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2012-07-01 issue:

Geiser, partner killed in Afghanistan

by Everett J. Thomas

Print Article

According to a July 24 news release from Kidron (Ohio) Mennonite Church, Al Geiser, 65, of Kidron was shot and killed July 23 in rural Afghanistan. A close Afghan friend and business partner along with another Afghan co-worker were also killed.  

Geiser was returning from a job on a hydroelectric project as an independent businessman. His wife, Gladys, resides in Kabul where she teaches in an Afghan school. Their two children reside in the United States.
 
"Responding to a call on their lives in February 2000," the release said, "the Geisers went to Afghanistan with joy and purpose and have grown to love the people. The Geisers and many of their Afghan friends consider each other family. … The Geisers were aware of and accepted the risks in their work for peace in Afghanistan."
 
Geiser and his business partner, Shukur, were kidnapped in August 2008 and held for 56 days. According to an Associate Press report on Oct. 22, 2008, U.S. Special Forces soldiers freed them during a nighttime mission in which several insurgents were killed.

According to a Menonite Mission Network release, Geiser and Gladys, served with Mission Network in Afghanistan from 2000-2009. In their assignments, Al built small water turbines to bring electricity to rural villages and Gladys taught elementary students in an international school.
 
According to Al and the family's desire, Geiser will be buried in Afghanistan in a Christian cemetery following a Christian service. A memorial service will be held in Kidron at a later date.


Release from Kidron Mennonite Church:
"Al Geiser, 65, of Kidron, Ohio was shot and killed July 23, 2012 in rural Afghanistan.  A close Afghan friend and business partner along with another Afghan co-worker were also  killed. Al was returning from a job on a hydroelectric project as an independent businessman. Al’s wife, Gladys, also resides in Kabul where she teaches in an Afghan school.  Their two children reside in the United States.

Responding to a call on their lives, in February 2000, the Geisers went to Afghanistan with joy and purpose, and have grown to love the people. The Geisers and many of their Afghan friends consider each other family.

The Geisers went to serve the Afghan people in the very practical way of helping them with sustainable energy in micro hydro-electric. This was before Afghanistan was a country in public or military daily awareness. 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.

According to Al and the family’s desire, Al will be buried in Afghanistan in a Christian cemetery following a Christian service. A memorial service will be held in Kidron, Ohio at a later date."

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