Arizona Pastor Shot While Preaching Emerges from Critical Condition
In a remarkable turn of events, Pastor Hans Schmidt, the 26-year-old preacher from Victory Chapel First Phoenix Church, who was shot in the head while street preaching on Nov. 15, 2023, has defied the odds and emerged from critical condition. A former military combat medic, husband and father of two young children, Schmidt’s journey to recovery captivated the nation as his church fervently sought prayers for what seemed an insurmountable challenge.
The incident occurred as Schmidt preached the Word of God on a street corner, leaving him in critical condition and in desperate need of a miracle. His wife, Zulya Schmidt, took to social media to share a recent photo of Hans awake in his hospital bed, surrounded by his family. In a heartfelt post, she expressed gratitude for the miraculous turnaround in her husband’s health, emphasizing their faith in God’s plan.
“In the blink of an eye, our lives were changed. You are a living miracle,” Zulya Schmidt wrote. “Every day I am amazed seeing you hold our baby boy once again. Waving at our baby girl. You have a long way to go, but God will carry us through.”
In an exclusive interview with CBN News, Schmidt shared how the outpouring of prayers from friends, family and even strangers across the country became a source of strength during this challenging time.
“That’s the only way I can explain it. There have been moments where I’m like, how am I this okay? I even feel guilty for not crying,” she expressed. “I know God has a plan in all of this because there is no other way to explain it.”
While acknowledging the progress Hans has made, Schmidt noted the delicate nature of the brain and the uncertainties ahead. “In the days of progress, there are still difficult days,” she said. “We’re hopeful, we’re praying, and we’re contending for a supernatural recovery, but there is still so much unknown.”
Victory Chapel First Phoenix Church, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and urged continued prayers for Hans and his family. Despite the strides in recovery, the church emphasized the journey is far from over, and the pastor still needs the strength that comes from collective faith.
The Healing Power of God
In times of inexplicable challenges, Christians find solace and strength in the healing power of God. As Hans Schmidt and his family navigate this uncertain journey, it is a testament to the unwavering faith that sustains them. In the Bible, Romans 8:28 assures believers, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Even in the face of adversity, the Schmidt family believe that God can turn what Satan means for harm into good. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their understanding, acknowledging Him in all their ways, and He will direct their paths.
As the Christian community rallies around Schmidt and his family, their story serves as a testament to the transformative and redemptive power of faith in God’s plan.{eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
