The Decision

John Avery Whittaker: And so it ended up that the so-called fifth gospel wasn't anything of the sort, Connie.
Connie Kendall: Wow. So good old Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John come up winners again. Well, if you've just tuned in, you're listening to Candid Conversations with Connie on Kids Radio. I'm Connie Kendall, and my guest is John Avery Whittaker. We only have about a minute left. Time for one last phone call. Robert from Elm Street, this is Candid Conversations. You're on with Whit.
Guest (Male): Yeah, hi. That archaeology stuff is cool. I mean, those people from the past, they're historic.
John Avery Whittaker: Yes, they certainly are.
Connie Kendall: We don't have much time left, Robert. What's your question for Whit?
Guest (Male): Oh, yeah. I heard you were going on another missionary trip soon. Is that true?
Connie Kendall: Robert, he just got home. I don't think he's going anywhere right now.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, actually, the Board of Directors for Universal Press Foundation has asked me to go on another missions tour.
Connie Kendall: They have?
Guest (Male): Yeah, I knew it! Because my friend Jenny heard it from someone at school who heard it from Eugene at Whit's End.
Connie Kendall: Eugene knew?
John Avery Whittaker: Connie...
Guest (Male): And then my dad said he heard your son, Jason, and Jack Allen talking about it at church last Sunday.
Connie Kendall: Jason and Jack.
Guest (Male): And then my mom heard Mayor Riley and Bernard Walton talking about it in the coffee shop...
Connie Kendall: I think we get the picture, Robert. It's nice to know that everybody around town is so informed.
John Avery Whittaker: Isn't that your closing theme, Connie?
Connie Kendall: Yes, it is. Well, my guest this past half hour has been John Avery Whittaker. But then you all knew that already. Oh, boy. I want to thank Mr. Whittaker for coming on the program. This is Connie Kendall. Join me tomorrow for more Candid Conversations with Connie here on Kids Radio. You're leaving again!
Focus on the Family: Now, in the Adventures in Odyssey Club, Sophie and Wyatt find themselves caught up in historic events, including the Boston Massacre and the race to cast the deciding vote for American Independence. The story behind the birth of America is now in the Adventures in Odyssey Club.
John Avery Whittaker: Now, Connie, calm down.
Connie Kendall: "Calm down," he says. Not only do I find out on the air that the person who means more to me than anyone else in the world is about to leave again after just coming back from a long trip, but I also discover on the air that I am the last one to find out about it. And you want me to calm down?
John Avery Whittaker: Connie...
Connie Kendall: Why didn't you tell me, Whit?
John Avery Whittaker: There is nothing to tell.
Connie Kendall: Oh, well, that's funny. There seemed to be plenty to tell Eugene and Jason and Jack and Bernard and Tom.
John Avery Whittaker: Connie, I'm sorry. I truly am. Jason and Eugene knew because they were in Chicago when the offer was made. I didn't intentionally leave you out. I just didn't want you to worry about it until I was closer to a decision. Will you forgive me?
Connie Kendall: Of course I'll forgive you. It's just that, where are you going this time? How long are you going to be gone? When are you leaving?
John Avery Whittaker: Connie, I'm not, at least not yet. Nothing's been decided. Right now, I'm just prayerfully considering the offer. I don't want to go unless God wants me to.
Connie Kendall: Well, I'm sure God doesn't want you to go.
John Avery Whittaker: Thanks, Connie, but I'd like to hear it more directly from Him.
Connie Kendall: You can't leave again, Whit. We need you here. I need you.
John Avery Whittaker: I don't know, Connie. I think you're doing just fine all by yourself.
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker.
Connie Kendall: You!
John Avery Whittaker: Now, Connie.
Connie Kendall: How could you not tell me, Eugene?
Eugene Meltsner: I beg your pardon?
Connie Kendall: Whit might be leaving again on this missions tour, and I'm the last one in town to know about it.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, in the first place, Miss Kendall, the operative phrase in your last statement is "might be." I'm not aware that Mr. Whittaker has yet made a decision to leave, unless you know something I don't.
