Greetings faithful friends and family. I received this message this morning. Please be praying for the Missionary Bob Whitaker from the West Gate Church in Nashville. He was kidnapped in Nigeria yesterday. On a personal note, be praying as I'm sure Dr. Whitaker will be ministering to the kidnappers in this time. I'd like to see them become Christians, so be praying for that as well. Below is an update on the situation, followed by the original message I received...
UPDATE:
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Phil talked with Annette Whitaker this morning. Annette's report was:
The Nigerian Christian Hospital has taken their payroll for July (3 million nira or about $20,000) and given it to a friend to be delivered to Bob's kidnappers.
Another 2 million nira (about $13,333) was taken out of construction funds, borrowed, etc., to bring the total to 5 million nira ($33,333 or so). This is per the demand of the kidnappers.
Once the money is in the hands of the kidnappers, Bob is to be released in the bush after dark. Annette and others will be told where to find him. Please pray about several things: Pray that Bob is really released in the next few hours. Pray that his arm can be healed. Pray for his family.
Please keep in mind that this money has to be replaced. Please pray about your part in replacing the $33,000+. More than anything, thank God for his work overnight in bringing us to this point. Pray that God's name will be glorified in all of this.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
At approximately 5:15 (CDT) Sunday afternoon, Dr. Bob Whitaker, a surgeon we support at the Nigerian Christian hospital was kidnapped with a demand for roughly $65,000 ransom. During the abduction, Bob was shot in the hand and suffered a compound fracture. Present during the situation were Annette (Bob's wife) and their son "Ozi." However, neither were physically harmed are taken hostage. During the altrication, a nearby guard was critically injured and is being cared for at the hospital.
Negotiations with the hostages are currently underway. The Nigerian Christian Hospital is handling all negotiations and strategy formulation for Bob's release. Currently, we do know that Bob has been given some form of an antibiotic to assist with preventing infection. A special time of prayer has been scheduled for 7:30pm, Monday August 3rd, the in the community room at West End.
In the meantime, please pray for the following:
1) The healing of Bob's hand and the prevention of infection.
2) The protection of Annette and Ozi.
3) The release of Bob.
4) Wisdom for the negotiators.
5) Healing for the guardsman wounded during the kidnapping.
6) Forgiveness and the softening of the kidnappers hearts.
Monday August 3, 2009
"Phil and I just received word through another one of our minister's on staff at West End that our missionary in Nigeria, Dr. Bob Whitaker, was kidnapped today from their compound where they live and where the hospital is. Details are sketchy now but Dr. Bob has been shot in either the hand or arm. Also, a guard was killed and another one is critically injured at this time. We are asking everyone to send this out and share with anyone and everyone that you know that will pray for Bob, Annette, and Ozie, their son. As far as we know now, the terrorist are demanding $70,000.00 dollars ransom. Please join us in prayer through the night and do as Dr. Bob has encouraged us so many times, Read your Bible everyday. Join us as we go to the Word for some word from God that gives comfort and assurance that God is still in control.
Again, pray with us and ask others to join in everywhere. Please be praying. Pray for Dr. Bob, and for his kidnappers. Thanks everybody.
Diane and Phil Kinzer"
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