From Africa to Haiti

We’ve mentioned Dr. Robert (Bob) Whittaker before in this column. He has been recuperating in Nashville after being shot and kidnapped in Nigeria. He first came to our studios to be interviewed by the International English and Africa Services about his ordeal and about the difference he has made in the lives of many Nigerians.

Now he continues to join us as the “answer man” in our new series, “Ask the Doctor.” Various questions are posed that especially relate to the African context. Dr. Whittaker uses his 25-years of experience on the field to advise and to counsel. Thus far, he has answered questions about wounds/infections, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and HIV/AIDS.

Much of our recording was done in November and December. In January, he was “on break” using his skills in Haiti. The Tennessean, the primary daily newspaper for our region, featured Dr. Whittaker on Sunday, January 24. Here is some of what appeared in the article:

“The way Dr. Whittaker sees it, if he hadn’t been kidnapped, he wouldn’t be in position to volunteer in Haiti. ‘I believe that I was brought out of Nigeria for a reason,’ Whittaker said last week, before leaving for Haiti.

“’A lot of doctors would like to go to Haiti, but they have their practices. They have their patients,’ he said, ‘They can’t just leave. Because of what has happened to me, I am free to go. So, it’s a blessing.’”

The article ends with this Whittaker quote: “If you believe in a providential God who is involved in the equation, it leaves you free to do your best. I have that serene feeling that it’s going to be OK in the end. It may be rough on the way, but it will be OK in the end.”

Dr. Whittaker has now returned from his successful trip to Haiti.  We hope that he will resume his role in “Ask the Doctor” some time this month. As with his opportunity to serve in Haiti, we consider his availability for our programs here to be a great example of God’s providence.