From Eastern Mysticism to the Catholic Church w/ David Mendoza | S3 E4
The Normal Christian Life
In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, Fr. Michael and Fr. Christopher sit down with David Mendoza to hear his powerful testimony of encountering God in dramatic ways — and how those encounters ultimately led him back to the Catholic Church. David grew up in a Catholic family and experienced moments of God’s presence even as a child. But as a teenager he drifted away from the faith, becoming involved in drugs, partying, martial arts culture, and Eastern mystical practices. Despite running from God, the Lord continued pursuing him. David shares incredible moments along his journey — including supernatural encounters, prophetic dreams, experiences of the Holy Spirit, healing prayer, and powerful moments of evangelization where God used him to reach people in unexpected places. Yet even after encountering the power of the Holy Spirit in charismatic and Protestant communities, David felt a growing hunger for something more: the fullness of the sacraments and the historic Church founded by Christ. Through studying Scripture and the early Church Fathers, David eventually discovered that the Church Christ established still exists today in the Catholic Church. In this conversation, David shares: His childhood encounters with God How sin and Eastern mysticism pulled him away from the faith Powerful supernatural experiences after returning to prayer His journey through charismatic Protestant ministry The role of the Holy Spirit in leading him to truth How the Church Fathers convinced him of Catholicism Why the Mass and the sacraments completed his faith This episode is a powerful reminder that God never stops pursuing us, even when we wander far from Him. And sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us through a long journey — only to bring us home. 00:00 Meet David Mendoza 02:07 Childhood Faith Sparks 03:40 Teenage Double Life 07:40 Martial Arts And Mysticism 11:15 Providence Meets His Wife 12:45 Leaving Mass For Baptist 14:21 Hunger For Holy Spirit 16:38 Seven Day Fast Fire 20:20 Healing And Prophetic Gifts 27:11 Word Of Knowledge Lessons 28:49 Spirit-Led Ministry Shift 30:05 Hunger for Sacraments 30:56 Charismatic Episcopal Bridge 32:38 Church Fathers Conviction 34:05 Sacramental Love Story 35:46 Cain and Abel Challenge 37:33 Back to Rome Fulfilled 37:54 Charismatic and Hierarchical 40:40 God Uses Imperfect Vessels 42:57 Apple Tree Growth Analogy 47:47 Confession and Prophecy 49:18 Eucharist Desire and Sacrifice 53:34 Unity and Renewal Call 01:01:58 Final Blessing and Prayer