Valley Street Preacher Survives Gunshot to the Head, Defies All Odds
In a remarkable story of faith and survival, Hans Schmidt, a street preacher from the Phoenix area, shared his incredible journey after being shot in the head while spreading the gospel. For the first time since the incident, Hans spoke publicly about the miracle that saved his life, astonishing doctors and inspiring his family and community.
On a seemingly normal day, Hans was preaching on the corner of 51st and Peoria Avenues, urging passersby to find hope in Jesus. That day took a dramatic turn when he suddenly collapsed, unaware that he had been shot in the head. “I fell to my knee, and I knew something was wrong,” Hans recalls. Despite the severity of his injury, he managed to get back to his car and return to his church, where the father of two was found bleeding profusely.
Rushed to the Hospital
His wife, Zulya, immediately rushed to his side, shocked at the sight of her husband’s condition. “I saw blood and couldn’t understand what had happened,” Zulya shared. Despite his critical state, Hans could only whisper, “I’m not OK.” On the way to the hospital, his condition worsened, and he began having seizures.
Doctors quickly discovered the cause: a bullet lodged in his brain. The prognosis was grim. Neurologists informed the family that there was little hope for Hans’ survival. “They told us that death was inevitable,” Zulya recalled. Yet, she refused to give up. Surrounding her husband with prayer, she pleaded with God, “If you can raise the dead, why not heal him?”
Hans was placed on life support and in a medically induced coma. The doctors warned that even if he survived, he would likely suffer permanent brain damage. Despite these bleak predictions, the power of prayer began to work. After days that felt like an eternity, Hans awoke and miraculously spoke his first words again. His wife remembers the joy: “Hans, you just spoke!” she exclaimed, stunned by what felt like a divine intervention.
Slowly Regaining Strength
Over the next few months, Hans slowly regained his strength. Doctors had initially doubted whether he would ever walk or speak again, yet little by little, he defied the odds. He underwent rigorous physical, speech, and occupational therapy, relearning how to walk and talk. Today, Hans is not only able to walk but continues to preach the gospel, standing once again at the intersection of 51st and Peoria.
What makes Hans’ survival even more extraordinary is the fact that the bullet remains lodged in his brain. Due to the risk of operating, doctors decided to leave it in place, and Hans continues to live with it today, comparing his recovery to that of a child learning everything anew. “I had to relearn how to talk, walk—everything,” Hans said. Yet, he maintains his sense of humor and gratitude, joking about how he was always running during physical therapy.
For Hans and Zulya, every day is a blessing. Nine months after the shooting, they returned to the very spot where the tragedy occurred, but Hans holds no grudge against the person responsible, who remains unidentified. “I’ve already forgiven them,” Hans stated, demonstrating his deep commitment to his faith. “I think it’s important to forgive people.”
His story of survival is one of hope, faith, and resilience. Despite the odds, Hans Schmidt continues to stand as a beacon of light in his community, grateful for the miracle of life and determined to keep spreading the message of hope to all who will listen.
