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Shifting Shadows: How a New York Drug Lord Found Freedom in the Last Place He Expected
Herman Mendoza built his kingdom in Queens, New York. He made a fortune selling cocaine with his brothers up and down the Eastern Seaboard. He had apartments around the city for his mistresses and a home in the Poconos for his beautiful nuclear family. But when he and his brothers were busted in a large-scale crackdown, his kingdom crumbled. Ready to kill himself rather than live behind bars, Herman instead came face-to-face with the all-consuming love of God. He would never be the same.
Today, Herman shares his story at every opportunity, knowing that it may play a part in someone else's journey into a relationship with Jesus. An engaging and fast-paced read, Shifting Shadows offers hope to those in despair, and shows all of us the lengths to which God will go to bring a troubled soul home. Also available in Spanish as Sombras cambiantes.
Today, Herman shares his story at every opportunity, knowing that it may play a part in someone else's journey into a relationship with Jesus. An engaging and fast-paced read, Shifting Shadows offers hope to those in despair, and shows all of us the lengths to which God will go to bring a troubled soul home. Also available in Spanish as Sombras cambiantes.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2020
6 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 11, 2020
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
I found this book to be immensely compelling and pretty unsparing in its honesty. It is perhaps to be regretted that the author assumes that readers of this book will be able to relate to the criminal underground that the book discusses in considerable detail, or that they will be somehow at the end of their rope. Despite being relatively on the straight and narrow as far as my life is concerned, this book was certainly relatable to me in that it expressed a picture of a world that I have at least been witness to if not a part of. And the author's tale of how he was able to find freedom in large part because of the evidence of his changed life when he and his brother became Christian leaders in prison and then turn that into service to others around the world and in his local communities is compelling to anyone who likes a tale of godly faith growing in unlikely ground, and that is a wide audience.
This book is about 250 pages long and it tells a straightforward memoir about a young man who grew up as a troublemaker and quickly found a place in gangs and in drug dealing and using, who managed to find a girl good enough to date him and marry him despite knowing that he was a bad person and having that impression frequently hammered home through seeing him drive drunk and hearing about his other girls, one of whom he got pregnant at the same time his wife was pregnant. The author mentions these aspects of his life, including the way that they tried to deal with scores and operated and found themselves vulnerable to snitches and less than honorable behavior from associates, in a rather blunt fashion. The author discusses how he sought to survive in jail and the way that he felt it necessary to keep family solidarity as well as avoid the violence that was all around, expressing increasing sensitivity to spiritual matters during his second imprisonment, which culminated in his repentance and the start of a flourishing prison ministry. And best of all, this book does not sugar coat the struggles that the author had to face in getting his ministry up and running and supporting his family as a free man. This book therefore serves as a subtle but persuasive case for some measure of reform when it comes to rehabilitation of former criminals who have obviously changed their ways.
One of the most interesting aspects of this work is the way that the author does not romanticize his life and shows how it was that he wasted a great deal of the money he made when he was a drug kingpin to the extent that his family had to struggle mightily while he was in jail and then after he was released. The author's struggle to work on the straight and narrow given his own experiences makes sense as well, and it is easily to believe that an ex-con, particularly one who had been arrested for drug trafficking on multiple occasions, would have trouble being able to work in the contemporary corporate climate. Hopefully this book can bring more attention to the ministry that the author runs with his wife and to their work in serving others in New York, the Dominican Republic, and elsewhere. This author's story is one that deserve to be better known, not least because of the way that it shows that a man can make serious mistakes and be living a very bad life and then be saved by God in a way that makes it obvious to those around him that he is not the same man he once was, for the better.
I found this book to be immensely compelling and pretty unsparing in its honesty. It is perhaps to be regretted that the author assumes that readers of this book will be able to relate to the criminal underground that the book discusses in considerable detail, or that they will be somehow at the end of their rope. Despite being relatively on the straight and narrow as far as my life is concerned, this book was certainly relatable to me in that it expressed a picture of a world that I have at least been witness to if not a part of. And the author's tale of how he was able to find freedom in large part because of the evidence of his changed life when he and his brother became Christian leaders in prison and then turn that into service to others around the world and in his local communities is compelling to anyone who likes a tale of godly faith growing in unlikely ground, and that is a wide audience.