Connie Kendall: I never know anything you don't.
Eugene Meltsner: True, but hardly pertinent at this point. Secondly, I've been very preoccupied since our return, and while I may have inadvertently mentioned Mr. Whittaker's possible departure to a select group, not telling you was clearly an egregious oversight for which I hope you'll accept my sincere and humble apology.
Connie Kendall: Okay, apology accepted.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, things really have changed around here. I can remember a time when that would have gone on a whole lot longer and only stopped when I stopped it.
Eugene Meltsner: No need for that, Mr. Whittaker. I was clearly in the wrong. Besides, I need to tell you that Jason has arrived, accompanied by a visitor for you.
John Avery Whittaker: Visitor?
Eugene Meltsner: A Joanne Woodston.
John Avery Whittaker: Ah, yes.
Connie Kendall: Who's she?
John Avery Whittaker: One of the UPF board members.
Eugene Meltsner: No doubt here to urge you to accept the board's offer.
Connie Kendall: Well, he doesn't need any urging. He's waiting on the Lord, so she can just go back where she came from. Right, Whit?
John Avery Whittaker: There's no harm in being friendly, Connie. Where is she, Eugene?
Eugene Meltsner: She and Jason are both waiting in your office.
John Avery Whittaker: All right, thanks.
Connie Kendall: What are we going to do, Eugene?
Eugene Meltsner: About what, Miss Kendall?
Connie Kendall: About what? Haven't you been listening? How are we going to keep Whit from leaving again?
Eugene Meltsner: Miss Kendall, perhaps you should have your hearing checked. We've just established that Mr. Whittaker has made no decision.
Connie Kendall: But he will, Eugene. And the Universal Press board has sent someone here to persuade him to go. That means we have to figure out some way of persuading him to stay. You do want him to stay, don't you?
Eugene Meltsner: Of course I do. But what I want even more, and I might add what you should be desiring as well, is for Mr. Whittaker to do what he believes is right and what God wants him to do.
Connie Kendall: But Whit has already admitted that he doesn't know which choice is right. And how do we know we aren't God's way of telling him that he should stay here in Odyssey?
Eugene Meltsner: Obviously, we don't. But I think it is safe to say that acting strictly out of selfish motives is probably not in God's best interest.
Connie Kendall: I am not being selfish, Eugene. I don't want Whit to stay just for me. We all need him. Odyssey needs him.
Eugene Meltsner: I know how you must feel, Miss Kendall, but having been with Mr. Whittaker in the Middle East, I can appreciate the difficulty of his decision.
Connie Kendall: Really?
Eugene Meltsner: Really. I never felt more truly alive than when I was there. And we were so busy, I had no time to think of my own troubles. In fact, I can truthfully say that while I was in the Middle East, my concerns seemed to completely disappear. Excuse me, Miss Kendall, I have some thinking to do.
Connie Kendall: Sure, just walk away. Whit can't leave again. He can't. We do need him. He just doesn't know it. Wait a minute. He doesn't know it. That's it! All I have to do is make Whit see how much we need him. Yeah.
John Avery Whittaker: Joanne!
Joanne Woodston: Hi, Whit.
John Avery Whittaker: Did you have a good trip in?
Joanne Woodston: Yes, the flight went well, and Jason is an excellent driver.
Jason Whittaker: I aim to please. Hey, I haven't offered Joanne refreshments yet. How about a glass of Dad's world-famous lemonade?
Joanne Woodston: Sounds delightful.
John Avery Whittaker: Sure, two lemonades coming right up.
Joanne Woodston: This is quite a facility you have here, Whit.
John Avery Whittaker: Most folks around here just call it a shop. I like to think of it as a discovery emporium. But you didn't come here to talk about that.
Joanne Woodston: No, I didn't. You obviously know why the board has sent me.
John Avery Whittaker: Yes.
Joanne Woodston: Have you reached a decision?
