5. How often do you receive messages?

6. In your book, “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell,” you discuss knowledge about the “End Times.” Can you share additional thoughts about this topic?

7. Do you have any insight on Jesus returning?

8. What predictions have you made and what visions do you see for our future?

9. What would you say to someone who is skeptical about your messages and visions?

10. One question that is prevalent today, especially in the aftermath of horrible events like the recent Sandy Hook mass shooting, is: “How could a loving God allow this kind of evil to happen?” What is your response?

11. As Easter and Holy Week approach, could you share with us more about your calling to unite the Christian churches, and why that is so important?

12. One thing everyone wants to know is what heaven is like…what descriptive details can you share from your locutions?

13. There have recently been a few books about Heaven, but not many about hell. Why do you believe hell is real, and what is it like?

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS



TRUE LIFE IN GOD Vassula Ryden, author of “Heaven is Real, But So is Hell,” established the Foundation for True Life in God in 2008 to support her worldwide ministry. The direction for the name came from God in 1987. He told Vassula, “I have chosen you as a blank canvas to fill it up only with My Work, which I will name: ‘True Life in God.’” Centered on the divine messages provided from God to Ryden, True Life in God seeks to share an urgent call to make peace with God and amend our lives through repentance, reconciliation, love and unity. The Foundation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, assists with administrative tasks that would otherwise pull Ryden away from her speeches and travels. Supported by benefactors around the world, the Foundation is run by a team of volunteers who work for no salary. Likewise, Ryden receives no payment for her speeches, books or other materials. In fact, the only people associated with the Foundation who are paid perform outsourced jobs, such as accounting. “Acts of Love” form an important part of the the True Life in God messages. In 1998, Ryden was asked by the Virgin Mary to found the first Beth Miriam (or Mary’s House) to help the poor in the Holy Land. Now, there are about 25 Beth Miriams in big cities throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America, where the poor can find food, shelter and the love of Christ. In other “Acts of Love” projects, volunteer followers of True Life in God messages work with two schools and an orphanage in Bangladesh, where the ministry of True Life in God started. Hundreds of people have attended the pilgrimages, including 800 individuals from 60 countries and 15 denominations who joined Ryden for a trip to Rome in 2011. For more information visit, http://www.tlig.org

BACKGROUNDER

HEAVEN IS REAL BUT SO IS HELL | VASSULA RYDÉN


Chapter One – Premonitions

A retelling of events in Vassula’s childhood that foreshadows what would eventually follow. There is a description of Vassula’s ability to see dead people and how they interact with her, and seem to request help from her. Vassula explains her fascinating early years in Egypt (and later Switzerland) with God’s interventions. Then she recounts the sort of person she was prior to the truly astounding events that would take place later.

Chapter Two – Contact

Chapter Two deals with Vassula’s move to a new country: Bangladesh, in Southeast Asia. She tells how her ‘Angel’ Daniel comes to her and begins giving her locutions and messages–through the written word; and after this, she experiences a profound purgation and a painful awareness of the actual sinful condition of her soul before God. Finally, God manifests Himself and helps her experience Him as a loving Father.

Chapter Three – The Dark Night

In Chapter Three Vassula shares further painful purification that God allows her to go through. This time her angel Daniel and God leave her alone and will not give her any messages. It is a very lonely and challenging time for Vassula; and she describes it as God “shutting Heaven”– and all she could do was wait in darkness and silence. Then she experiences the souls of the dead again; finally she totally surrenders to God and His will and the gates of Heaven open and she reconnects with God.

Chapter Four – Angels or Demons?

Vassula shares how God is leading her on a totally new journey, and how she is going to be attacked in her new role. She learns that although there are evil beings set against God and us, that God is more powerful than satan and has won the victory. God allows her to actually experience many visions of the devil, and is subjected to several spiritual, mental, and physical attacks. She sees satan as he truly is, but God and the angels protects her.

Chapter Five – The Spirit World

Vassula tells some of her friends about her experiences; and shares her new understanding of God and the spirit world all around us. One friend is caught in a life of sin, and Vassula is given knowledge (from God) to say what her friend’s sins are– and her friend is shocked into conversion! Another friend is not accepted by her family, but Vassula is able to help the family reconcile with each other. She explains and tells many stories of the gifts God has given her to help others.

CHAPTER SYNOPSIS

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Chapter Six – Confrontation

Here Vassula shares her experiences with two priests at a Roman Catholic seminary in Bangladesh; she seeks their help because her angel instructs her to meet with one of the priests. That priest believes Vassula is being deceived by the devil and that she needs to stop writing the messages. God teaches Vassula a lot about discernment and obedience through these struggles; and she goes on an adventure with her friend to meet a wise hermit who has a powerful gift of discernment, to confirm if the messages are authentic.