This book is about 250 pages long and it tells a straightforward memoir about a young man who grew up as a troublemaker and quickly found a place in gangs and in drug dealing and using, who managed to find a girl good enough to date him and marry him despite knowing that he was a bad person and having that impression frequently hammered home through seeing him drive drunk and hearing about his other girls, one of whom he got pregnant at the same time his wife was pregnant. The author mentions these aspects of his life, including the way that they tried to deal with scores and operated and found themselves vulnerable to snitches and less than honorable behavior from associates, in a rather blunt fashion. The author discusses how he sought to survive in jail and the way that he felt it necessary to keep family solidarity as well as avoid the violence that was all around, expressing increasing sensitivity to spiritual matters during his second imprisonment, which culminated in his repentance and the start of a flourishing prison ministry. And best of all, this book does not sugar coat the struggles that the author had to face in getting his ministry up and running and supporting his family as a free man. This book therefore serves as a subtle but persuasive case for some measure of reform when it comes to rehabilitation of former criminals who have obviously changed their ways.
One of the most interesting aspects of this work is the way that the author does not romanticize his life and shows how it was that he wasted a great deal of the money he made when he was a drug kingpin to the extent that his family had to struggle mightily while he was in jail and then after he was released. The author's struggle to work on the straight and narrow given his own experiences makes sense as well, and it is easily to believe that an ex-con, particularly one who had been arrested for drug trafficking on multiple occasions, would have trouble being able to work in the contemporary corporate climate. Hopefully this book can bring more attention to the ministry that the author runs with his wife and to their work in serving others in New York, the Dominican Republic, and elsewhere. This author's story is one that deserve to be better known, not least because of the way that it shows that a man can make serious mistakes and be living a very bad life and then be saved by God in a way that makes it obvious to those around him that he is not the same man he once was, for the better.
May 20, 2020
This is a good story of a New York boy who got caught up in gangs and then, as a young man, became part of a lucrative drug running operation with his brothers. Herman married and had a family but also maintained mistresses in apartments. He was imprisoned and had his sentence shortened by going through a rigorous program. He got a regular job for a while but was caught up again in the drug running business. Arrested again, he skipped out on his bail. Caught at his home, he was imprisoned again. His behavior had been so poor, his own lawyer quit working for him.
Herman was put in prison near his brother, Emilio. Amazingly, Emilio had been saved through a prison church. Emilio convinced Herman to attend the services and Herman got saved too, all within the prison walls. The Bible came alive to him. He witnessed to his wife. Her changed life was the beginning of Herman's ministry to others. He was eventually released from prison and reunited with his family. God has been using Herman to share the gospel with others and see many lives changed.
Mendoza's story of a life redeemed for ministry is a good one. It is well written and clearly shows how God can transform a life for His glory.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Herman was put in prison near his brother, Emilio. Amazingly, Emilio had been saved through a prison church. Emilio convinced Herman to attend the services and Herman got saved too, all within the prison walls. The Bible came alive to him. He witnessed to his wife. Her changed life was the beginning of Herman's ministry to others. He was eventually released from prison and reunited with his family. God has been using Herman to share the gospel with others and see many lives changed.
Mendoza's story of a life redeemed for ministry is a good one. It is well written and clearly shows how God can transform a life for His glory.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 25, 2020
In Shifting Shadows, Herman Mendoza has written his brand-new autobiography and in it, he revealed his background of growing up in Queens, New York. He shared how he had a trouble childhood and how he had a loving family. But he still fell into peer pressure and how he joined different gangs. He struggled with drugs and selling them and living the tough lifestyle. He opened up about how witnessed one his gang leader at the time was shot and killed. He shared this was the first taste of him seeing a violent crime. He also revealed how his first charge was grand larceny and he was arrested. His parents sent him to stay with his grandparents' in the Dominican Republic. He shared his experiences and how old habits die hard and how he still got busted there and was eventually sent back to New York. He met his future wife, Alexander and he explained how they fell in love. He goes into detail about how they struggled with making ends meet after their first child. He eventually began a cocaine selling business with his brothers. He describes how this changed him and affected his marriage. He even is open about how he had multiple mistresses. One of them became pregnant at the same time his wife was pregnant. He opened up about how he was caught many times and eventually was sentenced with a number of years in jail. He decided he wanted to commit suicide but he was rescued and told about God. He even began preaching and influencing others in the jail. Towards the end of the book, he revealed how his life dramatically changed and how was able to lead his wife to Christ. After he was released, he became an associate pastor at Promise Ministries International and was a leader at Powerhouse Kids.
