Racial tensions had long simmered in Benton Harbor, a small city on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, before the day a white narcotics officer--more focused on arrests than justice--set his sights on an innocent black man. But when officer Andrew Collins framed Jameel McGee for possession of crack cocaine, the surprising result was not a race riot but a transformative journey for both men.
Falsely convicted, McGee spent three years in federal prison. Collins also went to prison a few years later for falsifying police reports. While behind bars, the faith of both men deepened. But the story took its most unexpected turn once they were released--when their lives collided again in a moment brimming with mistrust and anger. The two were on a collision course--not to violence--but forgiveness.
As current as today's headlines, this explosive true story reveals how these radically conflicted men chose to let go of fear and a thirst for revenge to pursue reconciliation for themselves, their community, and our racially divided nation.
Andrew Collins is a former police offer who now is a licensed pastor ministering to youth as part of Young Life. Both men live in Michigan.
Mark Tabb Mark is the New York Times best-selling collaborator and author of more than thirty books, including Mistaken Identity, Running for My Life, and Truth Doesn't Have a Side.
"What an amazing story of the work the Holy Spirit can do in our lives when we allow him and the power of forgiveness to heal all wounds!"
--Daniel Muir, former NFL player with the Indianapolis Colts and other teams
"By all accounts, Jameel McGee and Andrew Collins should be hardened, bitter enemies. But their story demonstrates in a powerful way how God can bring beauty out of brokenness. Convicted is a gripping true story that you don't want to miss."
--Jim Daly, President - Focus on the Family