Chapter Seven – The Mission

In this chapter Vassula receives the call from Jesus to serve Him, and her primary mission will be to unite the divided Christian churches. Understandably overwhelmed by this challenging mission, Vassula struggles to come to grips with her self-doubts and insecurities. She tells the Lord she doesn’t know anything, and asks what good she can do. God makes it clear that He will help her, but that her work will be carried out under the shadow of the Cross; then He takes her family back to Switzerland as the place to start this work. Her tales of perseverance and suffering will move the heart of all readers.

Chapter Eight – The Dove

Chapter Eight finds Vassula back in the familiar land of Switzerland, and God quickly takes her up on her offer to serve Him. She begins giving talks to small groups of people but God quickly brings more people, and soon she is speaking to thousands at prayer meetings and good results are evident: healings, conversions, and renewed faith in God. Challenges and difficulties threaten this new ministry because of false rumors that spread, reaching the ears of top church leaders; however, the messages continue to spread.

Chapter Nine – Supernatural

In this chapter Vassula reviews the way that God works with her, such as the way He gives messages to her, and the way He leads and guides her. She receives messages by locution where she hears God speak the message, and her hand holds the pencil and has a tingling sensation in it, and she writes what she hears with a different handwriting. She doesn’t fall into a trance (like people who do “automatic writing”) but remains fully conscious. Vassula also answers some of the questions people have raised to her about her gifts; she also tells many stories of supernatural events in her life.

Chapter Ten – Lifting the Veil

Chapter Ten concerns the experience Vassula has when she asks Jesus to “lift the veil” off of Himself and heaven. She falls to the floor from the sheer majestic power of this experience, and after this she muses on the grandeur of God in all of His works and acts. Vassula also describes some events involving a monk in Switzerland who turned against her for a while, and caused a lot of confusion and disturbance with her ministry.

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Chapter Eleven – Visions and Signs

Vassula explains that the visions she receives happen all the time, and that God tailors His communications to each individual in a way that speaks most directly to his or her heart. He is very subtle and knows His creatures so well that His communications are most effective. Vassula explains that God will work in different ways with her, but that He has a wonderful sense of humor. In answer to what kinds of visions she has had, she explains that she has some of spiritual beings (like angels), of events yet to happen, of her own soul, and of heaven, purgatory, and hell. She also gets a tour of God’s dwelling place. She tells many tales of wonderful signs that will leave readers speechless.

Chapter Twelve – The Day of the Lord

In the final chapter of the book Vassula discusses the Day of the Lord, which is a way of describing the purification process that many will have to go through. Here Vassula describes God as a Fire. She says that the point of this process is to help people get right with God and see the soul as it is, with all its sin and ugliness. Although this sounds terrible (and it is painful), it is also a great blessing because it will make us better servants of God, and draw us much closer to Him. In order to obtain the “pearl of great price of the Kingdom of God” we must be willing to go through the Day of the Lord.

Chapter Thirteen – The Spiritual Battle

Here we find a discussion of the spiritual battle that rages in the heavens and in the world around us. It is not a battle of flesh and blood, but of principalities and powers; the demons hate us humans and want to destroy us and cause of to end up in hell with them, suffering for eternity. They are angry with God because He chose to become one of us and dwell inside of us. Our main weapon in this battle is prayer.

Chapter Fourteen – Prophecies

In this chapter Vassula explains that God gives her messages about future events, and some of these predicted events have already come true (the tsunami of 2004 and the fall of the Twin Towers) but the worst is yet to come. There will be a hurricane of fire that will consume three-fourths of the earth’s surface. In addition to these disturbing revelations, Vassula was given a vision of the fall of communism by our Lord in the late 1980s.

Chapter Fifteen – Miracles

As the name of this chapter would indicate, Vassula shares many miraculous stories: a boy with crippling rheumatoid arthritis; a Lebanese woman with water in her lungs, attending Vassula’s talk; an old woman in Denmark with cancer on the palette of her mouth; and many other faith-building stories that will inspire you afresh to approach our loving heavenly Father in prayer with great faith for your needs.

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Chapter Sixteen – The Narrow Path

In this chapter Vassula shares the difficulties that come with following the Lord in His footsteps, on the narrow path that leads to life: false accusations, threats of excommunication, and threats of death! These types of happenings are all in a day’s work for Vassula. Read this chapter if you want to hear the answer Jesus gives to St. Teresa of Avila’s famous comment: “Lord, it’s no wonder you have so few friends.” Vassula is finally able to get a meeting in the Unity office of the Vatican, and meet with a Cardinal about her work. But at the same time as this triumph, many difficult events occur in her personal life.

Chapter Seventeen ‒ End of Times

The world needs the love of God more than ever before; however, many people continue to shut God out of their lives. The world is in a type of auto-destruction mode. It is self-destructing because it has ignored God who is so critical to our being and living. We are living in an age of apostasy, and the signs of the end times are manifesting regularly; however, God loves us greatly and wants all people to come to Him. He is pouring out graces like never before.

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