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who enjoys reading a memoir. I read this book in about two days. It is a very fast page turner and as I was reading it, I kept wanting to learn how it ended. This is the first time I had heard of Herman’s story and I appreciated the transparent way he explained his crazy drug and gang stories. He was very open and didn’t hold back in being honest about his challenges and the mistakes he made in life and in his marriage. I immensely believe readers will be able to relate and they will be inspired about how God was able to change Herman’s life and his family. And in turn, he was also able to help other people to come to know Christ. It was amazing to read how he dramatically change his life around and I loved the ideas he had of helping people in jail and the story of how he became to do full-time ministry. If you’re ready to read an inspiration story about how God can turn anything around, then read this book!
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who enjoys reading a memoir. I read this book in about two days. It is a very fast page turner and as I was reading it, I kept wanting to learn how it ended. This is the first time I had heard of Herman’s story and I appreciated the transparent way he explained his crazy drug and gang stories. He was very open and didn’t hold back in being honest about his challenges and the mistakes he made in life and in his marriage. I immensely believe readers will be able to relate and they will be inspired about how God was able to change Herman’s life and his family. And in turn, he was also able to help other people to come to know Christ. It was amazing to read how he dramatically change his life around and I loved the ideas he had of helping people in jail and the story of how he became to do full-time ministry. If you’re ready to read an inspiration story about how God can turn anything around, then read this book!
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
May 17, 2020
Book Review--"Shifting Shadows" by Herman Mendoza
Well, I do have to say I think this is the first book I have ever read so fast! It took me only 2 days from start to finish. I literally could not stop reading as this book was so captivating.
When I got this book I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It's not the type of book I am normally drawn to read lately, but being that I have always loved reading testimonies of how God changed people's lives, I thought I would probably enjoy reading it. Enjoy is not quite the word I would use to describe how I felt once I began reading, totally captivated would be more like it!
This book is the life story of Herman Mendoza, a boy from a poor family in Queens, NY who became a wealthy drug lord. For awhile he had everything he had ever dreamed of and more, yet it didn't make him happy.
In fact, when he lost everything and was sitting in prison he said: "I had tried everything that was supposed to make me happy. I had more money and women than I could handle. I had nice cars. I went to all the best parties. I had a beautiful wife, three gorgeous kids and a nice house in the Poconos. But I wasn't happy....."
Herman found the One who could bring him happiness and a joy he'd never known and in this book he tells how coming to believe in Jesus Christ and being born again radically changed his life forever. He shares many miracles he experienced and how the his prayers and others prayers were wonderfully answered time after time.
I love reading books with good endings and this one surely has a great ending because with God writing the story it could not end anyway other than good.
Herman is living proof of how Jesus Christ can come into a person's life and totally change them inside out, no matter who they are or what they have done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a very inspiring book filled with miraculous testimonies, but I especially recommend it to anyone who is feeling they have no hope for a future, or thinks they are beyond help. This book will show you that God loves you and wants to have a close personal relationship with you. He wants to come into your life and change it for good, to give you a hope and future, one that is good and beyond anything you could possibly imagine.
I was given this book free by Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
--Leona J. Atkinson
Well, I do have to say I think this is the first book I have ever read so fast! It took me only 2 days from start to finish. I literally could not stop reading as this book was so captivating.
When I got this book I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It's not the type of book I am normally drawn to read lately, but being that I have always loved reading testimonies of how God changed people's lives, I thought I would probably enjoy reading it. Enjoy is not quite the word I would use to describe how I felt once I began reading, totally captivated would be more like it!
This book is the life story of Herman Mendoza, a boy from a poor family in Queens, NY who became a wealthy drug lord. For awhile he had everything he had ever dreamed of and more, yet it didn't make him happy.
In fact, when he lost everything and was sitting in prison he said: "I had tried everything that was supposed to make me happy. I had more money and women than I could handle. I had nice cars. I went to all the best parties. I had a beautiful wife, three gorgeous kids and a nice house in the Poconos. But I wasn't happy....."
Herman found the One who could bring him happiness and a joy he'd never known and in this book he tells how coming to believe in Jesus Christ and being born again radically changed his life forever. He shares many miracles he experienced and how the his prayers and others prayers were wonderfully answered time after time.
I love reading books with good endings and this one surely has a great ending because with God writing the story it could not end anyway other than good.
