In a remarkable story of faith and perseverance, Arizona street preacher Hans Schmidt has defied all odds after being shot in the head while preaching the gospel on the streets of Glendale in November 2023. Schmidt, a 26-year-old veteran and father of two, was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ at the corner of 51st and Peoria Avenues when he was struck by a bullet. Despite the severity of his injury, Schmidt’s journey from near death to recovery is nothing short of miraculous.
After being shot, Schmidt, confused and unable to speak, managed to drive himself back to his church, Victory Chapel First Phoenix. His wife, Zulya, noticed the blood but did not realize the extent of his injuries. On the way to the hospital, Schmidt began seizing, and doctors later discovered a bullet lodged in his brain. His condition was critical, and doctors initially believed that he would not survive. One detective told Zulya that they would “know more after the autopsy,” implying that death was imminent.
Schmidt was placed in a medically induced coma, and his family and friends braced for the worst. However, Zulya never lost faith, praying for her husband’s recovery. She believed in God’s providence and in the weeks that followed, Schmidt began to show signs of improvement.
One month after the shooting, Schmidt spoke for the first time, much to the astonishment of his family and medical staff. By January, he was walking again and was able to return home to his wife and children. Though he still has bullet fragments lodged in his brain, which doctors say are too dangerous to remove, Schmidt is making a remarkable recovery. He continues to relearn basic functions such as speaking and walking, but he credits his survival to God’s grace and love.
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Reflecting on his recovery, Schmidt stated, “I should not be alive—realistically, I should be dead. And because of His grace and love, I’m still here.” His miraculous story has garnered attention from local and international communities, with many people offering prayers and support for his continued healing.
Despite the bullet’s lasting presence in his brain, Schmidt has returned to his ministry, eager to continue sharing his testimony and preaching the gospel. His unwavering faith and recovery have inspired many, and his family is grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support from around the world.
