"I prayed with men who robbed me" says Dr David Allen

Dr David Allen

As of Wednesday, July 27, 2016

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

RENOWNED psychiatrist Dr David Allen said he prayed with the three young men who held him at gunpoint during a home invasion early on Tuesday morning.

In an interview with The Tribune hours after the ordeal, Dr Allen said he felt God’s presence during the entire robbery and even though he had a gun pointed to his head, he was not afraid because he knew that “God’s grace is sufficient.”

The robbery took place around 6.30am at Dr Allen’s West Bay Street home. Dr Allen’s daughter and grandchildren were also at home during the invasion, however no one was harmed.

Dr Allen said his daughter woke him up after the three men got in the house through a kitchen window and then kicked down her bedroom door.

“The men were masked, two of them had guns, the other had an object in his hand but I am not sure what it was. They demanded gold and money. I told them they can have whatever they wanted and begged them for grace and not to hurt my family,” Dr Allen said.

“They searched the house and took jewellery and other stuff and then yanked the gold chain off my neck. In total, they were there about 30 minutes. When they were leaving I asked them if I could pray with them and they stopped and we prayed. I asked God for grace and mercy and I told them I understood that it was a difficult time in the country.”

Dr Allen said his daughter was a “hero” who remained calm during the incident. He also said he knows what young men are going through because he encounters all types of persons in his Family: People Helping People programme.

“I have been fighting against this kind of thing for a number of years. I am now a part of what everyone is going through,” Dr Allen said.

“I understand that our young people are challenged but God’s presence is powerful, so powerful that they reassured me they would not hurt my daughter and they did not. By God’s grace we were unharmed. So we must give thanks. I work with these types of people everyday, this is my life. I always say nothing stops a bullet quite like a job and as back to school is right around the corner, I expect that these sorts of things will happen. All this means is, we have to double our efforts but I have hope. My family is fine, I am blessed and God is still on the throne.”

Dr Allen said he is going to remain in his house and is not afraid to sleep there. He praised Officer-in-Charge of the Central Detective Unit Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander for his professionalism and the “wonderful way he treated me and my family.”

Last night, Chief Supt Fernander said police had arrested two men in connection with this incident.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

alfalfa 7 years, 8 months ago

Dr. Allen, you have the sympathy of all of us, especially those who have had the barrel of a gun pointed at them, and were in fear for their lives. Thank God that you and your family were unharmed. Do not let this unfortunate incident deter you in all of the wonderful work you do for our country.

Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago

"When they were leaving I asked them if I could pray with them and they stopped and we prayed." The good doctor's head is clearly not well and in need of some serious therapy. Either that or he's downing "happy" pills!

bahamian242 7 years, 8 months ago

You know something?? I dont believe that!

Honestman 7 years, 8 months ago

You may not be able to understand the good Doctor's head but no one can question his heart and his commitment to helping the oppressed and the hurting people throughout the Bahamas. This is a particularly ignorant comment from someone who clearly has little knowledge of the incredible work this guy does for Bahamians.

Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago

Would you, with your daughter and grandchildren in your house, kneel and pray with gun wielding home invaders who have accomplished their heist and are about to leave your house? Everyone I know would have prayed for the home invaders to leave their home as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of an already bad incident possibly turning very deadly!

OceanBreezes 7 years, 8 months ago

It is called being selfless. Dr. Allen has a great passion for his fellow Bahamians no matter what they do. He knows there is a power greater than himself and wanted to share God with the thieves and pray for them. God can change the lost, broken hearted, thieves, etc. even when most people won't give them a second chance. You're right that most of us would not do what Dr. Allen did - that's what makes this a special news story to learn from and apply to our own lives, and one of the things that makes Dr. Allen special.

jackbnimble 7 years, 8 months ago

This incident is very similar to Pastor Rex Major's. Glad to see he and his family are okay

PRAYER still changes things. PRAYER WORKS!

SP 7 years, 8 months ago

..... Dr. Allen's robbery was inevitable. The only surprise is it took so long to happen! .....

Absolutely delighted and thankful Dr. Allen and family were not physically harmed.

The good doctors constant exposure to criminal elements made him a prime target for robbery as thugs communicate with other thugs who would have heard many stories about the doctor, where he lives etc.

Dr. Allen needs to stop coddling and covering political affiliations and tell the hard core truth about where we are, how we got here and exactly who is responsible for bringing the country to this horrible reality and why, and most importantly, what must be done as a nation to cause a change in direction!

Edmund Burke - "All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."

We must not only admit we have a serious crime and immigration problem, it is equally important for Dr. Allen and other respected individuals to pointedly warn the electorate against voting for corrupt politicians and political parties that have proven detrimental to the well being of our country and people.

*Edmund Burke - The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

NO ONE is insulated, safe or immune from home invasions, robbery, rape and murder.

Keeping silent to appease political affiliates WILL result in YOU TOO being directly impacted with crime. Its just a matter of time!

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