Kim Zimmerman, who founded City Gate with her husband, Brian, noted that although the ministry's locations - Lancaster, Lititz, Ephrata, and Columbia - are all decorated to resemble comfortable living rooms or coffee shops, with books, coffee, and water available, each City Gate location has developed its own personality, with some being more business minded and others being partnership focused.

The Zimmermans first envisioned City Gate in Lancaster city in 2006. The pair was training in a prayer ministry, and they felt a call from God to use what they were learning outside the church walls. In 2007, they rented a basement room in a former Lancaster hotel. "We started meeting with the homeless community," said Zimmerman. "Every Friday night, we had three or four hours of just prayer and worship, and we were seeing amazing things happen. We were connecting with the community."

During a worship service in the early days of the Lancaster location, a man walked in and sank to the floor, asking Zimmerman to sing "Amazing Grace." When she finished, he told her that he had been sober for seven years, but that he had been fighting temptation that night. "(He said), 'If you had not been here (then his voice trailed off).'" recalled Zimmerman.

After only about a year at that location, the building was condemned, and Zimmerman said she felt God calling her to take a drive on Duke Street. She came across a new rental property that became the ministry's downtown location. "That's what happens," said Zimmerman. "God provides buildings and finances every time we move to a new location."

Zimmerman noted that City Gate works with the strengths and aptitudes of those who donate their time at each location. "We ask those who volunteer what they feel called to do," she said, noting that intercessory prayer, Bible ministry, and time for creative art activities are all part of the mix. "In Lancaster, because of the pandemic, we are the Sunday location where people get lunch," she said.

Although each location is unique, Zimmerman noted that the underlying mission is the same. "It's always based in prayer, and there is always some type of service being done," she said, adding that City Gate has hopes to do more as God provides. "A bigger vision would be to have facilities where the homeless can come get a good night's rest and wash their clothes," said Zimmerman. "That would take an act of God to purchase buildings and hire staff, but this isn't (about) what we have done; it's what God can do."

Working with churches and other ministries is essential to the City Gate vision. "It's a place where the body of Christ can come together in community, not competition," said Zimmerman. "We are a place where the church can be (Christ's) hands and feet in the public square."

More information about City Gate may be found at https://citygatelancaster.com. Readers who have specific questions may email info@citygatelancaster.com.