Operation Digout
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Isaiah 40:28-31
29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Galatians 6:7-10
8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.“Operation Digout” is episode #94 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Paul McCusker, and originally aired on November 18, 1989.
Summary
Whit tells Connie the story of the battle in which he was wounded in World War II.
Plot
Connie is behind the counter at Whit's End when an elderly stranger walks inside. He asks to see Whit, who is absent at the moment. Connie offers to take a message, and the old gent gives her one: "Operation Digout." Connie, of course, can barely contain her excitement. Finally, Whit returns, and once Connie has delivered the message, he tells her the story behind it, which once again involves Leftenant Reginald Duffield.
In a flashback, Reggie and young Whit are assigned to help land several transports of soldiers on the strategic island of Rubaku in Guadalcanal - an island held by the Japanese. The night before the invasion, Whit and Reggie discuss spiritual issues. Reggie is a nonbeliever but is intrigued by Whit's faith. The two make a date to discuss the matter over tea when the war has ended.
During the battle, Whit and Reggie both exhibit immense bravery, risking their lives to make sure the transport they're on arrives intact. Once the soldiers are on the beach, Whit takes his bravery a step further. He shields Reggie from an incoming shell and gets severely wounded. He wakes up in the hospital with a large gash in his leg and the upper part of his right ear missing, thanks to the shrapnel from the shell. His commander tells him that Reggie stopped by to see him while he was still unconscious and left Whit a message about a date for tea. Whit smiles, and we return to the present.
Whit takes a drive up to Trickle Lake, where he meets up with the former Leftenant Duffield. They have tea, and Reggie tells Whit that the seeds of Christianity he planted so long ago took root. For the last 25 years, Reggie has pastored a church in a little English village. The two old friends relive old times and catch up on each others lives, marveling at how God works in the lives of His people.
Discussion Questions
- Lt. Duffield asked young Whit if he was a “war-time convert.” What does that mean? Do you know anyone who was a “war time convert”?
- Duffield marveled that Whit had been a Christian since he was a youngster. When do you think a person is old enough to become a Christian?
- Reggie said that the seeds of faith Whit planted when they were young led Reggie to the Lord. Who could you share your faith with today?
Cast
Heard in episode
Mentioned in episode
Character | Mentioned By |
---|---|
Harold Whittaker | John Whittaker |
Fionna Donneral | John Whittaker |
Notes
VERSION DIFFERENCE: [view] The broadcast version of this episode begins with Chris in the Garden and Greenthumbs Center. She comments on the many flowers and asks Mr. Thornbottom about his secret for growing flowers.
- Trivia
- This episode tells the story behind the wound in Whit's leg and the missing upper part of his ear — items that were included in the first description ever written about Whit.
- Young Whit references his salvation experience, previously heard in #49: “Thank You, God”, to Reginald Duffield in this episode.
- Paul McCusker's wife Elizabeth, a native of Great Britain, assisted with the accents in this episode.
- Whit tells Connie that he was a signalman on the USS Irongate. There's no such ship, but the name may be a reference to the USS Constitution - commonly called Old Ironsides.
Reviews
- The Odyssey Scoop: Read
- AIO Update: Read
Quotes
Reginald Duffield: Four hands are better than two, what?
Donovan (a): British humor. Never could get it.
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