Dear 180 Supporter,

2003 has been an incredible year for 180 Degrees Ministries!  We have watched God at work in the lives of many individuals and families while helping them make a 180 degree turn toward Him.

As we work with people by meeting them “where they are” and take them to “where God wants them to be,” I find it interesting that some choose to take a journey while others go on a quest.  If a person takes a journey, that individual makes a decision to leave their current place and encounters many different things along the way.  But, they eventually come back to the original starting place.  On the other hand, when someone goes on a quest something different happens.  You actually start the same way, you leave your current place and encounter many different things along the way.  However, instead of coming back to the original starting place, while you were out on your quest, you discover something of REAL substance. Whatever truth you find has such an impact on your life, and your encounter is so life-changing that you KNOW you will never be the same again!  When this happens to an individual, that person realizes they could never go back to the way things were in their life.  180 Degrees Ministries exists to help individuals, families, businesses and churches go on their personal quest and find God in such a REAL and RELEVANT way that they’ll never be the same again.

How do we help people make a 180?  This past year we have helped many men and women get into faith-based drug and alcohol treatment centers, counseled numerous individuals with various issues and problems one on one, teamed those individuals with others in the community for accountability and mentoring purposes, shared testimonies in schools, churches, homes and businesses, provided resources for educational purposes, and we have given volunteers an opportunity to use their talents and gifts for God by giving them a place to serve.

What’s going on NOW at 180?  Considering the rapid rate of growth and expansion of the ministry, God has opened up a door for another full-time staff person to begin this month – ME!!  I officially started January 1st as a full-time employee of 180 Degrees Ministries. Pam Ezell & I work extremely well together and we are looking forward to a day when we can add others to the team God is putting together here at 180.

Our offices are still located with CrossWay, but that is soon to change as well.  We have entered into a lease contract with a company for a 1200 sq. ft. office building near the corner of Rutherford and Broad and hope to move in by March.

We already have twenty-eight events on the calendar for this year, including a trip to Puerto Rico to speak in schools and churches and our 2nd annual “X-Treme 180” event called “X-SQUARED” coming this fall.  We are also planning an “X-Treme 180 Leadership Retreat” in June or July and YOU are invited to attend.  Topics will be vision casting, ministry expansion, and practical leadership training for anyone who desires to become a better leader.  For planning purposes, we would like an idea of how many will attend this incredible Friday evening –Sunday morning retreat.  If you are interested, please call Pam at 426-4180.

We have started a crisis relief division with Edie Pope heading up supplies, personnel, volunteers and resources to meet whatever need arises.  She has already proven herself the first week after starting.  We received the news that a family of four lost their home to a fire.  The family had no insurance and no place to stay.  Edie went to work with others and after only two days, a mobile home is being donated and delivered along with a set-up crew, a house full of furniture, appliances, utensils, and many gift cards.  WOW!!!  God is SO awesome!! These are only a few of the many exciting things going on at 180; each day is riveted with unexpected crisis and surprise.  What a blessing to be part of a ministry making REAL changes in REAL people in REAL life!!

I am so happy to report the growth and expansion of 180.  Your contribution has and will help us expand our scope of ministry and provide us with the necessary resources to fulfill all God has called us to accomplish in the days ahead.  Thank you.

Helping people make a 180,

Steve Austin

Founder/President