Christmas excerpt from "With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity"

As the Pages Turn,
December 24, 2009

Christmas Memories:
Shouldering the Cross at Christmas
by Ellen Chaksil
posted by Dorothy Thompson

Holiday Memories is a month long series of heartwarming holiday stories from authors all over the world. We at As the Pages Turn hope you will enjoy and have a happy holiday full of good and happy memories!

With the approach of Christmas, I confided a terrible, heartbreaking suspicion to my cousin, Ann. My son David had been staying with me temporarily, and he was planning to once more get an apartment of his own. I had undertaken the chore of helping clear out some of his things. In the process of doing so, I had come across an abundance of pills in one of his bureau drawers. Since it was not the first time I had found them, I really became alarmed, thinking, Could he possibly be addicted to those pills?

“Oh, come on!” Ann interrupted. “I don’t think so. You did say they’re prescription drugs. Maybe that old football injury is kicking up. Then, too, he’s had a few minor accidents since then, so he might need them for pain.”

After a bit more discussion, I was ashamed of myself for having shared that ugly suspicion with Ann. When she got up to leave, I felt even worse that I had burdened her, for I could see that she was becoming more and more incapacitated by her rheumatoid arthritis, yet I marveled at how she almost never complained or made reference to her pain.

After Ann left, I prayed, asking the Lord to give her the strength she needed to cope; especially with the Christmas season upon us, there was so much to do. I also petitioned the Lord, asking Him to protect David. I so hoped Ann was right in her assessment, that he couldn’t be addicted to those pain pills, yet I had my doubts, as for some time I had known that all was not right in his life.

During the Christmas holidays, I invited Ann to dinner. When we finished eating, we retired to the living room and sat before the blazing fire in the fireplace. At first its warmth and charm failed to alter her sad mood. With folded arms, appearing totally dejected, she stared down at her misshapen feet and sounded even unhappier, saying, “Ellen, thanks for inviting me over; if you hadn’t called I would probably be lying down, hoping I could fall asleep. It seems that’s all I want to do anymore.”

In an effort to change her mood, I responded, “Ann, please don’t talk that way; God had given you a beautiful family and they desperately need you.”

“Oh, come on, Ellen,” she answered, releasing a well of tears. “Just take a good look at me.” Almost inaudibly she added, “Sometimes, even though I know better, I feel God doesn’t even exist. Or if He does, He has forgotten all about me.”

Hearing her, I began to understand her quiet demeanor; she had kept all that pain buried within herself.

I responded immediately. “Ann, I know how drastically your life has changed because of this illness, but you can’t just give up on life or on God. With and in Him you can find the peace and comfort you need to carry on.” A shiver of determination went through my body as I reached for my Bible. “You may not be up to it right now,” I said. “But let’s see if the Lord has a Word for us, one to lift us up.”

She gave no sign of either objection or agreement, so I simply went ahead and randomly opened the Bible. My eyes fell upon Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 16; in briefly scanning it, I considered it a most appropriate passage for us in that moment in time.

Before I began reading, I silently thanked God, knowing the scripture had opened to that exact page only through the guidance of His Holy Spirit:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to be a follower of Mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow Me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lost it; but anyone who loses his life for My sake will find it. What then will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life?”

Reading from the accompanying reference notes, I added, “Ann, here we read that the word ‘life’ means the life of our soul as well as that of our person. Jesus is telling us that even if we possess the entire world, we are not able to buy an extra second of life on Earth. And that’s okay, because what we must be concerned about is the life of our soul, our spirit, because it lives on after physical death. And we cannot risk the loss of our soul by turning away from God.”

“In that Scripture reading, Jesus is telling us to accept our burden, to carry our cross, whatever it might be. He did, after all, lay out the pattern for us; we need only follow in His Way and we will find the strength we need to persevere.”

I could see the tears running down Ann’s cheeks and I handed her a tissue to dry her eyes. I also needed one for myself. It grieved me to see my beloved cousin suffering so much. After a few moments had passed, I said, “Ann, I know it’s difficult to accept this hope-filled message, especially when you are suffering as much as you are, but remember Jesus promised that when we accept and carry our cross, it will be lightened. C’mon, what do you say? Let’s continue getting together to pray, read, and learn about the Way He offers.”

I was so pleased when I saw her nod her head in agreement.

In the following months, I was even happier as I watched an almost miraculous change take place in Ann. While her physical condition continued to worsen, she no longer appeared to be depressed. Once again we could see her beautiful dimples, because she smiled more often.

