https://caog.org.za/testimonial/brian-mitchell/

I first came across this story in a Mennonite magazine that is normally a dependable source. Since then, however, I have seen enough questions about it to cause me to wonder about its veracity. I no longer use that story, and am sorry if I misled others. –Philip

Just finished “What Good is God?”. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful stories! I have a question about the story in chapter 21 about Officer Van der Broek and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In researching this story there seems to be some question as to whether is really happened. See here: http://geoffsshorts.blogspot.com/2011/10/storytelling-van-der-broek-and-truth.html . Can you provide any documentation about the story? Thanks!

I’m afraid I need a little more to go on. I imagine that quote is from “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” The very word resentment is telling: it means to feel again, and again… –Philip

While you are on the South Africa theme, I wonder did you ever find out anymore about the supposed lack of truth in the Van Der Broek story? I was going to use it as a sermon illustration but when I googled it I came across a website that debunked it. So sad!! It was such a good story that definitely loses its usefulness is not true… Do you know of any stories that could replace it for its power of forgiveness?
God bless.

I’ve read enough doubt about that story that I’ve stopped using it. Too many versions, too little verification. There were similar scenes, I know, as depicted in Antje Krog’s “Country of My Skull.” I’ve also heard equally powerful stories from Rwanda, including some reported in “Christianity Today,” though I don’t have them at my fingertips. You may want to search the CT archives.
Philip