Werner Schroeder was born and educated in Germany. He studied in Berlin and graduated as a civil engineer. After escaping from the Russian controlled sector of Germany in 1949, he later became a citizen of the United States.Werner Schroeder qualified as a Registered Civil Engineer in California, and worked for over twenty years as a highway design engineer. He shortened his career in order to devote himself, fully, to researching and publishing the teachings of the Bridge to Freedom. Annette Schroeder, his wife, assisted as co-author and editor. Annette, a teacher for 20 years, has a Masters Degree in Education from Stanford University.The Schroeders traveled 30,000 miles to verify and research the authenticity of the original teachings of the “Bridge to Freedom”. Their search resulted in becoming acquainted with four of the members of the original Board of Directors of “The Bridge to Freedom,” including with Alice Schutz, a member of the original Board of Directors and a Secretary to Geraldine Innocente. They also became friends with William Cassiere, a messenger appointed by the Ascended Master Saint Germain, who, for nine years, had closely worked with Mr. Ballard and who for a time lived in the home of the Ballard’s in Chicago. Werner Schroeder’s efforts included researching all of the dictations, given by the Ascended Host through Mr. Ballard. These were found to be fully consistent in content with those given through Miss Innocente and Mr. Ballard, as part of the “I AM Activity.”As a result of the efforts of Werner and Annette Schroeder, working together as a team for 35 years, the content of all of the dictations given by the Ascended Host to Geraldine Innocente (“Bridge to Freedom”) and Mr. Ballard (“I AM Activity”) has been re-published in a new arrangement, using a structured, subject–by–subject approach. All books are based on the direct messages of Ascended Masters, such as Jesus, Archangel Michael, Mother Mary, Moses, Lord Gautama Buddha and Confucius (see list below).In accordance with the wishes of the Ascended Host many of the AMTF books have been translated. All books have been translated from English into German and most AMTF books have been translated into Spanish by Grupo Serapis Bay, Panama.Annette Schroeder worked with French translators. As a result of this effort 8 AMTF books have been translated into French. Other translations are available in Chinese and Portuguese.Werner and Annette Schroeder expanded the “Bridge” teachings through lectures. 33 lectures were held at AMTF Conferences, in Germany, Panama City, Uruguay and. Most of the lectures are available on CD. In 1980 the Schroeders founded the Ascended Master Teaching Foundation (AMTF). It is the exclusive goal of the AMTF to follow the teachings of the “Bridge to Freedom,” as envisioned by the Ascended Masters. These teachings were given from 1952 through 1961, as part of a special dispensation by the Karmic Board.By virtue of its actions, such as saving and republishing all of the original dictations of the “Bridge to Freedom” and by following and implementing the original goals and purposes of that organization, as outlined by the Ascended Host, the AMTF considers itself as the rightful successor of the “Bridge to Freedom.”Annette Schroeder passed on in February of 2014. We are deeply grateful for her contribution in making available the Teachings of the Ascended Masters to sincere seekers after truth. Werner Schroeder is still active, preparing additional publications.Books compiled by Werner and Annette Schroeder and published by the AMTFAscended Masters and Their RetreatsThe Law Of PrecipitationMan, His Origin, History And DestinyThe Seven Mighty Elohim Speak On The Seven Steps To PrecipitationInitiations of the First RayInitiations of the Seventh RayMemoirs of Jesus and Mother MaryThe Angelic KingdomManifesting Victorious Accomplishment21 Essential Lessons (in 2 Volumes)Electrons, the Building Blocks of the Universe and the Elemental KingdomTeachings for the Golden AgeMother Mary’s Assistance Today in Having Perfectly-Born ChildrenAMTF Songs and DecreesMeditationsBridge to Freedom Journal Book 1Bridge to Freedom Journal Book 2Bridge to Freedom Journal Book 3Bridge to Freedom Journal Book 4Bridge to Freedom Journal Book 5Dictations Bulletin Book 1Bulletin Book 2German translations of AMTF booksDas Leben und die Lehren von Jesus und Maria (in 2 Volumes)Das Reich der EngelDie Einweihungen des Ersten StrahlsDie Einweihungen des Siebten StrahlsDie Herkunft, Frühgeschichte und Bestimmung des Menschen21 Wichtige Lektionen (in 3 Volumes)Die Meister der Weisheit Sprechen (in 2 Volumes)AnrufungenMeditationen für jeden TagDas Gesetz der PräzipitationLeben “Tod” und WiedergeburtElektronen und das ElementarreichDie Sieben Mächtigen Elohim Sprechen über: Die Sieben Schritte zur PräzipitationAufgestiegene Meister und Ihre LichtstättenDie Belehrungen der Aufgestiegenen Meister , 1. TeilDie Belehrungen der Aufgestiegenen Meister , 2. TeilDie Belehrungen der Aufgestiegenen Meister , 3. TeilDie Belehrungen der Aufgestiegenen Meister , 4. TeilErfolgreiches HandelnWerner Schroeder, Describing his Relentless Quest for Truth At the age of fourteen I became a seeker of truth and an active church member, but it was not until much later, that something prompted me “that there was more.” I started by reading the books Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East, by Baird Spaulding. After reading the five volumes, I wrote to the publisher, inquiring if anybody had done any research on these books, regarding