John Avery Whittaker: Joanne, I just got back. I've barely had time to remember my name. This is too important to rush. I need to give it lots of prayer.
Joanne Woodston: I understand, and normally I'd agree, but we've run into a problem. We've been monitoring a situation at one of the missions in South America.
John Avery Whittaker: And what's happened?
Joanne Woodston: Nothing critical yet, fortunately, but we've noticed some unusual statements in the letters and reports one of the missionaries there has been sending back.
John Avery Whittaker: I take it these statements are not necessarily compatible with Christianity.
Joanne Woodston: Right. We want to get someone there as soon as possible, which unfortunately means a quicker decision from you than any of us had intended. I know this is tough, Whit, but the board thinks you are definitely the best man for the job. The vote to send you was nearly unanimous.
John Avery Whittaker: Nearly?
Joanne Woodston: Twelve yeses, one no.
John Avery Whittaker: Who voted no?
Joanne Woodston: It was a secret ballot.
Jason Whittaker: All righty, here we are. Some nice cold lemonade. Hi, guys. And Jack? Jack, where did you come from?
Jack Allen: I followed you up the stairs. You really ought to pay more attention to what's going on around you, Jason.
Jason Whittaker: Speaking of paying attention, Jack...
Jack Allen: I'm sorry. I didn't know you were meeting with someone.
John Avery Whittaker: It's all right. This is Joanne Woodston. Joanne, this is Jack Allen. Pleased to meet you.
Joanne Woodston: The pleasure is mine.
John Avery Whittaker: Joanne's on the Board of Directors of the Universal Press Foundation.
Jack Allen: Really? How fascinating. How long will you be in town, Joanne?
Joanne Woodston: A few days, maybe longer.
Jack Allen: Really? Well, I hope to see you again before you leave.
Jason Whittaker: You know, Jack, I was just about to take Joanne over to the hotel, but I really need to show Dad a few modifications on the Imagination Station.
Jack Allen: Well, I'm not doing anything right now. Why don't I take Joanne over to the hotel, if you don't mind, Joanne?
Joanne Woodston: Not at all.
Jason Whittaker: Good idea, Jack. Thanks. Joanne's bags are in my car. Here are the keys.
Jack Allen: Thanks. Shall we, Joanne?
Joanne Woodston: You know, after I've checked in, maybe you could show me around town.
Jack Allen: I think I could manage that.
Jason Whittaker: Do you hear what I hear? Bells, harps, violins, romantic music. I haven't seen Jack act like that since we were kids. Feed them, love them, nurture them, and before you know it, they're going out on dates. Where does the time go?
Joanne Woodston: I didn't know towns like this existed anymore. I'm used to the big city, I guess.
Jack Allen: You don't like Odyssey?
Joanne Woodston: I didn't at first, but I think it's beginning to grow on me. I guess I just needed to see it with the right person.
Jack Allen: I know what you mean. Suddenly, the place has a whole new look to me too.
Joanne Woodston: How long has Whit lived here?
Jack Allen: Many years. His roots go pretty deep. His wife died here. She and his oldest son are buried in the local cemetery.
Joanne Woodston: From all the welcome home Whit signs in the shop windows, I'm guessing the town loves him too.
Jack Allen: Oh, yes. You should have seen the parade they threw when he came back.
Joanne Woodston: So I take it the prospect of him leaving again won't sit well with the townsfolk.
Jack Allen: Probably not.
Joanne Woodston: Do you think that will weigh into his decision?
Jack Allen: It may. But Whit is usually pretty level-headed about these things.
Joanne Woodston: I hope so. I really don't want to take another trip right now.
Jack Allen: You?
Joanne Woodston: I'm the only other qualified candidate the board has. If Whit doesn't go, I'll have to go myself.
Jack Allen: Well, I hope I'm not being too forward, but that prospect doesn't sit very well with me.
Joanne Woodston: You are being forward, but if I may be equally forward, it wouldn't sit very well with me either. Here's your elevator.
