Party Time in Afghanistan

May 2004

Newsletter from Jim Ellifritt, from Afghanistan

Rev. Jim Ellifritt, an ordained UB minister, serves as superintendent of Northwest Conference. Right now, he goes by the title Lieutenant Colonel Jim Ellifritt. Last October, his Army Reserves unit was called to active duty to help rebuild Afghanistan's infrastructure. He has been in Afghanistan since January 2004. His son, Jim Jr., also in the Army Reserves, has been in Iraq. Jim's monthly newsletters have been quite interesting. We pass them on for your benefit.

Life has its ups and downs daily, and an occasional challenge.

The big news this month is parties. Afghans love a good party! Rarely are women allowed to attend, but sometimes small girls are allowed. We celebrated the official Grand Opening of the PRT site April 22. It was a big to do. The Commander for Afghanistan, LT General Barno, and the Southern Commander, Maj General Olson, along with the U.S. Ambassador representative, came with about 100 other U.S. forces, many Eagles and Leafs floating around. We also had 7 Ministers from Kabul, along with a couple of Governors and 200 local people in attendance. It was a big job, but PTL it's over now!

Jim Ellifritt cutting the ribbon with Governor Hussani

This event preceded a celebration in ShaJoy that the Governor and I attended. They were adamant about getting me on a horse, and I was willing until I found out they were playing a game called Bazra. Bazra is a game where you compete riding on a horse as fast as you can leaning off the saddle and spearing a handkerchief with a 10-foot pole. Needless to say, I passed and took a good bit of ribbing for it! But the town benefited for our going there. We are beginning the rehabilitation of an 1800-student primary school and doing a wall around the high school and the girls school.

The 27th was the Independence Day celebration for Afghanistan. The Governor and I presided over a parade of 700-800 people. This was the first time the parade had been done in Zabol Province. The parade was followed by traditional dancing, poetry, drums, and more Bazra (didn't ride this time either).

They had me speak to the group that was gathered. This was the third time the governor put me on the spot in front of large crowds, 1000 plus. It usually goes off just fine, but would be nice to have a little advance notice.

Saturday we head deep in the Province to begin Civil Affairs work in ShinKai. They have had very little contact with U.S. forces. I am planning on 10-20 wells and a school rehabilitation.

We are just beginning a roving Doctor program. We have hired a local doctor that will go to the provincial districts (9ea) 2 times each month to provide medical care. Most of the people have no access to local health care now, so this will be at least a band-aid.

My son, Jim, Jr., got to Iraq. He is doing well thus far. Please add him to your prayer list.

In about 2 months I will be home for a couple of weeks for leave. Will be a welcomed change.

Prayer Requests

God's protection for the Fire and Police we minister to.
Full funding for the Chaplaincy.
Safe establishment of a new government in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wisdom for me as the PRT Commander, safety and security for us and the populace.
Reconstruction to begin in Qalat city and Zabol province.
Safety for Jim, Jr. as he is in Iraq for a year.

That is about all the new news!

As Always in Christ,

Jim Ellifritt