Gray skies sputtered rain into the muggy Ohio afternoon as friends and family gathered for the memorial service for Alfred Geiser on Aug. 5. The organist played "When Peace Like a River" as more than 500 people filled the pews at Kidron (Ohio) Mennonite Church.
Laughter mingled with sniffles and tears as Geiser's life was remembered through reflection and song. Ruth Steiner, sister of Al, and church friend, Steve Steiner, summarized Geiser's life and work which included multiple service assignments through Mennonite Central Committee, starting and running his own business in the Kidron community, and a love of motorcycle travel.
Geiser's wife, the former Gladys Dyck from Saskatoon, Sask., shared stories from their life and focused on their call to ministry in Afghanistan.
"I don't know why God allowed this to happen," she said. "But I will move on. … I will miss you Al, and I will remember."
Their children, Franklin and Andrea, also shared memories. Missionary friends Doug and Laura Snyder along with Rod and Lucy Lehman reflected on their friendship with Al and Gladys and the impact of the Geisers' ministry, which was faith in action through service.
Pastors Carl Wiebe and Lydell Steiner led the service of remembrance, which focused on Scriptures significant to Al. They highlighted the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10 as a passage Al frequently used when sharing about his faith with those he worked with in Afghanistan.
Al and Gladys were jointly supported mission workers in Afghanistan with Mennonite Church Canada from 2002-2008. They served with Mennonite Mission Network 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.
Geiser survived a 2008 kidnapping, in which he was held by militants for 56 days. After being safely reunited with his family, he and his wife returned to Afghanistan independently.
According to a report from Mennonite World Review, Nov. 10, 2008, the Geisers returned home to share the story of the kidnapping and rescue at their church. Geiser was quoted as saying, “I’ve faced death and that’s OK. It’s the unknown and the waiting that’s hard.”
On July 22, Al, his business partner, Al Shukur, and a young employee were shot and killed while traveling to a repair job in the Parwan province in Afghanistan. Al had been working in the region in a variety of capacities for more than a decade.
Since 2005, Al and Al Shukur had been making turbines for microhydro projects. These men were credited with bringing electricity to more than 100 rural villages.
Sherah-Leigh Gerber serves as Coordinator of Volunteers for Ohio Conference. She lives with her husband and daughter in Apple Creek, Ohio. They attend Kidron Mennonite Church.
--With files from Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite World Review
Comments
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
My Name is Kawa Ehsan. I am the oldest son of Engineer Shukur, partner of Alfred Geiser.
Alfred Geiser was a good man and he help the village people and bring light in the all village and Alfred was making turbine for village to bring lights for poor people he always do the good job for people.
But I don't know why this people killed my father Engineer Shukur and Alfred Geiser. I don't know really until now. I really don't understand what kind of love is this we are help for people but the people killed my father.
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