Jack Allen: Thanks, Jack. Do you have any dinner plans?
Joanne Woodston: Yes, you're picking me up at seven.
Jack Allen: Really? I mean, yes, okay. Bye. Wow. Slow down, Jack. You're acting like a schoolboy. And she might be leaving soon. I think I need to talk to Whit.
John Avery Whittaker: That was great, Jason. I never could figure out how to get rid of that visual phasing problem, but you've eliminated it completely. Congratulations.
Jason Whittaker: Thanks. Dad, you don't mind if I do all this, do you?
John Avery Whittaker: All what?
Jason Whittaker: All these modifications, changes in your inventions and in Whit's End.
John Avery Whittaker: Of course not. It's great to see how well the shop is running without me.
Jason Whittaker: Well, I wouldn't go that far. I mean, Whit's End is still very much your place and needs your input.
John Avery Whittaker: You keep saying that.
Jason Whittaker: I do?
John Avery Whittaker: Yeah. I get the distinct impression you're trying to talk me out of going on the missions tour.
Jason Whittaker: No, I'm just trying to point out things you ought to consider before you make your decision, that's all.
John Avery Whittaker: Jason, right now, you look just like you did when you were little and I caught you stealing cookies. Come on, fess up. What are you not telling me?
Jason Whittaker: Well...
Connie Kendall: Whit!
John Avery Whittaker: Thank you, Connie.
Connie Kendall: Not so fast. You still owe me an explanation.
John Avery Whittaker: Rats. Whit! What is it, Connie?
Connie Kendall: I need your help. You know my Tuesday Bible study?
John Avery Whittaker: Yes.
Connie Kendall: Well, I really don't know what to do for this coming Tuesday. And I was hoping that you could come and maybe tell us the story of Jonah, like you used to.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, have you asked Bernard? He's the one everybody goes to for stories nowadays. Besides, I heard you've become quite a storyteller yourself, Connie.
Jason Whittaker: Yeah, Jenny and Courtney are still talking about your version of Ruth.
John Avery Whittaker: I think you can handle this one without me, Connie, don't you?
Connie Kendall: Well, yeah, I guess so. Thanks anyway.
John Avery Whittaker: Now, Jason, you were about to tell me something.
Jason Whittaker: Well, how much do you know about the board's vote to send you on the missions tour?
John Avery Whittaker: Only what Joanne told me. It was nearly unanimous. Twelve yeses and one... Jason, you voted no?
Jason Whittaker: Guilty as charged.
John Avery Whittaker: But why?
Jason Whittaker: All because I'm not sure you should go, for one thing. You just got back and you're tired.
John Avery Whittaker: That can't be the only reason.
Jason Whittaker: No, it's not. The other reason is...
Connie Kendall: Whit!
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, boy. Yes, Connie?
Connie Kendall: I'm sorry. I just thought of something else I really need your help with.
John Avery Whittaker: What is it?
Connie Kendall: Well, there's this friend of mine, Monica, and she's thinking of sneaking out to a rock concert that her mother wouldn't approve of. She asked me what I thought about it, and I was wondering if you could talk to her.
John Avery Whittaker: Me? But she asked you.
Connie Kendall: I know, but I think she'd really listen to you.
John Avery Whittaker: Connie, I don't even know this girl. But I think I know what you're doing here.
Connie Kendall: Doing?
John Avery Whittaker: Yes, you're trying to make me feel needed so I won't go on the missions tour, aren't you?
Connie Kendall: Well, maybe.
John Avery Whittaker: All right. You go on downstairs, and once Jason and I are finished, we'll talk about this, okay?
Connie Kendall: Okay.
John Avery Whittaker: No more interruptions?
Connie Kendall: No more.
John Avery Whittaker: All right. I'll see you downstairs.
Jason Whittaker: Okay. That's two votes against.
John Avery Whittaker: But you still haven't told me the main reason why you voted no.
Jason Whittaker: Yeah. Well, when we were in the Middle East, I realized that I miss it.
