Christian minister shot in Arizona while street preaching remains in critical condition

By THRiVE! News 2 Min Read

Pastor shot while sharing the gospel in street ministry


Victory Chapel First Phoenix outreach director, Hans Schmidt, 26, was shot in the head while street preaching on Wednesday night in Glendale, Arizona just outside of Phoenix. The shooter remains at large with no arrests made yet.

“Family’s just devastated. We all are,” said Victory Chapel Pastor Gary Marsh told The Arizona Republic, on Friday. The church also posted an update yesterday, “Hans was taken to the ER where they discovered he had been shot after conducting a CT scan. He began seizing and was intubated.  There has been some movement; however, physicians are uncertain how much is voluntary and have begun draining fluid from his brain. He remains in critical condition, please continue praying.

Family is encouraged by progress


On Friday, the church reported the family is encouraged by what they are seeing. Family and friends are asking that believers everywhere continue to lift Hans up in prayer.

Schmidt is married with two children and is a former military combat medic. Zulya Schmidt, Hans’ wife posted yesterday online, “I love you my handsome cowboy. Keep fighting papi. We need you!!”

Thousands of comments and shares have come in with people praying around the world for Hans’ recovery and believing God for a miracle.

Dreaa Bentley wrote in that she is sending prayers for strength, love and power to overcome, “Sending many prayers to you and your family and husband for strength, love and the power to over come this. He will make it out in God’s name amen 🙏”

Vinod Kumar commented, “Sister, we in Melbourne, Australia are praying for our brother Hans. We all prayed for him at our conference this week and he is in our personal prayers. Believing for a miracle in Jesus name! Amen!!”

Donations to help cover the Schmidt’s medical expenses are encouraged through the church’s website.
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