Outskirts Press, INC.

A Lifetime of Learning Yields an Extraordinary Gift

As Carl Whitaker was growing up, he couldn’t have imagined what life had in store for him. His childhood on a farm gave him a sense of freedom and adventure while instilling problem-solving skills and patience. Living among eight siblings guided by the loving authority of strong parents gave him empathy and the knowledge of how to lead and care for others. The horror of the Vietnam War brought him face to face with God and gave him the conviction that he would become the Lord's medical missionary. Carl’s journey took him to Africa for the first time in his final year of medical school, where he witnessed the suffering caused by medical neglect. He understood deep in his soul what Nelson Mandela was talking about, and he vowed to help Mandela and the people he loved. But he never dreamed that the Secret Service would ask him to serve as Mandela’s personal physician during a visit to Indianapolis. This book is about one extraordinary day in which Carl Whitaker cared for his hero, but more than that, it's a testament to the fact that every choice is an opportunity, if only we will listen to our higher calling. Thrilling, inspiring, unforgettable—An Encounter with Nelson Mandela will change how you see your life.

This is a true story about an American physician’s encounter with our great leader, Nelson Mandela, our Madiba, whose life commitment to freedom is unsurpassed. I witnessed his service as personal physician to Mr. Mandela. I often wondered what manner of man would be willing to provide medical emergency services and potentially risk his life for an African king destined to become the first black African president of the Republic of South Africa. Dr. Whitaker is a very courageous and intelligent man. His commitment and willingness to serve is inspirational. This rare untold story of Dr. Whitaker’s encounter with Mr. Mandela is uplifting and positive. It sheds light on the character of Dr. Whitaker and takes us on a journey of events in his life that have prepared and borne him to a medical situation in the life of a world leader. To show his willingness to follow this leader to the end, he paid from his own pocket to attend Mr.Mandela’s funeral to pay his last respects to this great leader. Bransby David Luke, Personal Assistant to Nelson Mandela