Tribute to Dr. Robert Whitaker
by Sidney Grant
WE HAVE PAID TRIBUTE to Dr. Robert Whitaker and showed respect to him for the outstanding person that he was. He was many things: college president, professor, pastor, community leader, board chairman, father, husband, friend of all, and most importantly, a child of God.
In the few days since his home going, we have reminisced about special times we shared with him: our last meeting, the last conversation we had together, the last sermon we heard him preach, and the many memories that continue on and warm our hearts forever.
As the President of FEA Ministries, I want to share a few thoughts about the impact of his life, not only to me, but at Hobe Sound and beyond. Dr. Whitaker served FEA Ministries in various ways. He was among the first group of people who went to Grand Bahama in 1960 to initiate the exploration of missions work for FEA. As a result, in 1961, Phil and Betty Newton answered the call and FEA Missions was born. Dr. Whitaker later served as chairman of the FEA Mission's Board. He served in other capacities such as Sea Breeze Camp song leader, FEA Board member, and a friend and supporter to the cause of FEA.
Today, the seeds of that endeavor are still bringing forth fruit. Not simply 10-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold – but a harvest reaching around the world, going into 20 countries and spanning four continents where FEA missionaries spread the gospel – a harvest that only God can number. Countless thousands who have heard the message of Christ share my joy that he helped plant those first seeds of evangelism.
I will close, but cannot without first remembering his sermon to the faculty and alumni gathered in Hobe Sound for the Hobe Sound Bible College 50th anniversary reunion in February 2010. On that bright, sunny Saturday morning, he gave us what we now know to be his farewell challenge, his life passion, as he called us to live for God, to be true to the "principle within," to go forth and labor for Christ. This was a challenge he had fulfilled in his own life. No one will forget the tears across the audience; there was not a dry eye to be found.
Now, I would leave you with this challenge – may we all be filled with the spirit of Christ and carry the gospel to others as Dr. Whitaker did in his life. May God bless his family richly.