ELLEN CHAKSIL (pen name for Helen Silvestri) is the author of “With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity.” She is a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group in Scranton, Pa. She began receiving messages from God in 1978. She needed to share what she experienced with church officials. Her quest led her from her home in Northeast Pennsylvania to the Vatican. After numerous attempts, she was able to make contact. In 1992, she met Pope John Paul II and in 1996 she received official recognition that he had read her letter detailing the prophecy she received from God. Ellen also contacted Boguslaw Lipinski, Ph.D of Harvard Medical School. He provided hypothetical proof of the concept that when people gather to pray, energy is emitted. Now Ellen’s goal is to help unite the world in prayer to generate the power great enough to forestall catastrophe and enable humanity’s continued existence. She hopes her book will be an instrument to raise awareness of the power of prayer.

Visit Ellen’s blog at: catholiccharismaticprophecies.blogspot.com

Visit Ellen’s Facebook page : HERE

Pages & Places Festival

Pages & Places Festival
October 3, 2009

Interview with Connections Magazine

Connections Magazine,
September 2009

Write Here in NEPA
by Allison Mowatt

The next time you visit your local bookstore, whether it is a large chain or a small independent book nook, consider the shelves and tables that are brimming with books. Northeastern Pennsylvania is brimming with authors. Some of them are brand new writers; some have been writing for years, considering it a passion more than a hobby, and others never planned on becoming an author but find themselves enjoying every minute of it. One thing they all share, though, is they call Northeastern Pennsylvania home.

HELEN SILVESTRI (Pen name-Ellen Chaksil), Peckville, Pa.

Helen Silvestri is a religious author whose decision to write is truly an amazing experience and a blessing from God. "I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to begin writing," she said. The eighty-year-old author grew up in Eynon, Pa. and currently resides in Peckville. She began writing seriously after she was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1978. During this time, she was initiated into a Catholic Charismatic prayer group.

After Helen was baptized, she was graced with the gift of prophecy and began receiving words from God. The message she heard became clear over the years by way of prayer, scripture, prophecy, supplementary articles, and books. The words that came into her consciousness were "When they are threatened with the loss of all this, only then will they turn to Me." This entire process and the prophecy that was revealed to her is explained in detail in her first book, With God There is Hope Hope for Humanity, which is published by Tribute Books in Archbald.

After she received these prophetic words, she saw a vision of chaos surrounding the steps of the Vatican's St. Peter’s Basilica and felt that this was a message that humanity was threatened. She needed to share her experience with church officials so she left her home in Peckville and traveled to the Vatican. Eventually, she made contact with Pope John Paul II and received official recognition that he had read a letter she had sent him detailing the prophecy she received from God.

Helen spoke with someone from Harvard Medical School who provided hypothetical proof that when people pray together, energy is emitted. Helen views her book as a way to educate people on the power of prayer. One of the important messages Helen wants to share is that when the world is united in prayer, only then can a power be generated to prevent catastrophe and allow humanity’s continued existence. The catastrophe would be the result of either the Earth turning on its axis, another planet encroaching upon the orbit of Earth, or an immense asteroid plummeting into the Earth to disrupt its rotation.

Writing With God There is Hope: Hope for Humanity was a labor of love and required a lot of research and studying, but Helen embraced every minute of it as she saw it as "being in touch with God by way of His Holy Spirit."

Helen has received much recognition for With God There is Hope: Hope for Humanity and was one of eight finalists in the National Best Books 2008 Awards. She has been interviewed on local television and also by the Scranton Times Tribune and the Scranton edition of the Times Leader. In addition, she recently won the 2009 Volunteer Award from Lackawanna County Prison. The 4th Annual Volunteers Program called "I Make a Difference" was held at the prison this past June, and Helen was chosen for her weekly visits with the Monday Prayer Group.

Her novel can be found at Borders in Dickson City, Barnes and Noble in Wilkes Barre, and Amazon.com.

Reviews

"What an honor it is to know you and to have read your book. It is a wonderful story of your prophetic journey. You were truly touched by the Spirit."
Bobbie Hunt, President of the National Council of Catholic Women

"Congratulations on one fantastic book! I couldn't put it down. You give a lot of food for thought. You have been blessed to be the messenger and courageous to share the message."
Ellen Bachman, Past President of the National Council of Catholic Women

People on the Move

The Valley Advantage,
September 4, 2009

People on the Move

Peckville resident Helen Silvestri has won the 2009 Volunteer Award from the Lackawanna County Prison. The fourth annual program was titled "I Make a Difference." Silvestri was chosen for her weekly visits with the Monday prayer group. Deputy warden Timothy Betti presented Silvestri with the crystal globe award. Inmates prepared refreshments and entertained guests by singing, acting and reading poetry.

Volunteer of the Year at Lackawanna County Prison

Scranton Times-Tribune
August 5, 2009

Volunteer Recognition

Volunteers at the Lackawanna County Prison receive recognition for their time and talents. In front, from left: the Rev. Sandra Magor and Helen Silvestri. In back: Saundra Leventhal and the Rev. Riccardo Jackson, prison chaplain. Mrs. Silvestri was recognized as a volunteer of the year for her work in a weekly Bible study class and prayer group. The Rev. Magor and Ms. Leventhal worked as a team on a Friday evening Bible study group.

