Zulya Schmidt, wife of Hans Schmidt, 26, said, “every day we’re able to witness a miracle.” Hans is conscious but non-verbal since being shot in the head Nov. 18 while street preaching before his church’s meeting, something he did regularly.

Hans was bleeding from the head, prompting a trip to the hospital, but Zulya didn’t realize he had been shot until a bullet was found through a scan. By that time, Hans had gone from looking simply bloodied to throwing up, seizing and then going unconscious. Medical personnel repeatedly used the word “devastating” and a detective told her they’d know more after the autopsy.

But Hans is still alive. He’s awake. Zulya doesn’t know how much he understands, since he can’t talk, and she doesn’t know what the future holds with this brain injury doctors have called “inoperable.” But she says she has had peace, which she attributes to the many prayers they’ve received.

Police are seeking information regarding the crime and when asked if police have any leads, Zulya said she doesn’t know and doesn’t think so.

A gofundme page for Zulya has exceeded its $30,000 goal by over $23,000 as of Friday evening. 

Pray for Hans, Zulya, their two small children, and wisdom for the medical personnel and the detectives.

Aliya Kuykendall is a staff writer and proofreader for The Stream. You can follow Aliya on X @AliyaKuykendall and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.