Members donated money to help people in drought-stricken area of Afghanistan.

OTISFIELD – What started out as a concern for caregivers turned into an international bridge of good will reaching from the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church to Afghanistan.

Henry “Buddy” Hamilton and his wife, Shirley, who have a home in Otisfield and attend the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, have just returned to Afghanistan. Hamilton does humanitarian work in the troubled areas of the world. His assignment this time was as director of relief efforts for United Methodist Church’s General Board of Global Ministries in Afghanistan.

Callie Zilinsky, a member of the East Otisfield Baptist Church, was concerned about the needs of the people in Afghanistan so she e-mailed the Hamiltons to see if they needed anything.

Hamilton’s reply was that they desperately needed a well because there was no water available. Afghanistan had experienced four years of drought and a nearby clinic needed water for mothers and children after their long trek to the clinic. He stated that it would take about $1,500.

Zilinsky talked with the pastor, the Rev. Gertrude DeCoteau, and they both agreed that there was an urgent need that should be brought before the church officers immediately.

A letter was sent out and the money was raised. It was challenging to get the money to Afghanistan, which was done skillfully by the church treasurer, Dave Hankins.

After many trials, a well in Jaji, a dangerous area near the Pakistan border, and one in Kabul began to provide water.

Since more money was sent than needed, Hamilton suggested that the additional money be used to provide water pumps in the towns of Kodgai and Dawaye. This suggestion was approved by the church officers. Then came the arduous task of getting the money to Hamilton.

Hankins received an e-mail stating “I have a better way than we used before.” Hanskins patiently waited more information as to the procedure that would be necessary to get the money to Hamilton.

At the Easter Sunrise Service, Buddy and Shirley Hamilton arrived and surprised everyone. The method to get the money back to Afghanistan became quite clear; they would take it back with them when they returned.