JESUS CAME TO CALL US TO LOVE AND PRAY

JESUS CAME TO CALL US TO LOVE AND PRAY
Have you ever wondered if there could be something "MORE" in that call??

I entered into a personal relationship with God in 1978 and in 1983-1984, it had been revealed to me that, "YES" there is "MORE."

In 1998, the feasibility of the fulfillment of the "MORE" had became known to me.

That year, 1978, was significant in my life: The Holy Spirit led me to personally know God and experience some of the gifts we read about in 1Corinthians 12. I especially want to share about the Gift of Prophecy: In the Church of St. Ubaldo, in Gubbio Italy, I heard my first word: "WHEN THEY ARE THREATHENED WITH THE LOSS OF ALL THIS, ONLY THEN, WILL THEY TURN TO ME." Over the years by way of prayer, scripture, prophecy, supplementary articles, books, etc., that message became clear.

Often coincidentally, some of the above resources would come into my possession thus aiding and abetting clarification.

God revealed that cosmic collision, as had happened innumerable times in the past would once again threaten the Earth, only this time, humanity could be instrumental in either the forestalling or the cessation of this devastation.

In reviewing recorded results of past catastrophes and being alerted to the outcome of possible future occurrences, I doubted that humanity could withstand the devastation brought about by either the Earth turning on its axis, one planet encroaching upon the orbit of Earth, as had happened in the past, or an immense asteroid plummeting into the Earth to disrupt its rotation.------Yet, by way of my writing, inspired by God, I was assured that life on Earth would persist.

In the interim of this surfacing knowledge, while assessing this war torn world, the poverty due to the inequitable sharing of the planet's resources also the existing immoral situations, etc., etc., I wondered why God desired ongoing existence??

The following truth revealed the answer: God created humanity in His image and likeness, and so time, life, is needed for this transformation to occur thus enabling eternal existence.

Here, surfaces exposure into the "MORE," where love is concerned: We are called to love, for in the interim of loving, whether by word, thought or deed, our soul, our spirit, is being transformed as we become "MORE" like Him, in whose image and likeness we are created.

The means for either the forestalling or cessation of the prophesied catastrophe, may be found in the following Scripture passages:

Matthew 17:20 "If your faith were the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it would move, nothing would be impossible for you."

Luke 8:24 They come to Him saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing" He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves subsided and there was calm.

John 14:12 "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I do and will do even greater ones than these because I am going to the Father.

Reflection upon these truths, revealed that, yes, with a depth of faith and God's grace, we humans could participate in this supernatural happening, that of the forestalling or the cessation of annihilation!!

But, I wondered, could the required unification of all God's Children ever happen?

Based on the existing disunity, it appears futile. Yet, common sense dictates; if the Earth' existence and the lives of its inhabitants were threatened and it became known that all of God's own coming together in PRAYER, could reverse this annihilation, yes, it is indeed feasible to believe that unity and continued existence could occur.

Here presents exposure upon the "MORE" where "PRAYER" is concerned.

Hypothetical proof that "PRAYER", collaboration with God, could release the power, the energy, needed to deter disaster has been established: In 1985, while people engaged in prayer, the electroscope (An instrument for detecting the presence of an electric charge.) of Dr. Boguslaw Lipinski (The founder of the Institute for the Scientific Understanding of Spirituality) registered radiation which would have been deadly to those involved, yet, the presons who prayed walked away, unaffected. Upon examination of the facts, the scientist had no recourse but to determine he had registered Spiritual Energy when people congregated in "PRAYER."

CONCLUSION: One day all of God's Children will be called to, TURN TO HIM, and temporarily set aside their religious differences, as they engage in intense, unified, PRAYER to Him, the One True God, their Mutual Father and Creator. While engaged in "LOVE & PRAYER" they will emanate Spiritual Energy, great enough to prevent catastrophe on Earth that existence be enabled until the End Time.

Around the Towns: Blakely

Scranton Times-Tribune
June 28, 2009

Around the Towns
Blakely
by Cecilia Baress

Resident Helen Silvestri won the 2009 Volunteer Award for her work at Lackawanna County Prison.

Mrs. Silvestri was selected by the Rev. Ricardo Jackson, prison chaplain, for her weekly prayer group visits.

She said receiving the award was gratifying and humbling. "Naturally, I was pleased," she said.

She has volunteered at the prison for about 20 years, hosting a Catholic Charismatic prayer group for female inmates, she said.

Religious author honored for volunteerism

Times Leader Scranton Edition
June 21, 2009

Religious author honored for volunteerism
by Shelby Fisk

Helen Silvestri, of Peckville, receives award from Lackawanna County Prison.

