Operation Digout

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094: Operation Digout Listen Online!
Season	1989
Album	06: Mission: Accomplished
Aired	November 18, 1989
Written by	Paul McCusker
Directed by	Phil Lollar
Produced by	Unknown
Sound Design by	Bob Luttrell
Music by	Unknown
Prev: Rescue from Manatugo Point Next: The Very Best of Friends

[edit] General information

Theme: Spreading the Gospel

[edit] Summary

Whit tells Connie the story of the battle in which he was wounded in World War II.

[edit] 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 other's lives, marveling at how God works in the lives of His people.

[edit] Discussion Questions

1. Lt. Duffield asked young Whit if he was a “war-time convert.” What does that mean?
   1. Do you know anyone who was a “war time convert”?
2. 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?
3. 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?

[edit] Cast

[edit] Notes

• VERSION DIFFERENCE: 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.

• 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.

• Paul McCusker's wife, Elizabeth - a native of Great Britain - assisted with the accents in this episode.

[edit] Reviews

[edit] Quotes

• Duffield-Four hands are better than two, what?