An Arizona pastor is thanking God for his miraculous survival after being shot in the head while street preaching last year. Hans Schmidt, a 26-year-old combat veteran, husband, father of two, and outreach director at Victory Chapel First Phoenix, shared his remarkable testimony in his first interview since the incident, giving all the glory to God for preserving his life.

“It’s a miracle — absolutely a miracle,” Schmidt told KNXV-TV. “I should not be alive. Realistically, I should be dead. And because of His grace and His love, I’m still here.”

The shooting, which occurred on November 15, 2023, left Schmidt’s life hanging in the balance. As a dedicated street preacher, Schmidt had been proclaiming the gospel on a street corner in Phoenix, a routine he followed for over a year before each evening service at his church. However, on that fateful day, something unusual happened — he ended his preaching earlier than usual, something his wife Zulya noticed right away.

After Schmidt loaded his sound equipment into his car and began the drive back to his church, Zulya noticed that something was seriously wrong. She initially thought he might have been hit by a thrown object or sustained some other minor injury. However, when she saw the blood, she quickly realized the situation was much more dire.

What Schmidt didn’t immediately realize was that he had been shot in the head. Despite this, he managed to drive himself back to the church, all while bleeding from the wound. “I remember falling to my knee, and then, after that, I was like, ‘Oh, something’s not right,'” he told the outlet.

When he arrived at the church, Schmidt tried to communicate with his wife, but found himself unable to speak. His family quickly rushed him to the hospital, where doctors discovered a bullet lodged in his head. He was immediately placed on life support and put into an induced coma as his condition worsened.

The prognosis was bleak. Given the severity of Schmidt’s injuries, medical professionals feared the worst. However, Schmidt’s family refused to give up hope. They fervently prayed for a miracle, enlisting the prayers of their church community and others around the world. And their prayers were answered.

Schmidt’s recovery defied all medical expectations. Despite having bullet fragments still lodged in his brain, which doctors deemed too risky to remove, Schmidt has made significant progress. He was discharged from the hospital in January and has continued his journey toward recovery, undergoing physical and speech therapy. Doctors now expect him to return to a relatively normal life.

For Zulya and their family, Schmidt’s recovery is nothing short of divine intervention. In the days following the shooting, she shared the emotional rollercoaster they faced. “We’re hopeful, and we’re praying, and we’re contending for a supernatural recovery,” she told CBN News at the time. “But there’s just so much unknown still, so much uncertainty.”

Amid the uncertainty, they held on to faith, and that faith was rewarded. “We’re grateful to God for His mercy, and we’re thankful for the prayers of everyone who stood with us during this difficult time,” she said.

The harrowing experience hasn’t deterred Schmidt from his mission. Incredibly, he has returned to the very same street corner where he was shot, continuing to preach the message of God’s love and forgiveness. His strength and resilience serve as a testament to the power of faith, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Not only has Schmidt returned to his street ministry, but he has also chosen to extend forgiveness to the person responsible for the shooting. Despite police still searching for the suspect, Schmidt refuses to harbor bitterness. “I don’t think that holding a grudge against him is going to change anything,” he said. “I think it’s important to forgive people. And I forgive him.”

For Schmidt, forgiveness is not merely a choice but a reflection of his deep Christian faith. The message of love and mercy he preaches is one he has lived out personally, demonstrating the grace that has carried him through this trial.

As Schmidt continues to recover, he remains a living testament to God’s power to heal and restore. His miraculous survival has touched hearts and inspired countless people around the world, encouraging them to trust in God’s providence even in life’s darkest moments.