WATCH: STREAM FAITH AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOVIES & SHOWS ON PURE FLIX

Mendoza, author of the new book "Shifting Shadows: How a New York Drug Lord Found Freedom in the Last Place He Expected," is now a Christian pastor in New York City.

And he recently told "The Pure Flix Podcast" about his foray into narcotics, explaining that he started experimenting with drugs as a teenager.

But it wasn't until Mendoza's 20's when he couldn't find employment that he really dove deep into the drug trade, following in the footsteps of his brothers.

"I was married and living with my wife and I was laid off from a job that I was working at," Mendoza said. "And so I was desperate for money."

READ ALSO: LISTEN TO THE BEST CHRISTIAN PODCASTS

Listen to Mendoza reveal how he went from a New York drug lord to a pastor preaching the Gospel across the globe and finding faith, hope and encouragement.

So, Mendoza joined his brothers in distributing cocaine. It didn't take long for him to feel untouchable, as money came flooding in and he began to party and enjoy his newfound riches.

"I thought that, 'Hey, this is an easy way to make money and get rich,'" he said, noting, though, that his riches and fun were halted when cops found loads of cocaine in the trunk of his car.

Suddenly, Mendoza was facing life in prison—a reality that left him reeling.

READ ALSO: JESUS DIED FOR US: 10 POWERFUL BIBLE VERSES ABOUT SALVATION

"My mind was racing. My heart was like in my throat. It struck a chord with me because the reality of what I was involved in hit home," he said. "I was facing 25 years to life, and at the time I had one child and I was thinking about my child, 'What's going to be of my child?'" 

Mendoza struck a deal and ended up going to prison before being released and jumping right back into the crime mix.

"I was a fool ... and I went right back into what they call in the streets, 'the game,'" he said.

Once again, Mendoza found himself arrested and behind bars, with his legal conundrum becoming even more complex and troubling. But then something life-altering happened: his brother, who was also behind bars, became a Christian and set off on a mission to bring Mendoza to faith. 

Remarkably, Mendoza's brother saw his prayers answered. 

"I gave my life to the Lord ... there was no other recourse," Mendoza said. "I said, I need to try God, I've tried anything else. ... I had millions of dollars, but it was never satisfying." 

Despite his legal problems and past mistakes, Mendoza decided to become a Christian—an experience that deeply and profoundly impact his heart and mind. 

WATCH: SEE THE POWERFUL MOMENT TWO AGNOSTIC TEENS ACCEPT CHRIST

"I felt this warmth that enveloped me. I felt the presence of God," he said, noting that he suddenly wanted to heal his past mistakes and relationships. "I realized that Jesus paid the price for my sin ... I was a walking dead man and now I'm alive in Christ."

After Mendoza's release, he started traveling the globe to share the Gospel. And today he's a pastor who is ministering to people in the New York City area. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

For more of his incredible story, read his new book, "Shifting Shadows: How a New York Drug Lord Found Freedom in the Last Place He Expected."

--

This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider. Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. You can get a free trial here.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Donnie Wahlberg: 'The Most Important Thing I Ever Did Was to Give My Life to Christ'

'Fourth of July Miracle': Missing 4-Year-Old Found Alive after Walking Nearly Five Miles Along Oregon Coast

Christian Hollywood Star Exposes the Perverse, 'Demonic' Fraud Inside Foster Care System

Brazilian Judge Sentences Parents to Prison for Homeschooling Their Daughters

Little Sisters of the Poor Return to Court Again over Obama Contraception Mandate

WATCH: State Fails to Investigate Daycares with No Children Despite Media Reports

Trump on Iran Ceasefire, MoU: 'I Think It's Over'—US Retaliates after IRGC Attacks Civilian Ships

'Young Washington' Delivers Record Opening Weekend for Angel Studios

After an Emotional Loss to Belgium, the US Men's Team Continued to Give God the Glory

A 'Miracle': CCP Releases Pastor Ezra Jin

House Speaker Johnson Braces for a High-Stakes July with Everything on the Line

Why the NATO Summit in Ankara Matters to the US

New Report Details Secret Service Failures in Butler Assassination Attempt

Charlie Kirk's Family Faces Accused Killer Tyler Robinson for the First Time as Murder Case Moves Forward

'The Passion of the Christ' Getting Theatrical Re-Release Ahead of Highly Anticipated Sequel

A Sweet Update on That Oregon Couple Who Stepped Up at the Great American State Fair

The World Lights Up for America's 250th, While the American Left Opts to Whine About It

The America 250 Celebration in DC Was One for the History Books (Videos)

Must Watch: Katharine Birbalsingh's Fiery ARC Speech-How Schools Are Destroying the Moral Core of the West (Video)

DHS Condemns Minnesota Pardon of Convicted Child Rapist