some of the claims made. The answer was negative. I decided to start with my own research.In 1975 I had the good fortune of becoming acquainted with Alice Schutz, who had attended Mr. Ballard’s lectures in the 1930’s (the “I AM Activity”). She wrote the original fundamental lessons for this activity. Later, in the 1950's, she left this organization and assisted with recording the messages that the Ascended Masters gave through Geraldine Innocente. Alice Schutz became secretary of Thomas Printz’ Private Bulletin, a weekly publication of the Bridge to Freedom.Alice Schutz was kind enough to invite my wife and myself to her home, and during a 20-hour interview we were introduced to the fundamentals of Ascended Master Teaching. Thereafter, I continued with my research of the “I AM Activity” and the “Bridge to Freedom.” I was determined to find answers to the following questions:1) What did the Ascended Masters say about the early, unrecorded history of mankind? Was there ever an Atlantis, referred to by Plato?2) What was the original plan of the Masters concerning the “I AM Activity” and the “Bridge to Freedom?”3) Why did both organizations place restrictions on the publications after the ascension of their leaders and why were the original dictations of the Ascended Masters no longer available to the general public?4) Could the many healings that were attributed to Mr. Ballard be verified?5) Do these teachings answer the basic questions of life (Where did I come from? What is my purpose in this life? Is there life after death and if so in what form? Are there Ascended Masters, such as Jesus, who are ready and able to help mankind? Gradually, I received answers to these questions. I was able to conduct many interviews with members of the original Executive Council of the Bridge to Freedom. This enabled me to reconstruct the plan of the Masters as to how this council was to cooperate in bringing in the Golden Age.Many years later, I had the opportunity of meeting Mr. William Cassiere, also known as “Brother Bill.” It was he, who, as a messenger appointed by Saint Germain, helped to prepare the way for Mr. Ballard. At one time he lived in the basement of Mr. and Mrs. Ballard’s home. He gave me unique and detailed descriptions of the history of the “I AM Activity.” We became good friends and shortly before his transition, he turned over to me all documents of his spiritual career. Among his documents I found a personal message from beloved Saint Germain, channeled through Mr. Ballard, appointing Brother Bill as a messenger and promising the ascension at the end of this embodiment in recognition for his rendered service. I also found authentic descriptions of many of the healings that took place during Brother Bill’s lectures. He had been an eyewitness to many of the healings which took place during Mr. Ballard’s lectures and he saw the ”letters of living light” on the wall which Mr. Ballard read and which comprised some of his lectures. Brother Bill’s memoirs and healing experiences were placed in the AMTF book The Law of Precipitation.The knowledge gained from these interviews, and detailed study of the original dictations, enables me to present the reader with the plan of the Masters to implement a new Golden Age.The reasons for compiling my first book “Man, His Origin, History and Destiny” were first perceived in 1977. It was prompted by the following: 1) A thorough research resulted in the conclusion that the messages received through the messengers, Guy W. Ballard, and Geraldine Innocente, were truthful, and internally consistent. They matched almost perfectly. Considering that, in some instances, the dictations were given 31 years apart, I found this to be rather amazing.2) For years I had looked for other channels of the Masters, including those living in foreign countries, and compared the testimony to the ones I researched. There was simply no comparison. None of the other dictations even closely approached in substance, detail and accuracy the messages given through Mr. Ballard and G. Innocente.3) It became clear to me that the testimony of an Ascended Master is very much superior to that of an unascended being having the gift of clairvoyance. Only an Ascended Master can read the Akashic Records correctly. 4) Anytime I wanted to present some information on ancient historical events, I found myself preparing for many hours. The information was scattered among the dozens of monthly publications and books that were the basis for this work. It was like piecing together the pieces of a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, which, if completed, might contain the most valuable collection of historical data ever offered to mankind, since the days of the sinking of Atlantis.5) I happened to agree with Dr. D. Zink, who stated in his book, The Stones of Atlantis, that any significant expansion of our understanding of prehistory will have a crucial effect upon our present civilization, perhaps even upon its very survival.6) The message of the Ascended Masters contained a strong warning that should concern every individual living on this planet. I wanted people to be aware of the impact of this message. The Masters stated that mankind is literally sitting on a powder keg and that certain earth changes stand before us, that will affect everyone. There is no way that these changes can be avoided, but the loss of property and lives can still be minimized. They also said, in the 1950’s, that the effort of the “Bridge to Freedom” would be their last. This I interpret to mean, that