Herman is living proof of how Jesus Christ can come into a person's life and totally change them inside out, no matter who they are or what they have done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a very inspiring book filled with miraculous testimonies, but I especially recommend it to anyone who is feeling they have no hope for a future, or thinks they are beyond help. This book will show you that God loves you and wants to have a close personal relationship with you. He wants to come into your life and change it for good, to give you a hope and future, one that is good and beyond anything you could possibly imagine.
I was given this book free by Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
--Leona J. Atkinson
May 11, 2020
"Shifting Shadows: How a New York Drug Lord Found Freedom in the Last Place He Expected" is the eye-opening account of a man's rise and fall as a "Cocaine King" and his successful transformation and rebirth as a man of faith. Herman Mendoza is the youngest of five sons born to Dominican Republic immigrants who settled in Queens, New York. By seventh grade, he was a pothead and gang member. The following year, in eighth grade, he progressed to using cocaine and other drugs and became a drug dealer in his neighborhood--all before he even had a driver's license. Married at a young age, he tried the straight-and-narrow path for a while, but he soon followed two of his brothers into the lucrative cocaine business. The more money he made, the more lavish his lifestyle, and his own drug and alcohol use, became. His wife bore him two children, and his mistress gave him his third child. Herman Mendoza's life was spiraling dangerously out-of-control, and he had close calls with the law as well as actual periods of incarceration. During one of his jail terms, he was sent to the same facility where his brother, Emilio, was serving time. Emilio was born-again through a new-found faith, and eventually he helped Herman to find the same righteous path. Together, the two of them began working with other prisoners to lead them to their own religious awakenings. By the time Herman was officially released from prison, he had reconciled with his family. Today, he and his wife and children travel the world together, helping those in crisis situations and spreading the message of transforming forgiveness and redeeming faith.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
September 9, 2020
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK
The author did a great job of telling about his life without making it seem glamorous or going into too much detail. I appreciate the balance that he struck, and how I got a clear view of where he came from and the enormous change that took place in his life, but without getting bogged down in the lifestyle he lived.
I really felt like I got to know the author. He didn't try and make his life look good or justify what he did and how horrible of a human he was. He got involved with drugs and gangs when he was just a kid, and his life spiraled out of control from there. From juvie, to eventually becoming a big-time New York drug lord, and then finally finding God while in prison, his story kept my interest and made me want to know what would happen next.
This book was a good reminder that God is at work all over the world and in various situations and that no one is too far past God's love and forgiveness. It was also encouraging to see how the author allowed God to totally change and redeem his life. It was obvious that the author and his brother were a fantastic team, and to see them go from being drug lords together to serving God in prison together was neat. The author's story was inspiring and a good reminder to not stop praying for people, even when it feels hopeless.
CONCLUSION
This book talks a lot about bad things - violence, drugs, unfaithfulness, alcohol, crime, running from the police, etc... But it does so in a way that is vague and doesn't glorify that lifestyle.
RATING
I’m giving Shifting Shadows 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for sending me this book to review on my blog.
The author did a great job of telling about his life without making it seem glamorous or going into too much detail. I appreciate the balance that he struck, and how I got a clear view of where he came from and the enormous change that took place in his life, but without getting bogged down in the lifestyle he lived.
I really felt like I got to know the author. He didn't try and make his life look good or justify what he did and how horrible of a human he was. He got involved with drugs and gangs when he was just a kid, and his life spiraled out of control from there. From juvie, to eventually becoming a big-time New York drug lord, and then finally finding God while in prison, his story kept my interest and made me want to know what would happen next.
This book was a good reminder that God is at work all over the world and in various situations and that no one is too far past God's love and forgiveness. It was also encouraging to see how the author allowed God to totally change and redeem his life. It was obvious that the author and his brother were a fantastic team, and to see them go from being drug lords together to serving God in prison together was neat. The author's story was inspiring and a good reminder to not stop praying for people, even when it feels hopeless.
CONCLUSION
This book talks a lot about bad things - violence, drugs, unfaithfulness, alcohol, crime, running from the police, etc... But it does so in a way that is vague and doesn't glorify that lifestyle.
RATING
I’m giving Shifting Shadows 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for sending me this book to review on my blog.
May 29, 2020
Losing Everything & Getting More!
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2020/05/28/... THANK YOU!
