What is 180 degrees?

180 Degrees is the new high school youth ministry created by the pastors and youth of Eisleben. I cut a video in the worst program ever to show what we are about. It is in English and you can download it by clicking here. We also have a website... http://www.180grad-eisleben.de/



We are not your typical high school youth group... we are an outreach that is essential to allowing Christian youth, be confident with their faith in this extremely secular region of Europe. We meet weekly for Bible study, go on retreats... all with a very strong focus on relational ministry. We have two rock bands and do everything we can to reach out to the community.

Getting busy.

Last Sunday, I went to church and the only thing I understood was a word play Claudia did on gabe (gift) and aufgabe (task). I was able to get more out of that sermon then most of the ones I understand because the whole time I thought about what they mean. I find it especially pertinent to my year here. I have been blessed with an amazing gift an extraordinary opportunity, but I must remember I have a task and a job here.

After church I went to Martin Luther University in Halle with a student from the congregation and she showed me around and introduced me to all of her housemates. Most of the students I met are studying theology and it was fascinating hearing their testimonies. It is a constant battle being a Christian in E. Germany. Many of them are the only Christians in their family and are constantly ridiculed by their peers. Very eye opening to me because in the US it is difficult not to be Christian. Scott is trying to get a Bible study started so I will get to head out there with him at least every week.

Band practice on Monday… they met for the first time this year and are working on some new covers. One of them being, “For the Moments I Feel Fain” by Reliant K which is sweet because that song was a stepping stone for me five years ago.

I started my first German lesson with my tutor. She is Russian and very sweet. I made the mistake of asking for more homework then she assigned and got it! So, I have been working a lot on my German.

We have Jegend Geminde (youth group) every Tuesday evening with the high school age kids. It is a little different each time. This week we had a good discussion about passive and aggressive responses and I of coarse shook it up and advocated the idea for the need to respond aggressively if, the situation warrants it. Jesus was no wimp and didn’t let people walk on him. Let me know if you would like to discuss further…

Today, we are having our first website design meeting. We are trying to decide who we are going to make sites for. I am kind of in charge and need to see what all they know and what I need to teach.

You are probably wondering who Scott and Claudia are by now… they are the two super rad pastors I am working for and currently living with. They are married, both ELCA (Lutheran) pastors from the US and fluent in German, English and a few other languages. Claudia was born here in E. Germany. I am staying with them on there flat until we find a permanent place for me to go. There is a possibility that I may be able to move into a small room downtown for free, but that hasn’t worked out yet.

If I can’t get into that flat I will move into a section of an old Augustinian monastery where Martin Luther lived. The church refuses to put me there because of the condition, but I think it is awesome. Who wouldn’t want to live and study in the very room that Luther did! The only issue is that it has been pretty untouched since Luther lived there. A few additions where put in place under the former DDR: a hot water heater you have to light manually, a few electric lights and a heater that you pour oil in by hand. So, some money and time would have to be put into it.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” –Hebrews 12:7

Keep it real, -Taylor

Introduction and Arrival

I arrived in Eisleben last Wednesday on the 3rd of October. I had been staying with my family in Niederhall and didn’t sleep the night before because I was so filled with doubt and hesitant about jumping into ministry. On the train, in the typical way the Lord works (some call it irony - I stopped believing in irony last summer) I finished a book I have read twice before and the second to last chapter “The Adventure” struck my heart where I needed it most. To sum it up…
“Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life; gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.” –Oswald Chambers

I dropped out of a university where I was completely happy, doing well and guaranteed a job. My friends where pretty mad at me for even mentioning the idea of leaving because I was one of the biggest proponents of our school.

I walked through my dorm with all my stuff the night of my class’s commitment dinner. My classmates walked through the hall in the opposite direction wearing nervous looks and tidy blue service dress. I was so attached to the academy and my friends that I nearly cried that night (if I did it was only like half a tear). The only reason I had the strength was because of my conviction in my calling and that I planned on coming back. I still hope to go back, but…

“To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth.” –Oswald Chambers

In the last three months I have been on three trips, each an adventure of a lifetime. From Japan to Germany I have wondered and learned. My first trip started last July and the first stop was Eisleben. I ended my travels two nights ago right here and retired to the same bed it all started from. I am thankful to the Lord for my travels and they confirm my decision to go on mission. Even though I am settling in Eisleben till June – the last three months have taught me that I cannot live without adventure, uncertainty and the Lord.

This blog has already exposing more then I planned… your reading the unedited dairy of a missionary. Complete with adventures, successes and failures. My heart goes out to you for taking the time to read it… feel free to write comments on the posts.

“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:13

Blessings, -Taylor