01: The Oranienburg Youth Center is among the few ministries reporting growth as well as social impact in the former East Germany.
The youth center, located in the suburbs of Berlin, is also unique in being one of the few charismatic Christian ministries in Germany funded by the government for its work among youth, particularly skinheads. The center, started by two pastors, Winfried Muller and Herbert Wiemar, in 1991, also includes an independent charismatic church that is unique in drawing mainly converts — made up of the youth stopping by the center for conversation and recreation, as well as, more recently, Russian immigrants.
While Lutheran and Catholic churches usually get the social service government funding in Germany, the youth center’s success among disillusioned and radical youth has brought it public support and recognition.
(Source: Charisma, December)