it would be difficult for the Great White Brotherhood to be granted a new dispensation from the Karmic Board, if the original messages, given in the 1950’s are not fully utilized. Obtaining the original messages proved rather difficult and time-consuming. In 1979 only about four individuals had a complete set of the “Bridge to Freedom” material and they refused to part with these publications. Both organizations, which were established on the basis of the two New Age Dispensations, refused my request for the original dictations, regardless of the fact, that I was a group leader of one of these groups. The story of these publications reminds me of a past trip to the European Alps. One never knew what to expect; after nearly every turn there were new vistas, new fields to explore.According to Cosmic Law, I have to account for every word written in this book. Thus, absolute accuracy and congruency with the original text was considered of prime importance. Also, no attempt was made to make the information given by the Masters fit existing theories or standards. For example, the life history of Jesus and Mary is strictly based on original dictations; the Bible was not used for reference.If one is sincere, has good motives and is persistent, the Masters of Wisdom will provide. After years of persistent effort my wife and I received all of the Bridge to Freedom Journals, which are considered the core of this teaching. We received two packages from different persons. When we opened them, the material fit together perfectly. What was missing from one package, was contained in the other. There were no duplications, and not one of the 111 Journals (24 pages each) was missing. This was the first proof we were on the right track.The teaching of the “Bridge to Freedom” is different from any other teaching or system of knowledge. The instructions came from Ascended Beings and it was channeled through Geraldine Innocente, an authorized messenger of the Great White Brotherhood who, through the example of her conduct during many embodiments, qualified for this service. She is the twin-flame of the Ascended Master El Morya. Commenting on the depth and scope of these dictations, the Masters emphasized that the material given was many times more than needed to gain the ascension. Hence, the requirement of the hour is the STUDY AND PRACTICE of what has been given. This will facilitate laying the foundation for a new dispensation.The Ascended Masters have the vision and overall plan to bring in the Golden Age. They know best how to face and overcome the obstacles that now face mankind. Without the assistance of the Ascended Masters, there would be no hope for the world. Through the effort of the Ascended Masters and the sincere, determined effort of a few students of the “Bridge to Freedom,” great achievements were accomplished in the 1950’s. The Ascended Host called the achievements of that organization the most successful ones since the “Fall of Man.” Similar achievements are possible today!Concerning the teaching of the “Bridge to Freedom”, Archangel Uriel said on May 16, 1954 "GENESIS AND ALL OF THE SUCCEEDING BIBLICAL LAW IS BEING WRITTEN AGAIN. IT IS A BIBLE MADE UP OF THE ENERGIES OF THE ARCHANGELS, THE COSMIC BEINGS AND THE ASCENDED MASTERS THAT WILL STAND FOR THE REST OF THE CIVILIZATIONS BEING BROUGHT FORTH ON THIS PLANET EARTH.”It is an honor and a privilege to present the original teachings of the “Bridge to Freedom” to the students of today. This type of knowledge has never been published by anyone, in such detail, and presented in graded, chronological order.In presenting this message of the Masters, it is my sincere hope and prayer that the reader may receive the “Light” and be blessed and prosper, as he walks along the path of enlightenment and service, for by this path, alone, can permanent happiness be found.It was on Mount Shasta that Saint Germain's effort started, and from this vicinity the effort will be continued.THE ASCENDED MASTER TEACHING FOUNDATIONThe AMTF was founded, in April 1980, with the sole motivation to preserve, republish and expand the original teaching of the Bridge to Freedom, in its pure, unadulterated form. The Ascended Host had called this teaching “THE BIBLE FOR THE NEW AGE, WRITTEN FOR GENERATIONS YET TO COME.” It was decided to accomplish this goal by implementing in it in several phases as follows:1. Interviews with some of the Founding Members of the original “Bridge to Freedom”2. Gathering copies of the original text3. Analyzing all of the original dictations given through the authorized messengers Geraldine Innocente and Mr. Ballard and deciding on a method to re-publish them, where legally possible, all on a subject by subject basis. 