Local author, Helen Silvestri from Peckville, who wrote “With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity” under her pen name, Ellen Chaksil, has won the 2009 Volunteer Award from the Lackawanna County Prison in Scranton.

In 1978, Silvestri said that she attended her first prayer group after being invited by two friends. Although she was originally skeptical about what she would experience, she said going to the prayer group was a life-changing event. She said that she was given the gift of speaking in tongues and nine months later was given the gift of prophecy. Since then she said that she has helped volunteer with religious groups.

In the mid-1980s, Silvestri said that she began her work with the Lackawanna County Prison. Since then she has continued, making weekly visits to the prison to host Monday prayer groups for women.

“It’s a fulfilling experience,” Silvestri said about hosting the prayer groups, because “prayer could change outlooks.”

“There’s a spiritual energy in prayer,” Silvestri said. “It can move mountains.”

There have been many positive and affirming comments from the women that she prays with, Silvestri said. She did not discuss the exact conversations that she’s had with inmates, citing confidentiality. She said that she is also not allowed to speak with women after they are released from prison, so Silvestri said she only hopes for the best for the women that she has met and she feels that praying with women in the prison can help them.

She believes most of the women in the prison have come from dysfunctional families and are misguided.

“Ninety percent of the females in there are in because of drug related crimes,” she said.

Silvestri explained that she feels that there is a void left in everyone by God that can only be filled by God, even though humans sometimes try to fill it in other ways.

“They’re young girls,” Silvestri said, “hoping to get into rehab.”

“When they’re sentenced we pray that justice will be done.”

Silvestri said that she often reads Scriptures from the Bible to comfort the women.

“Jesus said we’re forgiven 70 times, seven times,” Silvestri said. “Letting them know there is help is important.”

“We’re all children of God,” Silvestri said, noting that some women have found religion through her prayer groups.

“We have common ground (regardless of religious affiliations),” she added.

In her prayer groups, she said that she shares the same message that is prominent in her book: the power of prayer.

“Seeing the power of prayer,” she said is important.

“Yesterday (June 16) was the 20th anniversary of my son’s death,” Silvestri said. “It (prayer) helps you get through (tough times).”

Silvestri has traveled locally, nationally and for the last two years internationally volunteering her time with religious work.

“All I ever hope for is to touch a heart,” Silvestri said.

“You’ve got to do what you can,” Silvestri said adding that inspiration from God keeps her going.

“I’ve had an exciting life in the Lord,” Silvestri said.

Silvestri is a member of the parishes of St. Patrick, Holy Ghost, and St. Michael the Archangel in Olyphant, where she serves as a eucharistic minister and lector. She is also president of the Confraternity of Christian Women, coordinator of RENEW, and is a member of the parish and finance councils.

Her book, “With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity,” can be purchased at tribute-books.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com, booksamillion.com and powells.com or can be special ordered at local bookstores.

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers on South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre will host a book signing with Silvestri on Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon to 2 p.m.

Helen Silvestri

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Peckville

OCCUPATION: Self-employed

HOW MANY YEARS: Almost 49 years

CHARITIES, VOLUNTEER PROJECTS: Religious volunteer work on local, national and international levels

FAMILY: Husband, Bruno; children, Marie, Paul, and the late John; grandchildren, Laura, 27; Sarah, 20; David, 19; Matthew, 16; Morgan, 14

EDUCATION: Archbald High School and some university theology work

HOBBIES, INTERESTS: Cooking and golf

ABOVE: Helen Silvestri greets Pope Benedict XVI.

August 15, 12-2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Please join me for a book signing:

Saturday, August 15, 2009
12 noon-2 p.m.

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers
7 South Main Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18701
(570) 208-4700

2009 Volunteer Award from Lackawanna County Prison

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Langan
570-876-2416
info@tribute-books.com

Peckville, PA Religious Author Wins 2009 Volunteer Award from Lackawanna County Prison

Helen Silvestri (pen name Ellen Chaksil) author of With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity receives recognition for her charity work at prison

ARCHBALD, PENNSYLVANIA – Tribute Books is pleased to announce that author, Helen Silvestri (pen name Ellen Chaksil) has won the 2009 Volunteer Award from the Lackawanna County Prison in Scranton, Pa.

The 4th Annual Volunteers Program titled “I Make A Difference” was held at the prison on June 2. Chaplain, Rev. Ricardo Jackson, selected the winner from among the prison’s many volunteers. Silvestri, a resident of Peckville, Pa., was chosen for her weekly visits with the Monday Prayer Group.

Deputy Warden Timothy Betti presented Silvestri with the crystal globe award. Inmates prepared refreshments and entertained guests by singing, acting and reciting poetry.