His journey is inspiring.
A Christian evangelist, Hans Schmidt, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head while preaching on an Arizona street, is showing signs of improvement, according to his wife Zulya Schmidt. The incident occurred on November 15 as Hans was delivering his message before a Wednesday night service at Victory Chapel First Phoenix.
In a recent social media update, Zulya expressed gratitude for the support and prayers they have received, acknowledging the miraculous nature of Hans’s survival. She shared, “The fact he is here is a miracle in itself. Hans is fighting and working really hard every day.” Zulya emphasized that the prayers offered are not in vain, and she believes that God is working behind the scenes for His glory.
Despite the progress, Zulya acknowledged the long road ahead in Hans’s recovery but expressed a willingness to face it with gratitude, stating, “We have a long road ahead. But, we will gladly take it. God is good. Please continue to pray for us.” She also extended her thanks to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and donations, affirming the family’s unwavering belief in a supernatural recovery.
The shooting incident, which took place at the busy intersection of 51st Avenue and Peoria Avenue, remains shrouded in mystery. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the identification of the perpetrator. The 26-year-old church outreach director, Hans Schmidt, who recently married and has two young children, was found with a severe head injury that was later determined to be a gunshot wound.
Gina Winn, the public information officer for the Glendale Police Department, urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. She described the incident as a “horrible, horrible offense” and emphasized the importance of obtaining justice for Hans and his family.
The church community continues to rally behind Hans, incorporating prayers for his recovery into their services. Pastor Gary Marsh provided an update during a Wednesday night service, noting that Hans is “making some progress,” eliciting applause from the congregation. However, he cautioned that the journey is ongoing, urging continued prayers for Hans.
Schmidt’s father, Eric, shared with ABC 15 that his son has been moved from the intensive care unit to a long-term care facility within the hospital, indicating a positive step forward in his recovery. The family remains hopeful and appreciative of the support pouring in from the community as they navigate this challenging chapter.