Cops, Criminals, and Christ

Redeeming Trauma: Joy Tan-Chi Mendoza's Faith Journey Through Sexual Violence

Dale Sutherland shares the story of Joy Tan-Chi Mendoza, who survived a violent home invasion and sexual assault when she was 15 years old. Joy is joined by her mother, Deonna Tan-chi, in this heart-wrenching yet inspiring conversation. They share how faith, forgiveness, and community support transformed their trauma into a testimony that has helped countless other survivors.• Joy was assaulted by armed robbers who invaded her family home in the Philippines when she was 15• Despite the trauma, Joy experienced supernatural peace amid the attack, reciting Psalm 23• Joy and her friends collectively decided to forgive their attackers within days of the assault• Going public with their story created space for other assault survivors to share their experiences• Joy's mother faced her own spiritual crisis but chose to trust God would use even this trauma for good• The family's approach to healing centered on seeing circumstances through the lens of who God is, not judging God by circumstances• Joy describes healing as an ongoing journey, with complete restoration coming in heaven• The family's testimony demonstrates how community support prevents isolation that compounds traumaYou can hear the full story in Joy Tan-Chi Mendoza’s book When a Good God Allows Rape, and you can find Joy on instagram as @joytmendoza.If you're struggling with trauma or pain in your life, remember that real help is available, and healing is made possible through faith, forgiveness, and community. Greater is He that's in us than he that's in the world. Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

The Judas Case: Investigating History’s Most Infamous Betrayal

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, history's greatest crime, began with an intimate betrayal by one of his closest companions, Judas Iscariot, who delivered him to authorities for thirty pieces of silver.• Unlike the other disciples who came from Galilee, Judas was from Judea• Judas was so trusted that Jesus appointed him treasurer of the group• No other disciples suspected Judas would betray Jesus at the Last Supper• Scripture says "Satan entered Judas," indicating spiritual warfare• Judas knew Jesus' private prayer locations and routines• The religious leaders were "delighted" when Judas offered to betray Jesus• Judas identified Jesus with a kiss—the ultimate symbol of friendship turned to betrayal• Despite being betrayed, Jesus prayed "Father, forgive them"• Judas couldn't live with his guilt and committed suicide after returning the money• Jesus knew Judas would betray him but chose him anyway, showing his remarkable loveCome back to explore more crimes in the Bible through the eyes of a detective—rapes, murders, kidnappings, and what they teach us about scripture and faith.Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

Breaking Chains: A Cop's Journey from Addiction to Redemption (Part 2)

Ivan, a former cop and current pastor, shares his journey from alcoholism to sobriety and how his relationship with Christ transformed his life. His story powerfully illustrates that addiction's root cause is universal across all struggles—whether substance abuse or other sins—and only Christ can provide true healing.• Ivan describes himself succinctly as "a cop, a criminal, and now with Christ"• He details how he manipulated AA meetings and testing requirements while still drinking• The cycle of addiction involved thousands of empty promises to quit• Ivan explains why hitting "rock bottom" doesn't lead to repentance—only God's goodness does• The difference between secondhand Christianity and personal relationship with Christ• How sanctification is a process rather than a single moment of transformation• Ivan highlights 2 Corinthians 5:21 as the "exchange" that changed everything• Six years sober, Ivan credits seeing himself as a new creation in Christ• The importance of empathy for both cops and criminals in understanding struggle• Finding freedom by following Jesus rather than relying on willpowerLet's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

Finding God's Love in the Darkest Places: A Police Officer's Journey from Addiction to Redemption (Part 1)

What happens when the person meant to uphold the law finds themselves on the wrong side of it? In this raw and powerful episode, we meet a former police officer whose dream career spiraled into alcoholism, culminating in his own arrest for DUI.The journey begins with his childhood dream of becoming a police officer—a dream he achieved at age 20. But beneath the badge lurked a growing addiction that would eventually cost him everything. Despite interventions from colleagues and supervisors, his drinking escalated to dangerous levels. Even after his arrest and the humiliation of being handcuffed by fellow officers, he continued drinking, seemingly unable to break free from alcohol's grip.The turning point wasn't what you might expect. It wasn't jail time or losing his job that finally broke through—it was a profound realization about identity. Standing in a liquor store with bottle in hand, he experienced what he describes as a spiritual awakening: he wasn't just trying to be a "good Christian," he was a son of God. This shift from performance-based religion to relationship fundamentally changed his perspective, though recovery would still take time.Perhaps the most powerful moment came when, once again unconscious in his car, he was discovered not by police but by family members. Their difficult but genuine forgiveness provided a tangible experience of grace that proved transformative. Six years sober now, he serves in ministry to families experiencing trauma—from childhood cancer to abuse situations—bringing the same compassion and understanding that saved him.Whether you're struggling with addiction, know someone who is, or simply appreciate stories of profound transformation, this episode offers hope that no matter how far you've fallen, redemption remains possible. Listen now to discover how rock bottom became the foundation for a completely transformed life.Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com

Panic Attacks to Drug Busts: A Cop’s Lessons Through Fear

In this episode, Dale Sutherland shares his powerful journey from childhood panic attacks to confronting life-threatening situations as an undercover police officer. Discover how he learned to face fear head-on by blending cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with his faith. Whether you struggle with anxiety or simply want to understand how to live courageously despite fear, Dale’s story offers practical lessons and encouragement for anyone walking through their own fears.Let's connect! Instagram: @theundercoverpastor Facebook: @theundercoverpastor Tik Tok: @theundercoverpastor Youtube: @dalesutherlandundercoverpastor Website: theundercoverpastor.com