John Avery Whittaker: Miss what?
Jason Whittaker: The agency. Not that I want to go back. I enjoyed it here in Odyssey. I really do. Whit's End is great. It's home. But you don't want to be stuck here, and if I go, that's what'll happen, right? Well, yeah. I just didn't realize how much I miss the travel and the excitement, figuring things out on the fly and solving problems that are a little harder than fixing a curly-cue nozzle on an ice cream dispenser. Actually, Dad, I think I'm looking for the kind of challenge the missions tour would offer, which is why I want to tell the board that I'd like to apply to go.
John Avery Whittaker: Jason.
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, no. What?
Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker, I'm sorry if I'm intruding.
Jason Whittaker: It's all right, Eugene. You're not the first.
John Avery Whittaker: What is it, Eugene?
Eugene Meltsner: I wanted to speak to you about the missions tour.
John Avery Whittaker: Why am I not surprised?
Eugene Meltsner: Pardon?
John Avery Whittaker: Never mind. What about the missions tour?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, I've been giving it a great deal of thought, and I believe I have a solution that will be satisfactory to everyone.
Jason Whittaker: And that is?
Eugene Meltsner: Quite simply, I'll go.
Jason Whittaker: You?
John Avery Whittaker: You?
Connie Kendall: You!
John Avery Whittaker: Connie.
Connie Kendall: I didn't interrupt, he did.
Jason Whittaker: Why do you think your going is a satisfactory solution, Eugene?
Eugene Meltsner: Because almost no one in Odyssey wants Mr. Whittaker to leave. This way, he doesn't have to. Besides, I have come to the realization that I have been far too self-absorbed of late. Missions work would force me to stop thinking of my own problems and place others ahead of myself, which is after all one of our primary Christian duties.
Jason Whittaker: Well, that's all very noble and wonderful, Eugene, but I don't think you're qualified to go.
Eugene Meltsner: I am.
Connie Kendall: Wait a minute. Now you're going?
Jason Whittaker: Thinking about it.
Connie Kendall: I don't believe this! Is everybody leaving Odyssey?
John Avery Whittaker: I think we're all forgetting something here.
Jack Allen: Hi, everyone.
John Avery Whittaker: Jack.
Jack Allen: Am I interrupting something?
Jason Whittaker: No more than anyone else.
Jack Allen: Good, because I really need to talk to you, Whit.
John Avery Whittaker: Let me guess. About the missions tour.
Jack Allen: How did you know?
Eugene Meltsner: It seems to be our theme.
Connie Kendall: Don't tell me you want to go.
Jack Allen: Me? Heavens, no. I think Whit should go.
Connie Kendall: What? Whit? Why?
Jack Allen: Well, it's a bit self-serving, I'll admit, but Whit, did you know that if you don't go, then Joanne will have to?
John Avery Whittaker: She told you that?
Jack Allen: Yes. She said she's the only other qualified candidate.
Jason Whittaker: She is not! I'm perfectly qualified.
Eugene Meltsner: And I believe I could perform quite well if given the chance.
Connie Kendall: But if she wants to go, then let her go!
Jack Allen: She doesn't want to go.
John Avery Whittaker: Now, wait a minute. Hold it! Quiet! Be quiet! Good grief, what is this, a Marx Brothers routine? Well, I can see we're not going to get anything done around here until I make this decision. So, Jack, will you please go get Joanne and bring her back here?
Jack Allen: Now?
John Avery Whittaker: Right now. And as for the rest of you, I want you to go downstairs, have a glass of lemonade, and stay there until Jack comes back. And by the time he does, I'll have an answer for you all. Now, take off.
Connie Kendall: I really think that I'm the one who ought to be going.
John Avery Whittaker: No talking! Don't talk, just go. Okay. Now, where's that phone?
John Avery Whittaker: Well, it's nice to see you all here, and quiet.
Connie Kendall: You're going, aren't you?