Herman lived life in the fast lane with lots of mistresses, property, alcohol and parties, while running a lucrative business as a top drug lord. Even though he lived like a king with everything money could buy, his life on the inside was a mess.
Then he was taken to jail, more than once. Everything was gone, things were hopeless, and he was ready to commit suicide.
While incarcerated, he met Jesus Christ and everything changed. Miraculously, he found peace for the first time in his life, even while living in prison.
Against all odds, he was released from jail. Instead of divorcing him, his wife became a Christian, and his family was restored. He became a pastor and began serving God. For years, he has helped people in dangerous areas of our country and throughout the world, telling them about Jesus while doing it.
This exciting, true story will captivate you, and you will not be able to put it down. I recommend this 5-star story to anyone who enjoys books about people who experience life-changing events after becoming a follower of Christ.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Shifting Shadows, for the purpose of review.
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2020/05/28/... THANK YOU!
Herman lived life in the fast lane with lots of mistresses, property, alcohol and parties, while running a lucrative business as a top drug lord. Even though he lived like a king with everything money could buy, his life on the inside was a mess.
Then he was taken to jail, more than once. Everything was gone, things were hopeless, and he was ready to commit suicide.
While incarcerated, he met Jesus Christ and everything changed. Miraculously, he found peace for the first time in his life, even while living in prison.
Against all odds, he was released from jail. Instead of divorcing him, his wife became a Christian, and his family was restored. He became a pastor and began serving God. For years, he has helped people in dangerous areas of our country and throughout the world, telling them about Jesus while doing it.
This exciting, true story will captivate you, and you will not be able to put it down. I recommend this 5-star story to anyone who enjoys books about people who experience life-changing events after becoming a follower of Christ.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Shifting Shadows, for the purpose of review.
May 25, 2020
Shifting Shadows by Herman Mendoza is a MUST READ! I have reviewed lots of books and normally do not say that, BUT...this book is great! I read the book in two days!
Herman Mendoza grew up in the streets of New York City in a home that never went to church, nor shared much about their faith. Herman was always looking for something more, but never seemed to be able to find it. He tried drugs, spent time in prison, and then landed the job of a lifetime, moving drugs through one of the largest cartels in America. Along the way, he met a very special young lady, Alexandra.
This book shares Herman's story (and Alexandra's). It will captivate you, draw you in, and most importantly encourage you to evaluate your ministry. It is a life changing story that needs to be shared. I am still amazed at how Herman came to salvation and changed his life. I would encourage you to read this, pass it on and allow yourself to be challenged.
I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. All thoughts are opinions are my own! I highly recommend this book!
Herman Mendoza grew up in the streets of New York City in a home that never went to church, nor shared much about their faith. Herman was always looking for something more, but never seemed to be able to find it. He tried drugs, spent time in prison, and then landed the job of a lifetime, moving drugs through one of the largest cartels in America. Along the way, he met a very special young lady, Alexandra.
This book shares Herman's story (and Alexandra's). It will captivate you, draw you in, and most importantly encourage you to evaluate your ministry. It is a life changing story that needs to be shared. I am still amazed at how Herman came to salvation and changed his life. I would encourage you to read this, pass it on and allow yourself to be challenged.
I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. All thoughts are opinions are my own! I highly recommend this book!
June 15, 2020
Herman gets in with a bad crowd from an early age, doing, and then later selling, drugs. After marrying his childhood sweetheart, as a way to make ends meet, he decides to go into the ILLEGAL family business. After countless years in jail, Mendoza finds God and turns his life around.
Shifting Shadows is a cumulation of his life’s story. It speaks of the ability to be reborn, renewed and forgiven despite overwhelming odds against you. Herman could have spent life in prison. In fact, many with his charges do. He had a lavish lifestyle, but described himself as never feeling happy, until he returned to prison and found a higher power.
God certainly played a role in the outcome of Herman Mendoza’s life, but this story is a powerful, all encompassing account of the path he took to get back on track. This story is well worth the read and despite everything, you may leave it rooting for Mendoza, his family and many others like him.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Shifting Shadows is a cumulation of his life’s story. It speaks of the ability to be reborn, renewed and forgiven despite overwhelming odds against you. Herman could have spent life in prison. In fact, many with his charges do. He had a lavish lifestyle, but described himself as never feeling happy, until he returned to prison and found a higher power.
