From a miracle at 10 to a mission that’s still unfolding.

Mike Sandoval is an author, speaker, coach, and passionate follower of Jesus with a calling to help people and churches grow through discipleship, healthy leadership, and the transforming power of the gospel.

Long before Mike understood words like trauma, redemption, or calling, his story was already being shaped by hardship. His early childhood included exposure to gangs, violence, and substance abuse, along with the daily weight of severe economic hardship.

Then, at 10 years old, Mike was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. During surgery, he slipped into a coma, leaving his family uncertain whether he would wake up. Against the odds, Mike survived and experienced a remarkable recovery—a miracle that marked his life and his family forever.

His story has included brokenness, pain, healing, and redemption. Through the challenges of his childhood and the uncertainty surrounding his health, Mike witnessed God take what was broken and transform it into something meaningful. Those experiences shaped both his faith and his desire to help others discover that their pain does not have to be the end of their story.

“I’ve seen firsthand what it means to be rescued, restored, and repurposed—and I carry that testimony into every space I’m called to lead.”

Mike has spent much of his life serving the local church and developing people. He is the author of From Death to Life and The 5 Cs of a Healthy Leader. He graduated from Bible college, earned a degree in Christian Leadership and Discipleship, and holds a professional certificate in Project Management. Whether he is preaching, teaching, coaching leaders, or building ministry systems, his desire is to help people become healthier, more faithful, and more intentional in the way they live and lead.

Beyond ministry and leadership, Mike’s greatest joy is his family. He and his wife, Reyna, have been together for 14 years and married for almost 10. Their story began while serving youth together in Orange County—a shared calling that continues to shape their marriage and ministry. Today, they are raising their four-year-old son, Matthew, and their baby girl, Gianna.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys watching sports, spending time with his family, and exploring new places to eat. At the center of everything he does is a simple conviction: God can redeem every part of our story and use it to bring hope, healing, and purpose to others.

To learn more about Mike’s life, the hardships his family endured, and the miracle that changed everything, you can read his book, From Death to Life.