John Avery Whittaker: First things first, Connie. Whether I go or stay, there's something you should know. I appreciate what you were trying to do to keep me here. But you shouldn't feel bad about my not being needed like I used to be. I don't. In fact, I feel glad because it means that things are working the way they should. You know, I didn't create Whit's End to be something people would become dependent on, but so that the kids and you, Connie, and Eugene, and everybody who comes here can grow and move on. And you have grown, Connie. I can see it. And you have more growing to do. Maybe we'll do it together, and maybe we won't. But whatever happens, I want you to know I'm very, very proud of you.
Connie Kendall: Thanks, Whit. You're going, aren't you?
John Avery Whittaker: All right. All right, I promised you all a decision, and so here it is. No, I'm not going. Hold on now! I'm not finished. Wait a minute! I'm not going, and neither is anyone else in this room.
Jason Whittaker: What? But Dad, why not?
Joanne Woodston: Whit, what are you talking about?
John Avery Whittaker: Well, everybody here has great reasons as to why they or someone else should go or not go. Eugene, you talked about getting out of yourself and putting others first. Jason, you mentioned the excitement and the challenge of missions work. And Joanne, you feel the expediency of getting help to that region. All of those are very important, but no one has even mentioned the most important reason anyone should ever go into the mission field.
Eugene Meltsner: And that is?
John Avery Whittaker: God's calling. When I went to the Middle East, it was because I was 100 percent certain that God had called me there. Other reasons fell beneath that, but I was sure of His calling. Now, can any of you say the same thing about this mission tour? Jason?
Jason Whittaker: Well, no.
Eugene Meltsner: Negative.
Joanne Woodston: No.
John Avery Whittaker: And I can't say it either. It's probably why I've been having so much trouble making this decision. And it's also why none of us should go.
Joanne Woodston: But what about the situation in South America, Whit? Are we just supposed to ignore them and hope for the best?
John Avery Whittaker: No, not at all. As a matter of fact, there's a highly qualified man already in the area.
Joanne Woodston: Who?
John Avery Whittaker: A friend of mine and Eugene's, actually, Dan Isidro.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes, of course.
John Avery Whittaker: Dan serves as a missionary to Latin and South America, but he's been working mostly from his own resources. I've been thinking for quite a while that UPF should officially support him. I just got off the phone with him, and he's ready to meet with the board immediately.
Joanne Woodston: Well, this is wonderful! I've been praying that God would provide, and maybe now He has.
Connie Kendall: Then everyone's staying?
John Avery Whittaker: I didn't say that, Connie. I just said that no one here is going on this particular missions tour. It does mean, though, Jason, that you're free to come and go as you please now.
Jason Whittaker: Thanks, Dad, but I think I'll stick around, at least for a while.
John Avery Whittaker: Looks like you'll be able to stick around a little while longer too, Joanne, which should make you happy, Jack.
Jack Allen: As a matter of fact, it does.
Joanne Woodston: Thanks, Whit, for everything.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh, thank you, Joanne, for helping me to see where I really belong.
Jack Allen: Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a dinner engagement.
John Avery Whittaker: Watch this guy, Joanne. He's a real smoothie.
Joanne Woodston: I think I can handle him.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, well done, Mr. Whittaker. As usual, you've managed to arrive at a conclusion that benefits everyone.
John Avery Whittaker: Well, Odyssey may not be South America, Eugene, but I think if you look around, you'll find plenty of opportunities to put others ahead of yourself.
Eugene Meltsner: Somehow, Mr. Whittaker, I think you're right.
Connie Kendall: See, Whit? I told you we need you around here.
John Avery Whittaker: Yes, you did, Connie. And I have to say, it's great to be home.
Focus on the Family: Well, it looks like things are finally getting back to normal, or at least as normal as they ever get around Odyssey. What will the future hold? Only the Lord truly knows. But whatever it is, we can be certain of one thing. As long as we trust God, we can't go wrong. And that's all for now. If you ever want to write to me, I'd love to hear from you. The address is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called "The Decision". Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. "The Decision" was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.