God certainly played a role in the outcome of Herman Mendoza’s life, but this story is a powerful, all encompassing account of the path he took to get back on track. This story is well worth the read and despite everything, you may leave it rooting for Mendoza, his family and many others like him.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
July 1, 2023
An insanely gripping story. As far as biographies go, this is definitely one of the most insanely gripping life stories that I’ve heard in a long time! I watched Herman Mendoza share his story on Delafé Testimonies YouTube channel last week, and I was gripped by what he shared. At the end of his story he mentioned that he had written a book about his life. I ran to Audible to download it, pressed play and finished it in less than three days. His life story covers addiction, crime, incarceration, love, infidelity, forgiveness, redemption and faith. I gasped, laughed and cried throughout. I’m in awe of Mendoza’s story, and so encouraged by how God can turn around the most devastating parts of a person’s life and use it for His glory. Pick up this book if you need the reminder and encouragement that God alone is your source and rock.
July 22, 2020
This reads more like a novel and a good one at that.
I appreciated Herman’s openness and honesty as he shared his journey. He was lost, no desire for God and only saw one way to deal with life and make money.
What makes a book like this so interesting is the hope you have as you read it. You know he turns his life around and runs to Jesus but the journey to the cross is long and heartbreaking. I can imagine the pain his wife went through and again as we read we know they are still married, which is pretty amazing considering all he put her through.
This is a Genesis 5020 at it’s core.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I appreciated Herman’s openness and honesty as he shared his journey. He was lost, no desire for God and only saw one way to deal with life and make money.
What makes a book like this so interesting is the hope you have as you read it. You know he turns his life around and runs to Jesus but the journey to the cross is long and heartbreaking. I can imagine the pain his wife went through and again as we read we know they are still married, which is pretty amazing considering all he put her through.
This is a Genesis 5020 at it’s core.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2023
Tremendously moving, all glory to God
This is truly an amazing story of God’s salvation. Reading Herman’s winding journey was like a roller coaster ride, with so many good lessons to remember. It really allows you to understand the way people can fall into bad situations, simply because of our fallen nature and corrupt environment. Our sins are many but His mercy is more. This book gives me hope that through earnest prayer and faith, God can bring about the most incredible miracles.
This is truly an amazing story of God’s salvation. Reading Herman’s winding journey was like a roller coaster ride, with so many good lessons to remember. It really allows you to understand the way people can fall into bad situations, simply because of our fallen nature and corrupt environment. Our sins are many but His mercy is more. This book gives me hope that through earnest prayer and faith, God can bring about the most incredible miracles.
October 9, 2023
I picked up this book at my local church library on a whim, since it was in the collection of new books that we'd received. This was a great book! Rarely do I ever just pick up a book and enjoy it like I did this one. Mendoza's testimony is truly incredible.
I gave it 4 stars only because of the way it's written. There's a lot of page breaks making it a bit choppy and there's no actual date timeline. I think he gives a handful of dates towards the end but otherwise it's kind of up to the reader to guess the years.
Otherwise a very solid read!
I gave it 4 stars only because of the way it's written. There's a lot of page breaks making it a bit choppy and there's no actual date timeline. I think he gives a handful of dates towards the end but otherwise it's kind of up to the reader to guess the years.
Otherwise a very solid read!
March 20, 2024
Shifting Shadows is a tremendous testimony of a man lost in the drug world and how God saved his life, family and future. This true story is a moving recollection of a life that started with a focus on self and worldly gains but was transformed! I heard the author speak at a Men's Breakfast, and purchased the book afterwards, thinking it may be interesting to hear some of the facts of his life. The book exploded in my hands, delivering so much more in a life totally turned upside down for the Lord! I read it and can't wait to pass it on, hoping it opens other people's hearts to the Lord!
September 10, 2020
There is just something about reading an autobiography where the author lays out all of his or her flaws with humility, while inviting the reader to experience their growth along the way. That is exactly what Herman Mendoza does in his autobiography.
This book is very easy to read. It has short chapters all of which are engaging and serve to further the central theme of the book.
I read this book in a matter of a few days. I could not put it down.
This book is very easy to read. It has short chapters all of which are engaging and serve to further the central theme of the book.
I read this book in a matter of a few days. I could not put it down.
October 15, 2021
A wonderful read that I would highly recommend. Quick, easy to read and to the point. Herman’s humility, gratefulness and eagerness to preach the gospel and see the lost saved is encouraging and challenging. A great testimony of God’s faithfulness and answering of prayer. I found it very impactful.
