Aug. 6, 2012 issue
Businessman killed in rural Afghanistan
LAST UPDATED: Aug. 2
By Sheldon C. Good Mennonite World ReviewPage:
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A Mennonite independent businessman from Ohio was shot and killed July 23 in rural Afghanistan.
Geiser — Photo provided
Al Geiser, 65, of Kidron, Ohio, was returning from work on a hydroelectric project, according to a statement from the family. A close Afghan friend and business partner and another Afghan co-worker were also killed.
Since 2000, Geiser and his wife, Gladys, had been based in Kabul. They served with Mennonite Mission Network in Afghanistan from 2000 to 2009, working through International Assistance Mission. Geiser built small water turbines to bring electricity to rural villages, while Gladys taught elementary school for an International Assistance Mission-sponsored school.
Both were supported by Kidron Mennonite Church. Their two children live in the United States.
“The community is shocked and grieving,” said Carl Wiebe, lead team pastor at Kidron Mennonite Church.
In 2008 Al Geiser was kidnapped by an armed group and held for 56 days in Afghanistan. He had been away at a job site in Wardak Province when he was abducted.
U.S. soldiers rescued him, killing several militants, the Associated Press reported at the time.
The Geisers responded “to a call on their lives” and “went to Afghanistan with joy and purpose, and have grown to love the people,” the family’s statement said. “They were simply living out their lives, following the model of Jesus, serving the needs of all peoples.
“The Geisers were aware of and accepted the risks in their work for peace in Afghanistan and have exemplified a lifestyle of Christian service, having served internationally, nationally and locally for many years.”
An Associated Press report describing the killing of an American that fits the circumstances of Geiser’s death said the killing occured in northern Parwan Province. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the killing.
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Comments
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Our condolences to the family and community. He sounds like a beautiful man and believer. May God grant him paradise, ameen.
Salaam.
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I am very sad to hear about Al's death. He truly lived out Jesus' teachings of servanthood.
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Al lived a life of integrity. He cared for others deeply and modeled "love of neighbor" in a beautiful way. May God be with his family in the US and in Afghanistan. Al has left us a rich legacy.
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Our hearts go out to Al and the dedication to the work he and Gladys have participated in for years. Sending love, prayers and support to the family during this time of loss and grief. Reminds me of Daniel Gerber, also formerly of Kidron who went missing in Viet Nam era...both men lost their lives in service of a different nature...humanitarian cause, rather than fighting the war w/ weapons.
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We are deeply saddened by the death of Al. Our hearts and tears go out to Gladys and the family. We worked with Al in Korea over 40 years ago and deeply enjoyed re-acquaintance with him and Gladys in the recent reunion of MCC'ers in Korea this past May. What a fine couple! We asked him if he was in danger in Afganistan, and he smiled and said "I'm here, aren't I?" We feel very sad, but know he died doing what God had called him to do.
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Pearl so sorry to hear about your brothers passing. may the good lord be with you and the family.he was a great man with a heart of gold;and will be greatly missed by many.
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Hugs and kisses to the Geiser Family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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May God Bless his family during this hard time. We will keep praying for you all.
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my condolences to the family and community. He sounds like a beautiful man and believer on him i was working with him in Jawand province , he really really really a nice and kind man .
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Wish him all the best in the second life!!! Submitted by Baseer Fazili on Wed, 2013-01-02 02:02.
On the time when I met Al i had 15 years old, I'm Afghan and I was so proud of Him to we had him in Afghanistan and we loved him like best person in society, once i heard the news i was shocked, how Stupid people we have in Afghanistan, He was there for just helping people, but i want mention this too Al was not killed by Afghan people, He was killed by enemy of Afghan people. I want wish all the best for Al's wife and their two sons, I wish them long life.
Once of the story i had form AL Geiser i want shear it, 2001 in the early morning when i lost my uncle and his daughter by shooting some unknown people into their house, My father send me to aware his Office that he can't come, it was 7 in the morning and the office spouse to open at 8 but Al was there and i had tear in my eyes and i told him my father can't come to day. Al was asking me why? then i told my uncle is dead and he ask me the address where my uncle live i told him but not the full address cause in Afghanistan there isn't any postal code. Then i go back to my home and i took my mom to we go to Ceremony once i reach close to my uncle house i saw AL on his Motor bike i ask the taxi to stop, then AL told me you can go cause i already been there now i go back to office and come back later. I was so proud of him all the time.
He was very hard worker and honest. I wash that we had him for longer time but.......
GOD bless him
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