4. Translations of the newly printed text into foreign languages, in accordance with the wishes of the Ascended HostThe founders of the AMTF traveled altogether 30,000 of miles to interview several individuals, who were members of the original Board of Directors of the Bridge to Freedom. Also interviews with Alice Schutz, who at one time was the Secretary of Miss Innocente and William Cassiere, a messenger appointed by Saint Germain, to work with Mr. Ballard, were helpful. Mr. Cassiere had, for a time lived in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ballard. Thus, the original vision and the plan of the Masters for the “Bridge to Freedom” was rediscovered, and preserved by incorporating it into the goals of the AMTF.In 1979 it was estimated that only four individuals had a complete set of the original printed material channeled through Geraldine and these individuals refused to share their material. It took Werner and Annette Schroeder 10 years time to complete this task (How the original teaching was saved is described in detail in the AMTF-publication “The Initiations of the First Ray”). At one time, a trip from Mt. Shasta to Thun, Switzerland was necessary to obtain access to photocopy just one book (“Memories of Mother Mary.”)In analyzing the original text the following conclusions were reached:The original dictations, as given to Geraldine Innocente, were published in 5 books of 130 pages each, 140 booklets of 24-pages each, and 500 weekly publications of 4 pages each. Altogether the dictations number about 6000 pages. The subject matter was of excellent quality; mankind was given information never revealed before. However, the dictations were not presented using commonly accepted literary standards. For example:a) No subject was ever discussed completely at one time and in detailb) Many headlines were missingc) Only in a few instances was there some perceived coordination in the presentation of the subject matter. For example, some dictations reflected the qualities and virtues of the particular retreat that was open. But even here there were discrepancies; the description of the Teton Retreat showed 9 different versions instead of one.Based on a published conversation between the Maha Chohan and Lord Maitreya, the underlying motive in giving the dictations seemed to be “Let us give the dictations to mankind, [as fast as we can] while we still have a dispensation [of 20 years] and while we have still an authorized messenger [Geraldine Innocente[].” This approach left it up to the students themselves, at a later time, to publish the dictations in such a way, they can be studied in a more organized and effective fashion.When starting as a group leader, it took Werner Schroeder often four hours of preparation to prepare a single lesson because the subject matter of the lesson was scattered among the many 24–page booklets or loose leaf sheets. When arriving at class, he carried an arm full of books and booklets. He had to do this in order to explain to the students just one or two particular subjects. In recognition of this situation, the Schroeders decided that it was difficult for the students to study and teach from the original dictations. An entirely new approach was needed. It would be based on commonly accepted literary standards and on graded, structured text with ONE subject explained in detail at ONE time. In other words, the textbook format used in high school and college would be used as a guide..Therefore it was decided to re-publish the original texts of the “Bridge to Freedom” in two completely different series, namely:Series 1: The original publications needed to be printed in book form, making no changes in the text, but providing headlines and subtitles as needed. This goal was accomplished. All of the original texts was re-published as AMTF titles 17 through 24 (Five books entitled “Journal of the Bridge to Freedom”, a book entitled “Dictations” and two books with the title “Bulletin Book 1 and 2”)Series 2: The original dictations of Geraldine Innocente, as printed by the “Bridge to Freedom” and A.D.K.Luk Publications needed to be researched on a subject by subject basis with the results printed into newly published books. In addition, the dictations of Mr. Ballard needed also to be researched, in order to present the students the teachings of the Ascended Masters, as complete as possible. This research comprised about 13,000 pages. It resulted in 17 additional AMTF–Books, varying in size from 256 pages to 480 pages, with a total of 4800 pages. In addition one “Index to all AMTF Publications” was prepared which included with 440 keywords and 11,000 entries. The title “21 Essential Lessons,” contains a summarized study program to help the student on his path to the ascension.To summarize, the AMTF books of Series 2 contain the complete knowledge and content given by the Ascended Masters through their authorized messengers Geraldine Innocente and Mr. Ballard.The Ascended Masters emphasized that their dictations were intended for ALL students, on a worldwide basis. Therefore translations into German were started and by 2013 all text included in AMTF–Book Series 1 and Series 2 had been translated into 24 books. Some titles have been translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese and Chinese.All of this was accomplished by Werner and Annette Schroeder, using their own funds, and working without any outside help. The only help they received was through German students, who translated the text into German. Without the effort of Werner and Annette Schroeder, the original teachings of the Bridge to Freedom would have fallen into oblivion. Therefore, by this action, and not by words alone, the Ascended Master Teaching Foundation may rightfully claim to be the successor of the “Bridge to Freedom.” It also may claim to be the standard bearer in the field of Ascended Master Teaching.It is noteworthy that so far, over 77 individuals, who consider themselves as messengers of the Great White Brotherhood, attempted to steer the AMTF away from its self–chosen course. However, none of these individuals seized the opportunity to assist in the effort to preserve, fund, re–publish and distribute the original dictations given by the Ascended Host through Geraldine Innocente. Would a genuine messenger of the Ascended Host not have offered help? Actions speak louder than words.