May 15, 2020
A candid and heartfelt narrative of the dark episodes of a life in the path of self destruction and the marvelous ways that guided his spirit back to the light, to live a new life with the purpose to help others under the love and grace of the Lord. #shiftingshadowsbook
December 2, 2020
Great book on how God can change your life. Herman Mendoza shares how God changed his life from a drug lord to an ambassador for Christ. I strongly recommend this book and you will feel a change to serve.
October 2, 2021
Inspirational and Christ-filled
God has worked so many wonders through Pastor Mendoza, who is the embodiment of Romans 8:28. A truly inspiring and encouraging read which will leave the reader asking, "God, how can I serve you too?"
God has worked so many wonders through Pastor Mendoza, who is the embodiment of Romans 8:28. A truly inspiring and encouraging read which will leave the reader asking, "God, how can I serve you too?"
May 6, 2020
Remarkable story and hard to put down. Regardless of faith, race, or age this book will have an impact on all who read it. I’m looking forward to this hopefully becoming a TV documentary.
June 15, 2020
What an amazing read! His transformation through Christ was powerful. This is a must read!
January 1, 2021
Amazing what God can do!
February 15, 2021
This book was siting on my TBR list for a long time and I just couldn't get enthused about picking it up, but finally, I needed to read it for a reading challenge. And I am so glad I did and sad I didn't read this earlier. This book grabbed me and pulled me in and I read it in two days.
Herman grew up as the youngest in a family of boys and from a very young age, he took to the streets, doing drugs, running with gangs, seeing his friends get shot. He married young and tried to straighten his life out, but when a good job working for his older brothers selling drugs opened up, he couldn't resist the good money it brought in.
But eventually his life fell apart. A crumbling marriage, a baby out of an ongoing affair, and a second offense, Herman finds himself in prison. But not just any prison. Herman finds himself in the same prison, the same area as his older brother and his older brother couldn't be happier. He can't wait to tell Herman about Jesus. In time, Herman becomes a Christian and the two of them go on to lead the prison church.
I am missing big portions of the story; you need to read the book for yourself. It was exciting to see how God worked out details and brought salvation to Herman and his family and how God is using him today to work with kids as director of Powerhouse Kids Ministry. Herman's life is a testament to how great God is and how much He wants all people to come to Him, even drug lords, especially drug lords.
I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Herman grew up as the youngest in a family of boys and from a very young age, he took to the streets, doing drugs, running with gangs, seeing his friends get shot. He married young and tried to straighten his life out, but when a good job working for his older brothers selling drugs opened up, he couldn't resist the good money it brought in.
But eventually his life fell apart. A crumbling marriage, a baby out of an ongoing affair, and a second offense, Herman finds himself in prison. But not just any prison. Herman finds himself in the same prison, the same area as his older brother and his older brother couldn't be happier. He can't wait to tell Herman about Jesus. In time, Herman becomes a Christian and the two of them go on to lead the prison church.
I am missing big portions of the story; you need to read the book for yourself. It was exciting to see how God worked out details and brought salvation to Herman and his family and how God is using him today to work with kids as director of Powerhouse Kids Ministry. Herman's life is a testament to how great God is and how much He wants all people to come to Him, even drug lords, especially drug lords.
I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 4, 2021
Wow! - An inspirational true story of Herman Mendoz's journey from criminal to a man of God. A page turner because it piques your interest in how this evolved for Herman. A very feel good book.
July 7, 2022
amazing testimony
Could not put this book down. I read it in a 24 hour period. Wow! Thanking God for this man and his story that has so glorified Him!
Could not put this book down. I read it in a 24 hour period. Wow! Thanking God for this man and his story that has so glorified Him!
November 28, 2022
Herman Mendoza has a powerful testimony of transformation, and it was encouraging to read his story.
April 22, 2024
Revelations 12:13.His testimony about his life blew me away.God never makes us look like what we've been through.Inspired.
February 22, 2025
I enjoyed hearing Herman's testimony and how he came to faith. Praise God for how He continues to work and draw people to Him!
May 5, 2020
This book is a must read. It is a true story of an amazing transformation. It takes you through the journey of the addictive life of drug dealing and the obsession with money and power. It carries you to the many times Mendoza fell and yet went back to his illegal activities. Only God saved him from that evil world. It was a quick and easy read, yet very emotional at times. I’m certain this book will change many lives.
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