Petra Zimmermann

Petra realised that God had a plan and a purpose for her life.

In 1988 she became a Christian after a missionary who worked with Operation Mobilisation in Germany, shared his testimony. "Since then my heart desired to share my faith and how God’s love has transformed my life, with others," Petra explains.

Petra joined the Mission in 2003 and works with many people who are homeless in London. The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 years old for men and 42 years old for women. People sleeping on the street are nearly 17 times more likely to be victims of violence, and over nine times more likely to take their own life than the general population. 

"Homelessness is devastating, dangerous and isolating. But it is an enormous privilege to work with these people" says Petra.

What can the church do to help the people that are homeless in their neighbourhood? Petra answers "The strength of Christians has always been their love, their sacrifice, and their welcoming spirit."

Part of Petra's ministry is to work with churches in the boroughs of Camden and Westminster, to encourage them to reach out to the community with Christ's love.

Petra enjoys meeting people from the local area and likes listening to their stories, preferably over a good curry, or a turmeric coffee.