The city of Meiningen, population 23,000 people, lies in the state of Thuringia—“the green heart of Germany”.  Twelve years ago Meiningen was a border town between East and West Germany.  The border was known as the “iron curtain”.  The iron curtain divided communist East Germany (GDR) from western Germany (FRG).  Meiningen is well known throughout the country for its theater and for the many composers and poets who have resided here.  The English style park has monuments remembering it’s famous citizens. There are many beautiful old castles in the hills surrounding the town.

Most people have vivid memories of living in communist times.  During the communist era people suffered repression, which affected their freedom and life-style.  Young people had to join a party organization if they wanted to achieve success in life.  Christians, who refused to join these party organizations, were not allowed to attend high school.  Young men who refused to join the army were required to become construction soldiers and work far from their homes.  Those with relatives in the west were rarely, if ever, allowed to visit them. People had to wait ten years and “behave well” to buy a small old-fashioned GDR car.  Young people could not wear stylish clothes, listen to pop music from the west, or read any book they wanted.  The memories of these hardships linger, but are beginning to fade.

The communist regime was overcome by a peaceful revolution in 1989.  The revolution mainly took place under the cover of the protestant church. Because of this revolution, Germany was reunited into one nation.  People sang hymns in the streets when the Berlin Wall (a physical manifestation of the iron curtain) was torn down.  In spite of the church’s role in reuniting Germany, there are still few Christians among the population.  Few people are church members or know the gospel or the Bible.  The communist belief that “faith is a drug for the masses” is still widespread.

Today the town of Meiningen still has reminders of the communist era, although the communist street names were changed, as was the name of the old communist party.  The old communist party still exists and is successful, even among young people.  Last year the high school graduates celebrated their graduation dressed in the former youth party organization uniform, just for fun.  Some people still sympathize with old GDR times because they feel forgotten and don’t feel that they have opportunities.  Many people of all ages are unemployed. Those who are employed earn less than people in the west.  Many young people leave the town to study or work elsewhere.  However, as most of the older buildings are beautifully restored, the spirit and optimism of the people will follow.

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